Many women consider the menopause anything but a friend. Yet in this clear and comforting guide bestselling author Sarah Rayner and Dr Patrick Fitzgerald explain that rather than fighting or ignoring the changes our bodies go through, understanding the experience can help us feel a whole heap better.

Written with warmth and humour, Making Friends with the Menopause examines why stopping menstruating causes such profound hormonal shifts in the body, leading us to react in a myriad of ways physically and mentally. It gives practical advice on hot flushes and night sweats, anxiety and mood swings, muscular aches and loss of libido, early-onset menopause, hysterectomy and more, plus a simple overview of each stage of the process so you'll know what to expect in the years before, during and after.

You’ll find details of the HRT and other treatment options with exploration of their pros and cons, together with tips and insights from women keen to share their wisdom on a subject many still find hard to talk about. Whether you’re worried about feeling invisible, weight gain or loss of fertility, or simply want to take care of yourself well, Making Friends with the Menopause will help you enjoy your body and your sexuality much more fully as you age.

* From the author of the international bestselling novel One Moment, One Morning
* And the word-of-mouth success Making Friends with Anxiety, a warm, supportive book to ease worry and panic
* Includes advice on all the major health issues that can arise as a result of hormone change
* Thoroughly researched and bang-up-to-date
* Includes traditional and complementary medicine
* Gives guidance on how to get the most from your GP appointments and finding good alternative practitioners
* Useful links throughout, plus details of helplines and recommended reads
* Fully illustrated with photographs by the author
* Ongoing online support group available

PRAISE FOR SARAH RAYNER:

‘Explores an emotive subject with great sensitivity’ Sunday Express
‘You'll want to inhale it in one breath' Easy Living
‘Carefully crafted and empathetic’ The Sunday Times
‘Brilliant…Warm and approachable’ Essentials
‘A sympathetic insight into the causes and effects of mental ill-health as it affects ordinary people. Powerful’ My Weekly