In this study of the real and fundamental change which women experience during the menopause and which, like other fundamental changes, needs mental preparation and acceptance if it is not to be found unbearable, Dr Greer examines medical theories and treatment over the ages, and finds them often contradictory, excessive and, at times, dangerous. She responds to the traditional attitude of men and society which has been responsible for the creation of an image of the older woman as fake damsel or old crone. Dr Greer has weighed up the facts, the theories and the outright fabrications.