Understanding and Taking Control of Menopausal Symptoms

Sheryl M. Green, PhD, C.Psych, has practiced as a clinical and health psychologist for over 20 years within the Women’s Health Concerns Clinic, St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. She is also an Associate Professor within the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, McMaster University, where she provides training and education, and has a program of research focused on women’s health and developing evidence-based psychological treatment protocols tailored to meet the unique needs of women with mental health and physical difficulties across the reproductive timeline (e.g., menopause, perinatal period).Claudio N. Soares, MD, PhD, FRCPC, MBA, is a Full Professor of Psychiatry at Queen’s University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada, where he also serves as director for the Centre of Psychedelics Health and Research. He is the executive director of the Canadian Menopause Society, after serving as president and board member of the Menopause Society in the US (formerly NAMS). His areas of interest and expertise include women’s health and mood disorders, with a particular focus on the management of depression, anxiety, and sleep disturbances in midlife women.Randi E. McCabe, PhD, C.Psych, is a clinical psychologist and Vice President of the Mental Health and Addictions Program at St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, with over 25 years of experience in the field as a clinician, educator, and researcher. She is a Full Professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, McMaster University, and the provincial clinical lead for depression and anxiety-related disorders for the Mental Health and Addictions Centre of Excellence at Ontario Health. Her research has focused on the development and evaluation of assessment tools and innovative cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) interventions to address mental health symptoms and improve quality of life and overall emotional well being.

“Understanding and Taking Control of Menopausal Symptoms: A Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Approach by Green, Soares, and McCabe is an outstanding, evidence-based resource for women navigating the menopause transition. Written by internationally recognized experts, this comprehensive workbook translates the latest science on cognitive behavioral therapy into practical, accessible strategies that have been shown to reduce menopausal symptoms and the distress that often accompanies them. Through relatable real-life stories and actionable CBT tools, readers learn how to effectively manage hot flashes, anxiety, sleep disruption, pain, and sexual health concerns (and so much more) with skills that promote lasting change. Compassionate, empowering, and deeply practical, this book is an invaluable guide for midlife women and a resource I will enthusiastically recommend to the women I work with.”Lori A. Brotto, PhD, Licensed Psychologist and Professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of British Columbia, Canada“As a Professor of Gynecological Endocrinology and Menopause Medicine in Europe, I highly recommend this timely and practical book. By combining evidence-based cognitive behavioural strategies with a deep understanding of the menopausal transition, the authors provide women and healthcare professionals with an invaluable resource for improving quality of life. This book fills an important gap in menopause care and empowers women to better understand, manage, and take control of their symptoms.”Prof. Dr. med. Petra Stute, Head of Gynecological Endocrinology and Menopause Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Inselspital Bern, Switzerland; President of the European Menopause and Andropause Society (EMAS)“Understanding and Taking Control of Menopausal Symptoms is an outstanding, evidence-based workbook that every woman experiencing menopause-related challenges should read. Drawing on decades of expertise, Green, Soares, and McCabe translate the science of cognitive-behavioral therapy into practical, easy-to-follow strategies for managing hot flashes, sleep disruption, anxiety, depression, sexual concerns, cognitive difficulties, and more. Filled with engaging case examples and step-by-step exercises, this book is an essential guide to navigating menopause with greater confidence and wellbeing.”Martin M. Antony, PhD, FRSC, ABPP, Professor of Psychology, Toronto Metropolitan University, Canada; co-author of The Anti-Anxiety Program“This is such a great resource for anyone navigating the menopause transition. It’s clear and easy to follow, and the examples are very relatable. The evidence-based information on menopause, treatment options, and practical coping strategies will help women better understand their experiences and feel more empowered to manage their symptoms. I will certainly be recommending it to both patients and healthcare providers!”Jennifer Gordon, PhD, R.D. Psych, Associate Professor, Department of Psychology, University of Regina, Canada; Director of the Reproductive Mental Health Research Unit; CIHR Canada Research Chair in Reproductive Mental Health“The book, Understanding and Taking Control of Menopausal Symptoms: A Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Approach written by Drs. Green, Soares, and McCabe is a comprehensive yet approachable educational tool. They describe the symptoms, basic physiology and treatment options for bothersome symptoms. They outline what cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is, provide examples and work sheets for women to easily use at home. The symptom diaries and monitoring forms help women to learn more about their symptoms and connect with their bodies. The cognitive strategies can help women to identify what may be further worsening their symptoms and feel better, while decreasing distress. The writing style is well paced and easy to understand. I have certainly recommended their previous version of this book to patients and am quite impressed how they have updated this version to include the most up-to-date science and guidelines. I look forward to using this in clinical practice.”Dr. Alison Shea, MD, PhD, FRCSC, MSCP, Associate Professor, Obstetrician/ Gynecologist and Menopause Specialist, McMaster University, Canada; Board Member, Canadian Menopause Society

• Part 1: Understanding Menopause, Becoming Self-Aware, Treatment Options, and the Cognitive Behavioural Treatment Rationale 0. Introduction 1. Understanding the Menopausal Transition 2. Recognizing Your Symptoms 3. Choosing Among the Treatment Options 4. Taking a Cognitive Behavioural Approach to Treating Menopause Symptoms Part 2: Menopausal Symptoms and Specific Cognitive and Behavioural Techniques 5. Vasomotor Symptoms: Managing Hot Flashes and Night Sweats 6. Anxiety: Was that a Hot Flash or am I Just Anxious? 7. Depression: Turning Your Mood Around 8. Sleep Disruption: Steps to Getting a Good Night’s Sleep 9. Sexual Concerns: Strategies to Improve Sexual Health and Activity 10. Challenges with Cognition: Tools to Improve Brain Fog with Elena Ballantyne, PhD, C.Psych 11. Maintaining Gains and Problem Solving Through Obstacles