What Every Woman Should Know About Menopause

"A vapid, cowlike feeling," says Dr. Sydney Bonnick, is the way one older medical textbook opened its discussion of menopause. Today, women needn't tolerate this kind of ignorance; they can hopefully expect a more knowledgeable physician, and be better informed themselves after watching this tape. Opening with a brief introduction from Debbie Reynolds, What Every Woman Should Know About Menopause is an excellent guide to understanding the process of menopause, knowing the possible side effects, and being aware of the options available for treatment. Drawing on commentary from both experts in the field, and women who have entered menopause, the program points out that individual reactions to menopause vary: some women experience no symptoms beyond the cessation of menstruation, others suffer from a wide range of symptoms, including hot flashes, body flushes, and changes in sexual drive. Where the program really excels is in its explanation of the advantages and disadvantages of estrogen replacement therapy (during menopause both estrogen and progesterone hormone production decline). Since estrogen reduction has been linked to osteoporosis, many women, particularly those entering menopause in their 40s or 50s, opt for estrogen replacement therapy to reduce their risk. Other topics covered include the benefits of exercise, the importance of increased calcium intake, and the necessity for open communication between partners concerning sex. Better and less expensive than Menopause: a Guide for 43 Million Women and Menopause: Taking Charge (reviewed in our November 1992 issue), this characteristically excellent tape in the sterling Xenejenex line of medical videos for the layperson is highly recommended. Editor's Choice. (R. Pitman)