In an article by Hope Reese titled “Demystifying Perimenopause and Menopause Through
Books,” published on July 18, 2024, the author discusses the lack of information and
abundance of misinformation surrounding the experience of perimenopause and
menopause. menopause each day, but perimenopause, the period leading up to
menopause, can last anywhere from two to 14 years.
Rebecca C. Thurston, a professor of psychiatry and epidemiology at the University of
Pittsburgh, emphasizes that many women enter this transition without any knowledge of
what to expect. While hot flashes are a well-known symptom, perimenopause can also
cause a variety of other symptoms such as brain fog, sore breasts, insomnia, and anxiety.
This lack of understanding often leaves women feeling distressed and confused by the
changes occurring in their bodies and minds.
Books can be a valuable resource for demystifying perimenopause and menopause, but it is
important to note that many titles contain misinformation. Joyce Harper, a professor of
reproductive science at the Institute for Women’s Health at University College London,
acknowledges that healthcare providers often find themselves debunking these myths.
The experts highly recommended “The Menopause Guidebook,” authored by The North
American Menopause Society. Dr. Thurston, a clinician and menopause scientist, regarded it
as the most comprehensive and evidence-based resource on menopause and its
management. The book garnered significant praise from the experts due to its rigorous
approach in providing reliable information about this life stage.
Dr. Cynthia Stuenkel, a clinical professor of medicine at the University of California San
Diego School of Medicine, also places “The Menopause Guidebook” at the top of her
recommended list. The book, which is now in its ninth edition, stands out because The North
American Menopause Society employs experts to author and review the content, ensuring
that the advice provided is factual and adheres to best practices. This rigorous approach to
content creation adds to the book’s credibility and reliability as a valuable resource on
menopause
The Menopause Manifesto: Own Your Health With Facts and Feminism” by Dr. Jen Gunter
comes highly recommended by multiple experts. Dr. Gunter, an experienced OB-GYN
known as “Twitter’s resident gynecologist” and a contributor to The New York Times on
women’s sexual health, presents evidence-based claims in her book. Dr. Nanette Santoro, a
menopause researcher and professor at the University of Colorado School of Medicine,
lauds the book for its commitment to science, avoiding pseudoscience and unproven
treatments.
The Natural Menopause Method: A Nutritional Guide Through Perimenopause and Beyond”
by Karen Newby focuses on dietary adjustments during perimenopause and menopause.
Experts recommend it for anyone interested in maintaining reproductive health during this
phase. Dr. Harper emphasizes the significance of lifestyle factors, particularly diet, during
perimenopause. Dr. Jacobson also praises the book for addressing potential health
outcomes of perimenopause, such as weight gain and cardiovascular issues. It provides
insights into how diet can help manage hormonal changes that may lead to increased fat
mass and muscle loss, especially around the abdomen.
In “Magnificent Midlife: Transform Your Middle Years, Menopause and Beyond,” Rachel
Lankester, the founder of Magnificent Midlife, an online platform for women in their 40s, 50s,
and 60s, combines personal stories with evidence-based research. The book offers
guidance on coping with emotional and physical changes during perimenopause and
menopause, as well as how to redefine priorities. Dr. Harper appreciates the book for its
positive approach, motivating and empowering women during this life stage.
Second Spring: The Self-Care Guide to Menopause” by Kate Codrington comes highly
recommended by both Dr. Harper and Dr. Jacobson. The book aims to empower women as
they navigate perimenopause, offering personal anecdotes and practical exercises like
journal prompts for reflection. Dr. Jacobson appreciates Ms. Codrington’s emphasis on
menopause as a rite of passage and a new beginning, rather than an ending. Menopause is
a significant life event that can span decades, with individuals potentially spending 40
percent of their lives in the postmenopausal stage.
