Hot Flash Havoc

With the average age of the onset of menopause being 51 and female life expectancy clocking in at about 79 years, millions can expect to live a third or even half of their lives after going through “the change.” Hot Flash Havoc, subtitled “A Film of Menopausal Proportions,” explains how menopause works and tackles the controversial issue of hormone replacement through a combination of expert commentary, animation, and “on the street” observations—some of them fairly amusing—from ordinary men and women, all backed by a lively musical score. A note at the beginning states that no pharmaceutical companies were involved in this film, which makes a pretty strong case for beginning or continuing hormone replacement therapy, citing emerging studies. Directed by Marc Bennett and written and narrated by investigative journalist Marnie Inskip, the documentary takes exception with previous reports from the National Institutes of Health that warned about treatment dangers—including heart attacks, breast cancer, or dementia. On the contrary, say the professionals interviewed here, who argue that appropriate hormone therapy actually helps prevent heart attacks and dementia, as well as osteoporosis and diabetes, among other conditions—the very opposite of what initial studies indicated. A compelling overview of complicated issues surrounding a universal condition, this is highly recommended. Aud: C, P. (F. Gardner)