Acknowledgments

Foreword

Alleviating symptoms: Peri-what?

Ann Louise's all-star peri zappers

Curbing carbs

Hormone-friendly proteins and fats

Healing oils

Vitamins and minerals

Natural hormone cream

Making exercise more fun

Taking the distress out of stress

Estrogen phytoestrogens, and bioflavonoids

Safe estrogen replacement theory

Natural quick fixes for perimenopause symptoms

Changing diet: Pure water and food

Changing diet plan

Personalizing your changing diet

Roundup

Selected references

Resources

Appendix. Health pharmacies

Pure water and food resources

Recommended reading index.

From a renowned nutritionist and author of the bestselling Fat Flush Plan comes a revised and updated edition of the popular alternative guide for taking charge of your perimenopause, filled with up-to-date research, including the latest information on Hormone Replacement Therapy, mood swings, weight gain, and nutrition for women thirty-five and older.Before the Change offers a gentle, proven, incremental program for understanding your bodys changes and controlling your symptoms during perimenopausethe period of about ten years leading up to menopauseto help you feel great through this vital phase of life. Inside youll find:A clear explanation of the symptoms of perimenopause and a self-diagnosis quiz;Safe and natural alternatives to hormone therapy, including healing vitamins, minerals, herbs, and natural hormones;A guide to nutrition and healthy diet, with tips for foods that prevent and alleviate symptoms.In addition, this revised and updated edition includes:An expanded section on the pros and cons of soy as a natural phytoestrogen;An expanded discussion of hypothyroidism, its connection to hormonal imbalances, and the best natural treatments;A full analysis of HRT, including advice for safely weaning yourself off of synthetic hormones, and an overview of herbal, lifestyle, and diet options and modifications available for women who have had a hysterectomy, have risk factors or a history of breast cancer, osteoporosis, or heart disease.With this essential do-it-yourself program, say good-bye to hormone havoc simply, safely, and naturally!