The editors and contributors of this book have not been hampered by the conventional limitations of what constitutes the menopause and its symptoms. They have elucidated its pathophysiology and have clearly described the detrimental effects of hormonal imbalance (and specifically oestrogen deprivation), on body systems and metabolism. As such, the book will hopefully encourage physicians who have in the past been reluctant to intervene with any kind of hormone replacement therapy to accept the benefits that some kind of HRT can bring. Side effects of oestrogen administration are not ignored however, and the advantages have been carefully weighed against the risks.