Book excerpt: Gail Sheehy in the Silent Passage called menopause the calm after the storm. This book is about the storm itself. Much is known about the menopause, its symptoms and effects on women's lives but very litle has been mentioned so far on the decade leading up to the menopause during which time ovulation decreases and ostrogen levels are destablising. Every women experiences it yet it is one of the least understood, most misdiagnosed and most confounding stages in a women's life. Could it be. . . . . Perimenopause? outlines the symptoms - both psychological and physical - which are a direct result of this hormone imbalance and shows how best to combat them. It gives you the facts you need to make clear choices about medicinal and natural therapies and it teaches you about following a healthy lifestyle -such as diet, nutrition, excerise and vitamins - that you can start today and that will bring about far-reaching ramifications for your future overall health. Could it be. . . . . Perimenopause is essential reading for all women.