• Menopause Books
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Overcoming Depression & Finding Happiness
excerpted from "Family Desk Reference to Psychology"
by Chuck T. Falcon
Depressed people often lose interest in many activities and social contacts because of loss of pleasure in and enthusiasm for their usual activities. There are many effective ways to overcome depression. In this essay from author and Counseling Psychologist Chuck Falcon, he illustrates the causes and treatment of depression; how activity can help break the depression cycle along with a step-by-step guide on things that you can do to feel better. Don't forget to join our discussion groups where you can ask your questions and share your feelings.

Depression and Mood Swings
by Linda Ojeda
Linda Ojeda, author of Menopause without Medicine says, "A number of herbs have been proven to calm anxiety and reduce tension.  It is advantageous to use herbs in conjunction with positive changes in nutrition and lifestyle." She also talks about using Ginkgo biloba, Passion flower, Skullcap and other natural ways to improve mood.

Hysterectomy & Depression
by Elizabeth Plourde
Ms. Plourde takes us along her personal journey, as bumpy and difficult as it is, to educate us about what a hysterectomy really does to a woman. The interview features discussions on the role of progesterone in women's health, the high rate of hysterectomy in our country as well as the medical consequences of this procedure on bone health, high blood pressure and more. The FREE excerpt also features a discussion on depression. Also learn more about ovarian screening to help detect a problem before it's too late.

Stress & Depression
Dr Carolle Jean-Murat, author of Menopause Made Easy comments on Stress & Depression and says, "In our modern society, stress can impact us at work or at home, although not usually in the form of a lurking saber-tooth tiger!  Stress keeps pumping hormones into the bloodstream until they assault the blood vessels, the heart, the immune system, and the liver.   This can produce problems such as high blood pressure, increased susceptibility to illness, viral and bacterial infections, ulcers, headaches, chronic muscular tension, high cholesterol levels, heart attacks, hormonal imbalances, and even cancer. Among women, it can also cause menstrual irregularities."
Find out more on Stress & Depression
from Dr Carolle Jean-Murat

Bipolar Disorder in Children
Who has it and what you can do
By Martha Hellander, J.D.
Bipolar disorder (also known as "bipolar illness" or "manic-depressive illness") is a treatable neurobiological brain disorder believed to occur in at least 1-2 percent of the adolescent and adult population. As many as one million or more children under 18 in the U.S. may have bipolar disorder (mostly undiagnosed and untreated). Children with bipolar disorder are at risk for school failure, substance abuse, and suicide. Children as young as 3 may talk of wanting to "make myself dead." What are the signs and symptoms of this problem and what can you do about it? Find out more.

Bipolar Disorder Perspectives
Author Judith Allee of Homeschooling on a Shoestring gives her thoughts on bipolar disorder in children and how it can often be confused with ADD. She says, "Many (maybe most) of the adults diagnosed with bi-polar seem to go through multiple diagnoses before finding help, partly because bi-polar is difficult to diagnose, and partly because doctors seem to be leery about "labeling" a child with bi-polar. Part of the confusion is that kids with bipolar may have very different symptoms from adults." Find out more.

St. John’s Wort
Something To Be Cheerful About!
by Ruby Banyan
Statistics show that 17 million Americans suffer from depression, more than half of whom shy away from seeking professional help. It’s no wonder that when books and television interviews endorsed an over the counter mood-elevating herb, the public responded enthusiastically. Doctors in Europe have long prescribed St. John Wort to patients suffering from depression. Find out more.

HotFlash FAQ:
Estrogen & the Mind
Many women taking estrogen report a feeling of well being while taking their estrogen. There is research to suggest a link between hormone use and Alzheimer prevention. In fact perimenopausal women find that in a short time after starting an estrogen product they feel better- emotionally. See an excerpt from an interview with Dr. Goldstein as well as other facts on estrogen and the mind.

Caregiving & Depression:
Are you at risk?
November is National Caregiver's Month
November marks the first annual National Caregiver's Month.  For the first time in history many states and local communities are recognizing November as National Caregiver's Month. We have the privilege of presenting an essay by author Beth Mcleod who is the author of Caregiving: The Spirtitual Journey of Love, Loss and Renewal. It discusses the connection between caregiving and depression.
Are you at risk?
Find our more.

Estrogen, Progesterone & Depression
Stephanie Bender, MA, the author of Power of Perimenopause says, "...estrogen is the body's natural antidepressant and that progesterone is the body's natural anti-anxiety and anti-inflammatory.... One student asked if he should prescribed some progesterone for an anxious female patient instead of Valium. I said of course!"
MD's & Hormones

How do I know if I'm depressed
or just "blue"?
by Sue Spataro, RN, BSN
Different people express sadness in different ways. What may signify depression in one person may be just a sign of being "blue" in another. Find out more.

Serotonin and depression
Is there a link?
Perimenopause, and especially menopause, marks a time when estrogen levels fall.   Low estrogen levels can be a reason for depression in women. Find out more

SAM-e for Sure?
by Sue Spataro, RN, BSN
There has been a lot of media attention about a new over- the- counter herbal supplement called SAM-e, pronounced "Sammy".  SAM-e is short for S-adenosylmethionine which is an amino acid. Find out more.

Rodale's Illustrated Encyclopedia of Herbs
by Claire Kowalchik (Editor), William H. Hylton (Editor), Anna Carr (Illustrator)

Comprehensive and authoritative, this herb encyclopedia features information on the science and lore of herbs, complete information on gardening with herbs indoors and out, specifics on how to use herbs, and more. Home remedies, cooking with herbs, and crafting with herbs are also covered. 225 photos, 75 in color. Illustrations, charts & lists throughout.

How to grow herbs, design herb gardens, cook with herbs, make herb dyes and herb medicines--it's all here. This extensively researched A-to-Z encyclopedia describes more than 150 herbs and their uses.

All About St. John's Wort
(Frequently Asked Questions)
find out more

by Jack Challem (Editor), Hyla Cass, MD
Is this supplement the all-natural answer to Prozac? This indispensable new addition to the series that answers this and other frequently asked questions - FAQs - about nutritional supplements

Menopause and the Mind:
The Complete Guide to Coping with Memory Loss, Foggy Thinking, Verbal Confusion, and Other Cognitive Effects of Perimenopause and Menopause
by Claire L., Ph.D. Warga

Menopause and the Mind gives every woman the survival kit she needs to manage the thinking and memory symptoms -- long overlooked by the medical establishment -- that accompany the onset of perimenopause and menopause. Neuropsychologist Claire Warga provides the first scientific explanation for this common "hormonal misconnection" syndrome. Drawing upon recent brain and clinical research, she shows that forgetfulness, malapropisms, and lost concentration are not manifestations of dementia or senility; instead, they result from the depletion of estrogen in the brain cells of women as they enter perimenopause and menopause. Armed with this knowledge, Warga offers women a breakthrough plan for regaining control and confidence in their minds.

Potatoes Not Prozac:
A Natural Seven-Step Dietary Plan to Control Your Cravings and Lose Weight, Recognize How Foods Affect the Way You Feel
by Kathleen DesMaisons, Kathleen, Ph. D. Des Maisons, kathle Desmaison, Candace B. Pert

Addressing the millions of Americans who suffer from genetic sugar-sensitivity, this book presents a practical and workable eating program that uses everyday foods--with an emphasis on complex carbohydrates and vegetables--to balance blood sugars and ease depression National print ads. National author publicity. 5-city tour. 25-market national radio satellite tour.