I'm Too Young for This!

August 5, 2013
In her latest book, actress and prolific author Somers (Sexy Forever) tackles the prickly topic of perimenopause. Targeting women as young as 35, the actress and author reviews the hormonal changes that happen throughout their lifetimes and discusses perimenopause as a natural stage, that if identified and treated properly, does not have to wreak havoc on women’s lives. Writing in a friendly tone and sharing her physical and mental struggle with changing hormones, she examines symptoms many women experience in menopause, jokingly calling them the “7 Dwarves of Menopause” (“Itchy,” “Bitchy,” “Sleepy,” “Sweaty,” “Bloated,” “Forgetful,” and “All Dried Up”), and explains why similar premenopausal symptoms may be occurring for women in their 30s and 40s. Somers openly acknowledges that she was attacked in the media for writing about fighting aging through bioidentical hormone replacement (BHRT), but continues to espouse its benefits here. The book focuses on wellness in general and emphasizes a common-sense approach to health as the first line of defense in controlling hormonal changes: a balanced diet and supplements, regular exercise and sleep regimes, and control of stress. Whether or not readers support her claims that BHRT works and is safe, they will come away more informed about hormones, knowing that perimenopausal symptoms are real and treatable.