In the past few years, the conversation around women’s health has (finally) started to shift, and for the first time maybe ever, people are actually talking about midlife and menopause. Of course, with this growing conversation comes a not-so-insignificant amount of misinformation, and it can feel downright impossible to determine what sources are reliable. We get it. To make things easier, we’ve compiled a list of nine of our favorite meno-reads, so that you don’t have to sift through the dozens of options out there.
Read on for our favorite books on women’s bodies, (peri)menopause, and hormonal health. Whether you’re a science buff keen for a technical read on what the hell is going on with your body or you’re looking for a quick menopause 101 from a conversational friend, we’ve got you covered.
For when you’re wondering why the F this wasn’t covered in sex ed
Relatable, accessible overview of women’s hormonal health by leading medical experts.
1. The Vagina Bible by Jen Gunter, MD
From medical-grade Twitter clap-backs to a New York Times column, gynecologist Dr. Jen Gunter is at the frontlines of combating misinformation about women’s bodies and the vagina. Called “the internet’s OBGYN,” Dr. Gunter provides answers to some of our most common (and uncommon) questions about sexual and reproductive health, hormonal health, and menopause in this comprehensive, medically-based guide.
2. The New Menopause by Mary Claire Haver, MD
Barely a year after publishing The Galveston Diet, Dr. Mary Claire Haver published The New Menopause, a detailed book empowering readers with self-advocacy tips and science-backed menopause information. This NYT bestseller features up-to-date guidance on menopausal hormone therapy (previously referred to as hormone replacement therapy/HRT), as well as tips for lowering risks associated with menopause.
3. The Definitive Guide to the Perimenopause and Menopause by Louise Newson, MD
Known as one of the UK’s top menopause specialists, Dr. Louise Newson has walked the walk when it comes to menopause care, and incorporates findings from her research organization throughout this exhaustive menopause guide. The Definitive Guide to the Perimenopause and Menopause covers not only the physical effects of menopause, but also the transition’s impact on careers, relationships, and general well-being.
4. The Menopause Brain: New Science Empowers Women to Navigate the Pivotal Transition with Knowledge and Confidence by Lisa Mosconi, PhD
In her new book, neuroscientist and women’s brain health expert Dr. Lisa Mosconi dispels the myth that menopause only impacts our ovaries and breaks down the intricate relationship between hormonal changes during menopause and the brain. The Menopause Brain arms readers with the latest science around brain health and guidance on what we can do to get ahead of cognitive decline later in life.
For when you like a dose of humor with your education
These books take a humorous and relational approach to menopause education, with a little less of the nitty gritty science.
5. What Fresh Hell Is This? Perimenopause, Menopause, Other Indignities, and You by Heather Corinna
Written by queer feminist activist and organizer, What Fresh Hell is This offers a myth-busting, practical text on all things menopause, including accessible self-care tips. Heather Corrina challenges ubiquitous narratives of what the transition looks like and invites people who have been historically left out of the conversation.
6. Hot and Bothered: What No One Tells You About Menopause and How to Feel Like Yourself Again by Jancee Dunn
Part memoir, part research-backed guide, Jancee Dunn’s bestselling book melds personal accounts of her experience with perimenopause and expert interviews for an accessible and illuminating read. Dunn talks hot flashes, irregular periods, and a number of unexpected menopause symptoms no one told her about.
For the scientifically minded
While these books don’t earn beach read literature points, they definitely pull their weight when it comes to solid research and commitment to the facts.
7. The Menopause Guidebook, Menopause Society
The Menopause Society, previously known as the National American Menopause Society (NAMS), released its 9th edition guidebook in 2020 with the most complete and comprehensive reading on information relating to perimenopause, menopause, estrogen and hormonal health. The Menopause Society is at the forefront of menopausal health research and advocacy. Yes it’s a textbook, but it’s also the gold standard for the medical community. Take a look through their website for the most up-to-date, cutting-edge research available on menopause.
8. Estrogen Matters by Avrum Bluming, MD and Carol Tavris, PhD.
Recently revised and updated, Estrogen Matters uses evidence-based research to demystify menopausal hormone replacement (MHT) andcorrect misinformation about the process, questioning widely-held beliefs about MHT by the public and the medical establishment. Dr. Avrum Bluming is a medical oncologist and co-authors the book alongside Dr. Carol Tavris, a social psychologist.
9. Menopause Solution by Stephanie Faubion, MD
Including everything from a primer on all the important hormones to over-the-counter recommendations, The Menopause Solution is an approachable, authoritative guide to all things menopause. Dr. Faubion has been practicing in the Women’s Health Clinic at Mayo Clinic for over a decade. Not only is Dr. Fabuion a wealth of knowledge, but we trust the Mayo Clinic for their sound research and thought leadership.
