Menstrual cramps, heavy blood flow, hot flashes, night sweats, urinary tract infections, acne and PMS (to name a few), are just some of the symptoms that we have accepted as “normal” for women to experience in their lifetimes.

Did you know that it’s actually not “normal” and that something can be done about it naturally to create balance!?

Sexy Hormones written by Lorna Vanderhaeghe and Dr. Alvin Pettle, MD, is a must-read for any woman wanting to understand her body and to know the causes of many hormonal issues they may be experiencing or preparing to experience, such as menopause. The authours discuss the basics, most of which women are not taught anywhere else, and answer fundamental questions imperative to health and longevity: What are hormones and what is the endocrine system? How can certain hormones, when unbalanced, cause ailments from menstrual cramps to fibroids or endometriosis?

The in-and-outs of hormonal testing are also covered, including what to expect and what are the most effective tests. This is vital information, as not all conventional hormone tests give accurate readings if your body is not functioning optimally. There are other tests that you can ask your doctor for in order to have a more accurate picture of how well your various glands are functioning. Thyroid testing is one such example. Many women are actually low thyroid though on the basic test it shows that they are fine. This book provides you with the know-how to get the most out of your tests.

There is a handy “quick checklist” on various hormones to show if you are producing enough or too much and what you can do to manage it.

There is also a historical analysis that is then given about the origins of synthetic and bio-identical hormones, including an explanation of  the differences between them. There is also valuable information about seeking good doctors and compounding pharmacies in Canada that can provide bio-identical hormones, should one choose this route.

My favorite part is the nitty gritty of actual supplementation recommendations that have been studied and shown to help reverse and treat many hormone conditions. This includes low functioning thyroid, depression, polycystic ovary syndrome, ovarian cysts and many more. Here at Optimum Health we carry the recommended products such as EstroSense, MenoSense and Floradix. Alternative therapies are also given for women who have been recommended a hysterectomy and why this choice is not your best option.

This book also covers exercises that support our bodies as we go through different stages of hormonal development and regression and how doing simple exercises can greatly benefit the hormonal balance in our bodies. They also give recommendations on foods and how we can help maintain our balance through what we consume. There is even a 42 day program to help get you into better hormone shape.

Particularly useful is the attention paid to a subject that is not often covered in medical literature: women getting their Sexy back. The information provided on issues of low libido and what can be done to create a more intimate healthy sexual relationship as we get older (or even if we are younger) is invaluable.

To know that menstrual cycles can be effortless, menopause can be celebrated and we can protect our reproductive organs so that we age gracefully and embrace the full context of how dynamic and complex we are as women is definitely empowering. This book is a very enlightening read on the subject of woman’s health. It is a read for the grandmother, mother and daughter and an excellent, straight-forward reference to keep on hand as well!

In Health,

This article was written by Jessica Curran. Jessica has a strong passion for women and children’s health. Using natural means to treat her own health and the health of her family, she has overcome many obstacles in her life using holistic methods and looks forward to helping others overcome their obstacles.