Transformation Through Menopause

(Hardback)

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This volume presents a holistic, theoretical framework for understanding menopause as a major developmental event in women's lives. Rather than an unpleasant phase to be endured or alleviated, Marian Van Eyck McCain views menopause as an empowering experience that women can use for personal growth. Artfully interweaving her research, years of clinical experience, and her personal perceptions of menopause to create an inspiring new vision of the "change of life". She goes well beyond a discussion of hormones and hot flushes to uncover the deep emotional and spiritual significance of this time in women's lives. This book is not only about change on a personal or physical level but in society as well. McCain lays out historical and cross-cultural beliefs about menstruation and menopause and the attitudes surrounding them (from taboos to reverence) and points out that in our modern society women most often either try to ignore or "make it through" this essential period of womanhood in order to compete in a man's world on male terms. In tune with recent feminist thought, the author says there is a new womanpower emerging, which means that it is time for women to honour their natural cycles. There is no other book that combines the insights, inspiration, and wealth of information contained in this work. It is an important book for the alternative-minded baby-boom generation who are seeking new ways to approach middle age.

Reviews

"Transformation Through Menopause. . . is by far the most wise and thought provoking book on menopause that I have ever read. It is must reading for every woman who dares to meet the challenges of menopause fully and consciously."-Christiane Northrup, M.D.
In this refreshing book, McCain presents cultural, historical, and psychosocial aspects of menstruation and menopause, seeing it as a rite of passage. Her views reflect research and clinical and personal experience. She sees menopause as an opportunity for growth and richness, with its own significance in women's lives. Beautifully written, this is the only book that talks about menopause without reference to hormone therapy. Very insightful with a holistic approach, this is a must companion for every woman in menopause.-Library Journal, feature on menopause, January 2001
Transformation Through Menopause offers women a holistic framework for understanding this physiological process as a rite of passage and using it to create positive change in their lives. McCain, a social worker, encourages women to explore feelings about menopause using music, art, movement, writing, and meditation. Unlike Women of the 14th Moon: Writing on Menopause, edited by Dena Taylor and Amber Sumrall which is an anthology of poetry and prose, this book provides guided exercises to help with the exploration of personal feelings and the creation of rituals for this transition . . . Menopause' is an excellent addition to the women's health collection for all libraries.-Library Journal
"In this refreshing book, McCain presents cultural, historical, and psychosocial aspects of menstruation and menopause, seeing it as a rite of passage. Her views reflect research and clinical and personal experience. She sees menopause as an opportunity for growth and richness, with its own significance in women's lives. Beautifully written, this is the only book that talks about menopause without reference to hormone therapy. Very insightful with a holistic approach, this is a must companion for every woman in menopause."-Library Journal, feature on menopause, January 2001
"Transformation Through Menopause offers women a holistic framework for understanding this physiological process as a rite of passage and using it to create positive change in their lives. McCain, a social worker, encourages women to explore feelings about menopause using music, art, movement, writing, and meditation. Unlike Women of the 14th Moon: Writing on Menopause, edited by Dena Taylor and Amber Sumrall which is an anthology of poetry and prose, this book provides guided exercises to help with the exploration of personal feelings and the creation of rituals for this transition . . . Menopause' is an excellent addition to the women's health collection for all libraries."-Library Journal

Author Bio

MARIAN VAN EYK McCAIN is a social worker and counselor with a special interest in women's studies. She lives in Australia.