Mother Talk Book Tour

Since I enjoy reading I finally joined the Mother Talk Book Club and have my first book to review.

I was sent The Natural Superwoman - The Scientifically Backed Program for Feeling Great, Looking Younger, and Enjoying Amazing Energy at Any Age by Uzzi Reiss, MD, OB/GYN.

I was intrigued by some of the questions on the back of the book and wanted to find out more about Dr Reiss's program. Some of the questions are "Do you: feel tired most days, have trouble falling asleep, feel flat and uninspired?" Some of the questions applied to me (and this was before I was pregnant!) so I was interested in his explanations on bioidentical hormones being a safe and effective treatment.

Since this is a self-help book it was a little harder to get into reading it as opposed to reading a fiction book just for pleasure. Because I was trying to finish the book in time to post my review I didn't get as much out of it as it was a lot of information to digest. I'm sure when I have some time to reread it at a more leisurely pace it'll make more sense to me!

Overall I thought Dr. Reiss provided a lot of great information. He explains about the 4 pillars - Nutrition, Activity, Hormone Balance, and Mind & Mood Pillars. He describes how all 4 affect us in different ways and what you can do to adjust what your body needs.

One bit of advice he stresses is that generally women put themselves last (so true isn't it?!) and how important it is that we don't do this - we need to take care of ourselves too and make time for ourselves!

Dr. Reiss provides a lot of information on having a thorough blood work-up done to identify any hormones you might be deficient in, or have a surplus of. He describes how to supplement with bioidentical hormones, as opposed to a chemicalized medication. Bioidentical hormones are an exact replica of what your body produces.

I found it interesting to read his explanations of each hormone and their benefits to our bodies; for instance I didn't realize melatonin decreases migraines. Women with lower levels of melatonin are more likely to suffer from cluster headaches and conventional migraines.

Each chapter has a mini-quiz for you to take so you know whether that section applies to you or not...my section is Sleep and Insomnia! I will definitely be going back to read it in depth when I have more time.

Overall there does seem to be a lot of information packed into the book; it's just a lot to absorb all at once!