Is the werewolf health based on your characters health? I have a high health warrior at level 55 and medium health thief at level 45. I prefer the thief in regular combat because of the diversity of attacks but don't want to be a gimpy werewolf.

Yes, when you shift you get a 100 point increase to your health.

BUT

Hp regen stops completely and the only way to heal yourself is by feeding on humanoids which will heal 50 hp. It will also add 30 seconds to your time in form which starts at 2min30sec when you first change.

The werewolf form in Skyrim is badly implemented. Your 55 warrior will probably do more damage and take less when not in werewolf form. Your thief should work on staying unnoticed and max out stealth and pickpocket. Go around and take the weapons of everyone then laugh as you slaughter them all when all they can do is a measly 5 (or is it 10?) points of damage per hit while punching. You can even take the armor off them too so they take full damage from you.

Thanks, I ended up breaking the game with my warrior and got bored with it. I suspect the werewolf will put the challenge back. From what I've read the extra health will be helpful.