How hormones work -- Getting personal -- In the beginning -- The normal menstrual cycle -- The power of estrogen -- The effect of estrogen on the body's organs -- Estrogen withdrawal symtoms -- Postpartum blues and PMS -- The individual is the context -- Your medical history -- Laboratory tests and screening examinations -- Recommended tests and screenings--by the decade -- Early history counts -- How's your health? -- Disease risk assessment -- Obesity -- Heart disease, hypertension, and cholesterol -- Urogenital dysfunction -- Osteopenia and osteoporosis -- Thyroid disease -- Diabetes -- Osteoarthritis -- Cancer -- Alzheimer's disease -- Stress and depression -- To be or not to be on HRT -- First thoughts -- Is it safe for me? -- Recent research findings and controversies -- What products are out there? -- Your initial evaluation and follow-up for HRT -- A first look at alternatives to HRT -- Alternatives -- What is meant by "alternatives"? -- Smoking -- Alcohol, soda, and caffeine -- Vitamin and mineral supplements -- Food basics : protein, carbs, fats, fiber, and water -- Phytoestrogens -- Weight gain and loss -- Dieting and exercise -- A reference guide to improving your health -- The SANE approach to developing your MAP -- The MAP -- Completing the menopause action plan -- Pt. I. My current symptoms -- Pt. II. My medical history -- Pt. III. My disease risks -- Pt. IV. My HRT assessment -- Pt. V. My lifestyle.