THE SEXY YEARS: Discover the Hormone Connection

Somers has chronicled her battle with weight and emotional issues in several books. Now she explains how she's coped with the symptoms of menopause and why she believes most women should take natural hormones during this period. Somers discusses her breast cancer surgery, along with her decision not to undergo certain follow-up treatment but instead adhere to a regimen of natural hormones. To support her case, Somers includes interviews with several physicians who specialize in natural hormones, sexual dysfunction and menopause. Her enthusiastic writing style will especially appeal to readers who have been intimidated by physicians unwilling to offer alternative treatments to menopause's often debilitating symptoms. "Finding the right doctor is difficult," she laments. "Your gynecologist may not be the right person for you at this time.... If [menopause and hormones are] not her specialty, then you have to find a doctor who 'gets it.' " Somers stresses the important steps of the process, and discusses reasons why she prefers natural hormones over synthetic substances. She also tackles male menopause, common sexual problems among middle-aged couples and hormones for men. However, since her readers are likely to be women, the subject matter occasionally seems inappropriate. Nonetheless, as an introduction to the subject of alternative treatments for menopause, this book provides a sound synopsis that readers can use to open a dialogue with their physicians. (On sale Feb. 24)

Forecast: Given Somers's celebrity and the success of her earlier titles, strong sales are likely. The publisher plans a 20-city TV satellite tour, ads in USA Today and a simultaneous audio edition.