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The Wisdom of Menopause (Revised & Updated Edition); Creating Physical and Emotional Health and Healing During the Change
Through her bestselling books, groundbreaking PBS specials, and up-to-the-minute clinical knowledge, Dr. Christiane Northrup has earned a place as one of America’s most trusted medical advisors. In The Wisdom of Menopause, she once again challenges convention with this inspiring look at one of the most commonly misunderstood female health issues. The “change” is not simply a collection of physical symptoms to be “fixed,” Dr. Northrup claims, but a mind/body revolution that brings the greatest opportunity for growth since adolescence. The choices a woman makes now–from the quality of her relationships to the quality of her diet–have the power to secure her health and well-being for the rest of her life. Through her personal story and many fascinating case histories, Dr. Northrup How menopause jump-starts changes in the brain, issuing a dramatic wake-up call to body, mind, and emotions How to ensure the long-term health of breasts, bones, and heart How the body adjusts naturally to changing hormones Why bestselling drugs like Premarin may not be the best choice How to deal with metabolism shifts, weight gain, sexual problems, and appearance issues How to negotiate the challenges of “the empty nest” and midlife marriage And much more. In a book destined to be a classic, Dr. Northrup shows women how they can make menopause a time of personal empowerment and positive energy–emerging wiser, healthier, and stronger in both mind and body than ever before.
656 pages, Hardcover
First published October 31, 2006
741 people are currently reading
1662 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 219 reviews
May 1, 2015
Perhaps a bit unusual for me, a male, to have read this book. My goal was to understand and support my wife as she is in that stage of her life. To that end this was a successful read. There were also some gender neutral ideas which I appreciated for myself.
Doctor Northrup did a thorough job of going through a variety of related topics and weaving them into the fabric of menopause and how it can be a welcome stage of life.
Did I skim through sections of this book? Absolutely. But I did gain some insights. It makes me evaluate my role to insure I am supportive. I don't want to speak of this as if it is a disease. It's a natural part of the life of my wife, my partner, and I want to be the best partner for her that I can be.
Sorry, not trying to make it sound as if I am a hero for my support. I'm a man with all the built in limitations that we men come with. Want to do better, though I'm sure I can't be perfect.
Enjoy this one. It has value.
Doctor Northrup did a thorough job of going through a variety of related topics and weaving them into the fabric of menopause and how it can be a welcome stage of life.
Did I skim through sections of this book? Absolutely. But I did gain some insights. It makes me evaluate my role to insure I am supportive. I don't want to speak of this as if it is a disease. It's a natural part of the life of my wife, my partner, and I want to be the best partner for her that I can be.
Sorry, not trying to make it sound as if I am a hero for my support. I'm a man with all the built in limitations that we men come with. Want to do better, though I'm sure I can't be perfect.
Enjoy this one. It has value.
March 2, 2013
I read the first, oh, hundred pages and then I started skimming for things to snort at. There were lots of things for my skeptical atheist self to snort at. Including gems like:
"The difference between the postpartum period and perimenopause is that during perimenopause you're giving birth to yourself."
"It has now been scientifically documented that specific patterns of emotional vulnerability affect specific organs or systems of the body." (No footnotes or citations here.)
"One of the first things you need to do in order to heal your digestive problems at midlife is to shore up your third emotional center.
The third emotional center is located in the solar plexus area, and the health of this area affects all our organs of digestion, including the stomach, liver, gallbladder, pancreas, small intestine and upper large intestine. Women with substantial weight problems usually have unresolved issues in the third emotional center."
And so forth. Lots of talk about one's soul.
To be scrupulously fair, there's plenty of good information in this book. I'm just not willing to wade through all the bullshit to get to it.
"The difference between the postpartum period and perimenopause is that during perimenopause you're giving birth to yourself."
"It has now been scientifically documented that specific patterns of emotional vulnerability affect specific organs or systems of the body." (No footnotes or citations here.)
"One of the first things you need to do in order to heal your digestive problems at midlife is to shore up your third emotional center.
The third emotional center is located in the solar plexus area, and the health of this area affects all our organs of digestion, including the stomach, liver, gallbladder, pancreas, small intestine and upper large intestine. Women with substantial weight problems usually have unresolved issues in the third emotional center."
And so forth. Lots of talk about one's soul.
To be scrupulously fair, there's plenty of good information in this book. I'm just not willing to wade through all the bullshit to get to it.
December 14, 2019
Re-read updated 2012 version: November - December 2019
This version was 745 pages, including the index. The information from the author ends at page 666 and includes the resources section which I found very helpful, too.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this updated version! The book contains updated "wisdom" advice from Dr. Northrup as well as recent studies on women's health, bio-identical hormone therapy--now referred to HT for hormone therapy and so much more. I try not to write in my books and started by using stick-on colored arrows to mark pages, but finally got a pencil and underlined, asterisked and checked items as I read.
The book is a monster read and packed full of useful information. I do believe in the mind-body connection and I believe many doctors do the profession (and women) a disservice by not staying current on the use of natural/herbal supplements, not helping patients that are within the "normal" range results in lieu of optimal, continue to write prescriptions to help with symptoms while overlooking the cause and much more.
Nice to read medical advice on supplement use, bio-identical hormones, and much more from a licensed medical doctor! I have been following her advice and tips for years and it has paid off. As I now turn to the best time of my life, I am stronger, wiser and healthier.
Dr. Northrup, if you are reading this, your epilogue was write on point. I'm there, too!
I highly recommend this book to women ages 20-on. There is advice in this book that pertains to women athletes of any age including how excessive physical training can place the body into a stressful state (cortisol) and so much more. Information that all women should know is here.
The author shares small tidbits of Chakra tips, too, and what area of the body they are connected.
Another 5 Star + and Favorite of This Reader!
p.s. When I initially read this book in 2005 and again in 2009, Goodreads had not established the ability to separate multiple reading reviews, so below is my review from 2005 and/or 2009.
************************
This book was a valuable tool in my quest for answers to what is happening inside my body during this time of my life. Though the book is a whopping 589 pages, it was easy to read, well laid out, lots of diagrams and charts that helped break up the humdrum. The author shares her personal story in the beginning and then adds to it in the end. She also shares stories from her patients as well as Internet e-mail that she has been sent.
The first few chapters are about Dr. Northrup's personal experience(s) and she shares her philosophy on the mind-body connection, which I happen to agree with. She explains Eastern Medicine (chakras, etc) and I enjoyed reading it. She talks about how our brains actually begin to change at perimenopause. She goes on to state how we started changing in puberty, now is the time to finish the cycle. Rejoice in your life, make adjustments where you need to and live. She is not a man-hater and NEVER does she state we should all go out and get divorced. She simply asks that we look within ourselves to find out what our bodies are telling us.
Chapter 4: "This Can't Be Menopause, Can it?"
* This begins the nitty gritty of menopause, hormone testing methods, thyroid, symptoms: migraines, night sweats, heart palpatations, breast swelling and tenderness, vaginal dryness, erratic periods, loss of sexual desire, skin, bone loss, mood swings, insomnia, etc. (whew!)
Chapter 5: "Hormone Replacement: An Individual Choice"
* She gets right into the controversial topic of hormone replacement options. She says the medical field has believed for years that menopause was something that needed to be fixed in us poor women. Hogwash. Menopause is a natural part of our lives and we shouldn't feel like we need to take a bunch of medicine to fix us. She shows that many of the synthetic (man-made) hormones have actually harmed more women than they have helped. However, she does give examples when taking synthetics would be a wise choice.
Did you know that Premarin (estrogen) comes from the urine of pregnant mares? It was introduced in 1949 and is/has been thought to be the "queen of hormone replacement." She talks about this drug and it's side affects and shows how some of the "studies" were flawed test groups. She introduces other options to relieve symptoms always stating these medicines are meant to be used with the lowest dosage that will work for you and only for a few years to get a person through the rest of their growth.
* They are not meant to be taken until death.
* There is no fountain of youth and taking estrogen for the rest of our lives is harmful and does increase our risks of cancer and heart attacks.
* Bioidentical hormones are explained in this chapter.
* What about Progesterone?
- Most women believe their estrogen is too high, but what has happened is the Progesterone has dropped too low leaving the estrogen unbalanced. This is referred as "estrogen dominance." It will give symptoms of progesterone deficiency and show estrogen excess.
* Progesterone also affects brain function. It produces a sense of calmness...page 146. She mentions herbs, creams, etc. How much and where to get them are in the Resources section of the book.
Chapter 6 & 7 talk about foods and supplements to support the change. Vitamins, how much? Diet, exercise, herbs, etc. A lot of information on menopausal herbs.
Chapter 8 is pelvic health.
* Fibroids, heavy bleeding, treatments. When surgery is or is not right.
Chapter 9: "Sex and Menopause (myth and reality)"
* Many funny sections. Phallocentric reasoning, viagra.
* Why is it that men can buy Viagra on the Internet without seeing a doctor, while women still can't get birth control pills without a visit to the doctor's office?
* Women want the beauty of the context of sexual encounters to be more important than the act. They want to be touched in slow, sensual ways. They want to be ravished with intense passion that demonstrates how much their partners need them, rather than just needing an orgasm to relax. All in all, women want to be adored as precious feminine beings."
- "The fact that this need is incompletely met for women in our culture is what drives the multimilion-dollar romance novel industry. Many women are absolutely addicted to these stories, because they invariably show women being adored for who they are, not just for their bodies." page 269 and 270
* Nine steps to rekindling libido
Chapter 10: "Nurturing your Brain: sleep, depression and memory"
* tips for better sleep, natural sleep aids (progesterone cream!), depression. What is it? Treatment. Alzheimers. Brain food choices.
Chapter 11: "From Rosebud to Rose Hip: Cultivating Midlife Beauty"
* This was one of my favorite chapters.
* Drug companies like to use the dewey rosebud to sell their hormone pills implying that if you use their hormone treatment you will stay in the rosebud stage the rest of your life.
Dr. Northrup says that just won't happen. "Once you are on your way of becoming a rose hip, you can't go back to a rosebud." Get over it.
This chapter focuses on making peace with your body, skin, shape, etc.
A lot of info on skin: sun damage, smoking, preventing wrinkles, cleansing ideas, exfolliants. What you can do on your own and what you may need a prescription for. Midlife acne. Rosacea. Hair in the wrong places: electroysis, laser, meds. Alopecia. Plastic surgery. Varicose veins. Whew!
Chapter 12: "Standing Tall for Life: Building Healthy Bones"
* I found this to be very depressing. Bone growth, how it's done, what we can do to prevent damage, etc.
* Getting a bone density test done. What type of tests do what?
* Excellent chart of daily vitamins to help prevent bone loss.
* Exercise!!!!
Chapter 13: "Creating Breast Health"
* Cancer risks, emotional anatomy of breast cancer, lifestyle and breast health, what to do if you feel a lump; effect of HRT on breast health; effects of bioidentical hormones and breast health
Chapter 14: "Living with Heart, Passion, and Joy: How to Listen to to and Love Your Midlife Heart"
* Heart disease, brain-heart connection, high blood pressure, cholesterol, even periodontal disease and cardiac risk!, smoking, depression, foods for the heart, taking aspirin?, excercise! Her advice on hormones and the heart.
Another favorite for This Reader.
This version was 745 pages, including the index. The information from the author ends at page 666 and includes the resources section which I found very helpful, too.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this updated version! The book contains updated "wisdom" advice from Dr. Northrup as well as recent studies on women's health, bio-identical hormone therapy--now referred to HT for hormone therapy and so much more. I try not to write in my books and started by using stick-on colored arrows to mark pages, but finally got a pencil and underlined, asterisked and checked items as I read.
The book is a monster read and packed full of useful information. I do believe in the mind-body connection and I believe many doctors do the profession (and women) a disservice by not staying current on the use of natural/herbal supplements, not helping patients that are within the "normal" range results in lieu of optimal, continue to write prescriptions to help with symptoms while overlooking the cause and much more.
Nice to read medical advice on supplement use, bio-identical hormones, and much more from a licensed medical doctor! I have been following her advice and tips for years and it has paid off. As I now turn to the best time of my life, I am stronger, wiser and healthier.
Dr. Northrup, if you are reading this, your epilogue was write on point. I'm there, too!
I highly recommend this book to women ages 20-on. There is advice in this book that pertains to women athletes of any age including how excessive physical training can place the body into a stressful state (cortisol) and so much more. Information that all women should know is here.
The author shares small tidbits of Chakra tips, too, and what area of the body they are connected.
Another 5 Star + and Favorite of This Reader!
p.s. When I initially read this book in 2005 and again in 2009, Goodreads had not established the ability to separate multiple reading reviews, so below is my review from 2005 and/or 2009.
************************
This book was a valuable tool in my quest for answers to what is happening inside my body during this time of my life. Though the book is a whopping 589 pages, it was easy to read, well laid out, lots of diagrams and charts that helped break up the humdrum. The author shares her personal story in the beginning and then adds to it in the end. She also shares stories from her patients as well as Internet e-mail that she has been sent.
The first few chapters are about Dr. Northrup's personal experience(s) and she shares her philosophy on the mind-body connection, which I happen to agree with. She explains Eastern Medicine (chakras, etc) and I enjoyed reading it. She talks about how our brains actually begin to change at perimenopause. She goes on to state how we started changing in puberty, now is the time to finish the cycle. Rejoice in your life, make adjustments where you need to and live. She is not a man-hater and NEVER does she state we should all go out and get divorced. She simply asks that we look within ourselves to find out what our bodies are telling us.
Chapter 4: "This Can't Be Menopause, Can it?"
* This begins the nitty gritty of menopause, hormone testing methods, thyroid, symptoms: migraines, night sweats, heart palpatations, breast swelling and tenderness, vaginal dryness, erratic periods, loss of sexual desire, skin, bone loss, mood swings, insomnia, etc. (whew!)
Chapter 5: "Hormone Replacement: An Individual Choice"
* She gets right into the controversial topic of hormone replacement options. She says the medical field has believed for years that menopause was something that needed to be fixed in us poor women. Hogwash. Menopause is a natural part of our lives and we shouldn't feel like we need to take a bunch of medicine to fix us. She shows that many of the synthetic (man-made) hormones have actually harmed more women than they have helped. However, she does give examples when taking synthetics would be a wise choice.
Did you know that Premarin (estrogen) comes from the urine of pregnant mares? It was introduced in 1949 and is/has been thought to be the "queen of hormone replacement." She talks about this drug and it's side affects and shows how some of the "studies" were flawed test groups. She introduces other options to relieve symptoms always stating these medicines are meant to be used with the lowest dosage that will work for you and only for a few years to get a person through the rest of their growth.
* They are not meant to be taken until death.
* There is no fountain of youth and taking estrogen for the rest of our lives is harmful and does increase our risks of cancer and heart attacks.
* Bioidentical hormones are explained in this chapter.
* What about Progesterone?
- Most women believe their estrogen is too high, but what has happened is the Progesterone has dropped too low leaving the estrogen unbalanced. This is referred as "estrogen dominance." It will give symptoms of progesterone deficiency and show estrogen excess.
* Progesterone also affects brain function. It produces a sense of calmness...page 146. She mentions herbs, creams, etc. How much and where to get them are in the Resources section of the book.
Chapter 6 & 7 talk about foods and supplements to support the change. Vitamins, how much? Diet, exercise, herbs, etc. A lot of information on menopausal herbs.
Chapter 8 is pelvic health.
* Fibroids, heavy bleeding, treatments. When surgery is or is not right.
Chapter 9: "Sex and Menopause (myth and reality)"
* Many funny sections. Phallocentric reasoning, viagra.
* Why is it that men can buy Viagra on the Internet without seeing a doctor, while women still can't get birth control pills without a visit to the doctor's office?
* Women want the beauty of the context of sexual encounters to be more important than the act. They want to be touched in slow, sensual ways. They want to be ravished with intense passion that demonstrates how much their partners need them, rather than just needing an orgasm to relax. All in all, women want to be adored as precious feminine beings."
- "The fact that this need is incompletely met for women in our culture is what drives the multimilion-dollar romance novel industry. Many women are absolutely addicted to these stories, because they invariably show women being adored for who they are, not just for their bodies." page 269 and 270
* Nine steps to rekindling libido
Chapter 10: "Nurturing your Brain: sleep, depression and memory"
* tips for better sleep, natural sleep aids (progesterone cream!), depression. What is it? Treatment. Alzheimers. Brain food choices.
Chapter 11: "From Rosebud to Rose Hip: Cultivating Midlife Beauty"
* This was one of my favorite chapters.
* Drug companies like to use the dewey rosebud to sell their hormone pills implying that if you use their hormone treatment you will stay in the rosebud stage the rest of your life.
Dr. Northrup says that just won't happen. "Once you are on your way of becoming a rose hip, you can't go back to a rosebud." Get over it.
This chapter focuses on making peace with your body, skin, shape, etc.
A lot of info on skin: sun damage, smoking, preventing wrinkles, cleansing ideas, exfolliants. What you can do on your own and what you may need a prescription for. Midlife acne. Rosacea. Hair in the wrong places: electroysis, laser, meds. Alopecia. Plastic surgery. Varicose veins. Whew!
Chapter 12: "Standing Tall for Life: Building Healthy Bones"
* I found this to be very depressing. Bone growth, how it's done, what we can do to prevent damage, etc.
* Getting a bone density test done. What type of tests do what?
* Excellent chart of daily vitamins to help prevent bone loss.
* Exercise!!!!
Chapter 13: "Creating Breast Health"
* Cancer risks, emotional anatomy of breast cancer, lifestyle and breast health, what to do if you feel a lump; effect of HRT on breast health; effects of bioidentical hormones and breast health
Chapter 14: "Living with Heart, Passion, and Joy: How to Listen to to and Love Your Midlife Heart"
* Heart disease, brain-heart connection, high blood pressure, cholesterol, even periodontal disease and cardiac risk!, smoking, depression, foods for the heart, taking aspirin?, excercise! Her advice on hormones and the heart.
Another favorite for This Reader.
December 27, 2007
A good read if you'd like insights from a physician who also believes in acupuncture, herbology, Chinese thoughts, etc. Quite forward thinking. Wish I had this to read in my late 30s so I knew what I was in for.
As it was, I stayed clear of hormone replacement therapy having seen it work disastrously for my mother. Turns out most of what happens in peri-menopause is the result of a woman's body saying "Hey, you must start listening, and being genuine with yourself, honey. Don't sublimate anymore."
As it was, I stayed clear of hormone replacement therapy having seen it work disastrously for my mother. Turns out most of what happens in peri-menopause is the result of a woman's body saying "Hey, you must start listening, and being genuine with yourself, honey. Don't sublimate anymore."
October 23, 2023
My Cousin artfully remarked that there is more education about menstruation than its retirement! This book is her birthday present. I loved “Energy Medicine For Women” by Donna Eden, which was praised by Dr. Christiane Northrup. We hear shudders about menopause but know zip about it. This book remedies that and makes good health reading for anyone! Holistic and spiritual logic spare us the misconceptions that were peddled to our Moms. Published in 2001, my paperback is from 2006. Food, spiritual, and emotional health should nourish us, not drugs or surgery.
“The Wisdom Of Menopause: Creating Physical And Emotional Health And Healing During The Change” begins anecdotally. I am elated that sporadic periods only ring in perrimenopause! You are fertile until it has been a year without menstruating! We grieve the finality of not bearing biological children, even if we chose not to. I love knowing I have a year to contemplate my dreams. Extra eggs hurry into place, which is why plural births are common!
Donna taught me to look forward to the empowerment of maturity. Only North Americans view menstruation and menopause as sicknesses. We are chemically outfitted to reject bullshit. We assess our marriages: are we settling, or do we only need to empty baggage? Instead of appeasing spouses, kids, or relatives; we grow comfortable putting happiness and honesty first and our foot down, which is freeing.
Drink and eat soy and flaxseed daily! It prevents cancer, heart disease, and solves feminine dryness. Avoid pharmaceuticals: our hormones balance best by calibrating themselves. If nature needs assistance, choose natural remedies. If you need surgery, keep your ovaries! They are essential, independently from wombs.
Attitude matters: if you expect menopause to be easy, it will be! I am young, vibrant, strong, and am going to enjoy this new experience.
“The Wisdom Of Menopause: Creating Physical And Emotional Health And Healing During The Change” begins anecdotally. I am elated that sporadic periods only ring in perrimenopause! You are fertile until it has been a year without menstruating! We grieve the finality of not bearing biological children, even if we chose not to. I love knowing I have a year to contemplate my dreams. Extra eggs hurry into place, which is why plural births are common!
Donna taught me to look forward to the empowerment of maturity. Only North Americans view menstruation and menopause as sicknesses. We are chemically outfitted to reject bullshit. We assess our marriages: are we settling, or do we only need to empty baggage? Instead of appeasing spouses, kids, or relatives; we grow comfortable putting happiness and honesty first and our foot down, which is freeing.
Drink and eat soy and flaxseed daily! It prevents cancer, heart disease, and solves feminine dryness. Avoid pharmaceuticals: our hormones balance best by calibrating themselves. If nature needs assistance, choose natural remedies. If you need surgery, keep your ovaries! They are essential, independently from wombs.
Attitude matters: if you expect menopause to be easy, it will be! I am young, vibrant, strong, and am going to enjoy this new experience.
May 1, 2013
Once again, I have profoundly mixed feelings about a health-related book. Is it the books, or is it me? Anyway, take the rating of a three as more like an average of reactions all over the map.
This book was initially recommended to me by a friend who suggested using it as a reference: Look up your menopausal symptom of choice, and she'll recommend supplements, dietary changes, and medical treatments pertinent to that issue. It may well be that it would work better in that mode. I instead decided that I was interested in not just the symptoms I have now, but the whole picture, including things I may experience in future, so I set out to read the whole thing. It turned out there were certain sections that I did skim or skip altogether, but I did end up reading a fair percentage of it.
On the positive side: If you want to learn about a variety of approaches, ranging from the "natural" to the pharmaceutical, this book is a good resource. She does provide references to the research, which makes her statements more compelling to me, and I think would be helpful if you needed to discuss options with your physician. If you are interested in trying (for instance) dietary changes first, before moving on to prescription drugs, she provides specific advice tied to particular conditions / symptoms.
In particular, I think the sections that discuss different kinds of hormone treatments are extremely informative. Prior to reading this, if my doctor had recommended hormones, I would have had no idea that I even ought to ask the question "exactly what kind?" If hormone therapy is something you are considering, reading (the relevant sections of) this book will be a great investment.
I also appreciate that her recommendations for supplements are very detailed and specific -- although the sheer quantity of supplements and other dietary recommendations was a bit overwhelming for me. For me personally, it's hard to know where to start, or what to prioritize.
Now to the negative: Although I do accept that attitude and emotion, and certainly stress level, are interdependent with physical health, there can be a fine line between saying "it's important to take care of all aspects of yourself" and saying "if you get sick, it's your fault because you're not dealing with your shit". I'm afraid in my reading, Dr Northrup is way over that line. In particular, having several friends who have had breast cancer, it infuriates me to read statements that imply that it was caused by repressed emotion or lack of self-care.
I will admit that, although I want to be open-minded, in a medical context it is easier for me to accept statements that sound like science rather than mysticism. I experienced rather profound mental whiplash when (for instance) reading a detailed description of the physiology of iodine processing, then turn the page and read "the most important thing to remember about iodine is that it is linked with the fifth chakra" (paraphrasing, because I'm too lazy to find the page, but I know the phrase "the most important" was in there).
So, overall: If you are sensitive to suggestions of victim-blaming, particularly regarding breast cancer, you may need to avoid this book. If you are looking for details on hormone therapy options and alternatives, it's a great resource. For other menopausal concerns, it's potentially a good resource, if you can add enough salt for your own taste.
This book was initially recommended to me by a friend who suggested using it as a reference: Look up your menopausal symptom of choice, and she'll recommend supplements, dietary changes, and medical treatments pertinent to that issue. It may well be that it would work better in that mode. I instead decided that I was interested in not just the symptoms I have now, but the whole picture, including things I may experience in future, so I set out to read the whole thing. It turned out there were certain sections that I did skim or skip altogether, but I did end up reading a fair percentage of it.
On the positive side: If you want to learn about a variety of approaches, ranging from the "natural" to the pharmaceutical, this book is a good resource. She does provide references to the research, which makes her statements more compelling to me, and I think would be helpful if you needed to discuss options with your physician. If you are interested in trying (for instance) dietary changes first, before moving on to prescription drugs, she provides specific advice tied to particular conditions / symptoms.
In particular, I think the sections that discuss different kinds of hormone treatments are extremely informative. Prior to reading this, if my doctor had recommended hormones, I would have had no idea that I even ought to ask the question "exactly what kind?" If hormone therapy is something you are considering, reading (the relevant sections of) this book will be a great investment.
I also appreciate that her recommendations for supplements are very detailed and specific -- although the sheer quantity of supplements and other dietary recommendations was a bit overwhelming for me. For me personally, it's hard to know where to start, or what to prioritize.
Now to the negative: Although I do accept that attitude and emotion, and certainly stress level, are interdependent with physical health, there can be a fine line between saying "it's important to take care of all aspects of yourself" and saying "if you get sick, it's your fault because you're not dealing with your shit". I'm afraid in my reading, Dr Northrup is way over that line. In particular, having several friends who have had breast cancer, it infuriates me to read statements that imply that it was caused by repressed emotion or lack of self-care.
I will admit that, although I want to be open-minded, in a medical context it is easier for me to accept statements that sound like science rather than mysticism. I experienced rather profound mental whiplash when (for instance) reading a detailed description of the physiology of iodine processing, then turn the page and read "the most important thing to remember about iodine is that it is linked with the fifth chakra" (paraphrasing, because I'm too lazy to find the page, but I know the phrase "the most important" was in there).
So, overall: If you are sensitive to suggestions of victim-blaming, particularly regarding breast cancer, you may need to avoid this book. If you are looking for details on hormone therapy options and alternatives, it's a great resource. For other menopausal concerns, it's potentially a good resource, if you can add enough salt for your own taste.
July 15, 2018
This book is a combination of science-based medicine and a whole lot of new age hogwash and naturopathic crap. As soon as a medical doctor talked about astrology and her body being influenced by the planets, she’s lost all credibility to me. And even if you took her advice seriously, it’s way too confusing to figure out what to do based on a dozen random recommendations about what could be wrong. Save your time and money.
April 2, 2015
When I pick up a book by an M.D. I expect fact based, peer-reviewed, science. Dr. Northrup does not deliver on that. In the opening chapter she writes about fibroids being caused by blocked creative energy or repressed emotions about my mother. I stopped there.
February 18, 2016
When I complained to my doctor that there are no "Growing and Changing Me" classes for women approaching menopause, she recommended this book. I found it to be very informative and inspiring.
Northrup sees menopause as a series of changes designed to turn us away from the other-focused, other-nurturing phase of our lives (largely caused by the hormones that kick in at puberty) and toward a phase of life that will help us live out our own passions and dreams. She mixes "you-go-girl" style inspiration with detailed, well-researched medical information. (She cites lots of studies in well-respected journals, at least.) Occasionally, she dips into astrology and other ideas that are a little too woo-woo for my taste. But these are the exception. Lots of the intuitive psychology (for lack of a better term) seemed right on to me, and the medical advice and information seemed balanced and sound.
If you're able to look past a bit of the woo-woo (which, I realize, I may be able to do more easily than some), this is a useful guide for the perimenopausal.
Northrup sees menopause as a series of changes designed to turn us away from the other-focused, other-nurturing phase of our lives (largely caused by the hormones that kick in at puberty) and toward a phase of life that will help us live out our own passions and dreams. She mixes "you-go-girl" style inspiration with detailed, well-researched medical information. (She cites lots of studies in well-respected journals, at least.) Occasionally, she dips into astrology and other ideas that are a little too woo-woo for my taste. But these are the exception. Lots of the intuitive psychology (for lack of a better term) seemed right on to me, and the medical advice and information seemed balanced and sound.
If you're able to look past a bit of the woo-woo (which, I realize, I may be able to do more easily than some), this is a useful guide for the perimenopausal.
November 24, 2022
I found out about the book on Facebook, on a post, where the person was sharing about the hot flashes they were suffering from and possibly night sweats that were unbearable. one of the friends posted about this book, and the author's name. Therefore, I wanted to check it out.
It is a menopause-Bible or encyclopedia, over 800 pages. About 200 or so pages are notes, references, etc. You can select the areas of choice than reading the book to its entirety since some parts did not pertain to my current health-related concerns. I focused on the fibroids, hysterectomy, and perimenopause or pre-menopause. Regardless of agreeing or respectfully disagreeing with some things after tons of research, you can still find some things to put into practice or take action for your body.
The author admits she had gotten an hysterectomy for a fibroid that was not even bothering her, and took her ovaries too at 45 yrs old. She did grief, let go, and completed the process to move on. Either have surgery or not. "Many women who chose surgery were convinced that they'd be better off with a hysterectomy, 341." This is exactly what I have been going through with many of the female and male doctors who are not of my race especially, and one doctor and her nurse tried to also convince me it would be best due to large fibroid stretched my uterus.
Cut the energic cord that anchors the fibroid, 328.
body--creative energy.
Digestion changes, bloating more and avoid antacid (which used to be the solution when I was young) now learning diet, exercise, drink more water, and natural options to cleanse
Pelvic health
"Goal should be to exercise 5-6 days a week for at least 30 min. Walking is fine, true fitness includes strength, flexibility, and endurance, so activities should have all three. Weight training builds lean muscle mass; increase strength and also metabolic rate. Yoga for flexibility. Aerobics increase endurance. Decrease insulin and blood sugar levels to get more leeway in your diet ,711 (paraphrased, shortened)."
Library book
It is a menopause-Bible or encyclopedia, over 800 pages. About 200 or so pages are notes, references, etc. You can select the areas of choice than reading the book to its entirety since some parts did not pertain to my current health-related concerns. I focused on the fibroids, hysterectomy, and perimenopause or pre-menopause. Regardless of agreeing or respectfully disagreeing with some things after tons of research, you can still find some things to put into practice or take action for your body.
The author admits she had gotten an hysterectomy for a fibroid that was not even bothering her, and took her ovaries too at 45 yrs old. She did grief, let go, and completed the process to move on. Either have surgery or not. "Many women who chose surgery were convinced that they'd be better off with a hysterectomy, 341." This is exactly what I have been going through with many of the female and male doctors who are not of my race especially, and one doctor and her nurse tried to also convince me it would be best due to large fibroid stretched my uterus.
Cut the energic cord that anchors the fibroid, 328.
body--creative energy.
Digestion changes, bloating more and avoid antacid (which used to be the solution when I was young) now learning diet, exercise, drink more water, and natural options to cleanse
Pelvic health
"Goal should be to exercise 5-6 days a week for at least 30 min. Walking is fine, true fitness includes strength, flexibility, and endurance, so activities should have all three. Weight training builds lean muscle mass; increase strength and also metabolic rate. Yoga for flexibility. Aerobics increase endurance. Decrease insulin and blood sugar levels to get more leeway in your diet ,711 (paraphrased, shortened)."
Library book
September 16, 2012
I'm loving this book, and there IS wisdom in listening to what our bodies are telling us. My mother used to always say, "thank God for that time of the month, otherwise we'd never clear the air of those things that bother us all month long, but during that time, we have had enough to speak up." Basically, this book says the same is true of menopause. Things become crystal clear. We must either listen to our bodies, and grow, or hold it all in, and die. This can be in dead-end jobs, life-sucking relationships, etc. So, I do see wisdom in this book, so far.
However, a caution for me is that the author decided her health meant she had to divorce her husband, and a friend helped her get into tarrot cards. Those things just do not fit into my world view.
Not sure how much more reading I will do, but hoping to find some helpful nuggets of truth for perimenopause, but regardless, my wedding vows are "till death do us part, for better or for worse, in sickness and in health, for richer or for poorer." It is a covenant. And tarrot cards are not to be tampered with. That's witchcraft.
So, that's all I can tell you at this point. On page 26. Chose to NOT finish this book.
However, a caution for me is that the author decided her health meant she had to divorce her husband, and a friend helped her get into tarrot cards. Those things just do not fit into my world view.
Not sure how much more reading I will do, but hoping to find some helpful nuggets of truth for perimenopause, but regardless, my wedding vows are "till death do us part, for better or for worse, in sickness and in health, for richer or for poorer." It is a covenant. And tarrot cards are not to be tampered with. That's witchcraft.
So, that's all I can tell you at this point. On page 26. Chose to NOT finish this book.
August 17, 2018
I was quite turned away by the author’s presumption that stuffed/unaddressed emotion contributes to hormonal imbalance. To me that is victim-blaming. I’ve always known exactly what my emotions are. I’ve never stuffed a single one. They are all addressed. If you don’t believe me, ask me therapist. Still, with all the addressing and knowing and unpacking, I struggle tremendously with PMDD; and let me tell you, perimenopause is kicking me right in the vulva right now. I don’t appreciate the implication that my emotional pain is attributed to my mental resistance. It’s simply not true.
The author consistently references how unresolved issues of Self show up as physical maladies. Convenient and poetic, to be sure, but if true would mean that those who are self-aware and constantly reaching toward evolution will never be ill or perish. Well that would be a dream!
I tried to forge ahead but her credibility continued to wane like a crescent moon illuminating a twice-pulled inverted Aardvark medicine card.
If perimenopause is teaching me anything, it is not to waste time on drivel. Girl, bye.
The author consistently references how unresolved issues of Self show up as physical maladies. Convenient and poetic, to be sure, but if true would mean that those who are self-aware and constantly reaching toward evolution will never be ill or perish. Well that would be a dream!
I tried to forge ahead but her credibility continued to wane like a crescent moon illuminating a twice-pulled inverted Aardvark medicine card.
If perimenopause is teaching me anything, it is not to waste time on drivel. Girl, bye.
January 10, 2009
This is a woman's MUST HAVE!! I read it when it first came on the market and continue to use it as a reference book. I can't tell you how many times I've recommended this to my clients.
If you don't own a copy, get one immediately!
If you don't own a copy, get one immediately!
November 24, 2010
Love Christiane Northrup....She's like a friend who has ALL of the answers. And not just any answer, ones backed up by research and personal experience.
April 7, 2018
Easy to read explanation, encouraging and sensible advice. But such a big book! Too big to read in bed!
June 30, 2020
There’s more to menopause than you think
The Wisdom of Menopause is essential reading for every woman nearing menopause. Whether you are just on the approach to this stage of life or are deep in the throes of chaotic bleeding, hot flushes or night sweats. It’s also invaluable for post-menopausal women who struggled with the change. If this is you, it will enable you to look retrospectively at what happened and to understand why.
Convention has it that the menopause phase begins when our periods and menstrual cycles start to change. This might be heavier or lighter bleeding, more frequent periods, or skipping one or more. However, as Christiane eloquently explains, there is far more to it than that.
First signs
The first signs can begin several years before physical changes with subtle shifts in our thoughts and emotions. You may find you’re less patient, really need time and space to yourself and start questioning what you are doing with your life. If you’ve ever wondered “What the hell is going on with my hormones?” then Christiane will answer that for you. If you’re not sure where you brain has gone, she’ll also answer that.
A new beginning
The slowly-changing cultural backdrop we live in is that menopause is the beginning of the end of a woman’s life. Christiane makes it perfectly clear that this is simply untrue. With life expectancy for Western women now being eighty-something, we have at least thirty more years of life to look forward to.
By warmly and openly sharing her own experiences and plenty of stories from other women she shows there is hope on the other side of the turmoil.
There is no denying that this is an extremely unsettling stage in life for some women. She reassures us that this is normal. Our brains are re-wired and the way in which we relate to ourselves, others and the world can shift dramatically. It’s a transformative process in which our lives to-date are re-evaluated. Parts of them may fall away and be replaced by a new direction.
“The woman in menopause, who is becoming the queen of herself, finds herself at a crossroads of life, torn between the old way she has always known and a new way she has just begun to dream of. A voice from the old way … begs her to stay in place … But from the new path another voice beckons, imploring her to explore aspects of herself that have been dormant during her years of caring for others and focusing on their needs.” – Christiane Northrup
Life and health advice
This book is wide in its breadth covering all aspects of our lives. It looks at our own power, relationships of all kinds, money, work, children and no children. There’s information and options for all the health issues that may arise at this time of life, including heavy bleeding, fibroids, urinary stress incontinence, poor sleep and breast cancer.
Christiane disentangles fact from fiction by explaining which are related to menopause and which are not.
She debunks the myth that ageing is inevitable. Many of the declines we associate with getting older are nothing of the sort and can be avoided.
Advice is given on maintaining a happy sex life, and reducing the risks of osteoporosis, heart disease and Alzheimer’s in later life.
Truly holistic
Christiane is one of those rare and precious teachers who genuinely advises holistically. Many teachers cover either Western or Eastern approaches yet neither extreme holds the answers. The Western approach treats our body in separate parts and solely as a machine. The Eastern traditions were developed for other cultures and another time. So can quite often be unhelpful for our lifestyles and psyches in the west in the twenty first century.
Being a fully trained and experienced medical doctor, Christiane understands Western medicine. She explains fully the benefits and risks of pharmaceutical drugs (including Hormone Replacement Therapy) and surgery, like hysterectomy.
Yet she also knows that health is about more than individual parts of our anatomy functioning well. She has long-since been aware of the importance of movement and exercise, healthy eating and supplements. She understands the intimate connection between our minds and emotions and our physical health so brings in psychotherapy. She knows the value of the Eastern approach that our bodies are partly energy so she covers energy medicine too – disease can result when it’s not flowing properly.
In writing The Wisdom of Menopause Christiane presents robust, clear information on almost all options to enable women to make a fully informed decision. (The main therapy that strikes me as absent is homeopathy. You will need to look elsewhere for information on that, or better still, consult a qualified homeopath.)
Be aware of these
Every author (indeed every human being) can only write from their own perspective. Christiane was a Baby Boomer whereas I am a Generation Xer. Personally I couldn’t relate to some of her experiences. Because thankfully her generation had already changed them for the better by the time my generation came along. This does not detract from the usefulness of the book as the same principles that applied to her, apply to all generations.
The Wisdom of Menopause was last updated in 2012. The world of science moves so fast that some of the studies about the available options have been superseded by more recent research (e.g. hormone replacement therapy). As Christiane is based in the United States, information covers what’s available there, which may be different to other countries. This is easily fixed by an internet search of reliable websites to find out the latest facts and what is available where you live. Or you can check with an unbiased health professional, preferably one who specialises in the menopause.
You’ll love this
If you love understanding how the body works, then this book will fascinate you. Christiane explains scientific research in plain English. If you don’t like this level of detail you can easily skip over it and you will still find the book invaluable.
You’ll love this book if you are looking for support for your menopause. It will enable you to weigh up the pros and cons of the options available. It will inspire you to do the many things that you can do to help yourself.
It will also suit you if want reassurance that the physical, mental or emotional chaos you are going through is a normal part of this transition phase. And that it will end.
Always writing with realism and compassion, Christiane will provide you with a multitude of ways to navigate through the difficulties. She shows you how to come out the other side, not only healthy and well, but thriving.
The Wisdom of Menopause is essential reading for every woman nearing menopause. Whether you are just on the approach to this stage of life or are deep in the throes of chaotic bleeding, hot flushes or night sweats. It’s also invaluable for post-menopausal women who struggled with the change. If this is you, it will enable you to look retrospectively at what happened and to understand why.
Convention has it that the menopause phase begins when our periods and menstrual cycles start to change. This might be heavier or lighter bleeding, more frequent periods, or skipping one or more. However, as Christiane eloquently explains, there is far more to it than that.
First signs
The first signs can begin several years before physical changes with subtle shifts in our thoughts and emotions. You may find you’re less patient, really need time and space to yourself and start questioning what you are doing with your life. If you’ve ever wondered “What the hell is going on with my hormones?” then Christiane will answer that for you. If you’re not sure where you brain has gone, she’ll also answer that.
A new beginning
The slowly-changing cultural backdrop we live in is that menopause is the beginning of the end of a woman’s life. Christiane makes it perfectly clear that this is simply untrue. With life expectancy for Western women now being eighty-something, we have at least thirty more years of life to look forward to.
By warmly and openly sharing her own experiences and plenty of stories from other women she shows there is hope on the other side of the turmoil.
There is no denying that this is an extremely unsettling stage in life for some women. She reassures us that this is normal. Our brains are re-wired and the way in which we relate to ourselves, others and the world can shift dramatically. It’s a transformative process in which our lives to-date are re-evaluated. Parts of them may fall away and be replaced by a new direction.
“The woman in menopause, who is becoming the queen of herself, finds herself at a crossroads of life, torn between the old way she has always known and a new way she has just begun to dream of. A voice from the old way … begs her to stay in place … But from the new path another voice beckons, imploring her to explore aspects of herself that have been dormant during her years of caring for others and focusing on their needs.” – Christiane Northrup
Life and health advice
This book is wide in its breadth covering all aspects of our lives. It looks at our own power, relationships of all kinds, money, work, children and no children. There’s information and options for all the health issues that may arise at this time of life, including heavy bleeding, fibroids, urinary stress incontinence, poor sleep and breast cancer.
Christiane disentangles fact from fiction by explaining which are related to menopause and which are not.
She debunks the myth that ageing is inevitable. Many of the declines we associate with getting older are nothing of the sort and can be avoided.
Advice is given on maintaining a happy sex life, and reducing the risks of osteoporosis, heart disease and Alzheimer’s in later life.
Truly holistic
Christiane is one of those rare and precious teachers who genuinely advises holistically. Many teachers cover either Western or Eastern approaches yet neither extreme holds the answers. The Western approach treats our body in separate parts and solely as a machine. The Eastern traditions were developed for other cultures and another time. So can quite often be unhelpful for our lifestyles and psyches in the west in the twenty first century.
Being a fully trained and experienced medical doctor, Christiane understands Western medicine. She explains fully the benefits and risks of pharmaceutical drugs (including Hormone Replacement Therapy) and surgery, like hysterectomy.
Yet she also knows that health is about more than individual parts of our anatomy functioning well. She has long-since been aware of the importance of movement and exercise, healthy eating and supplements. She understands the intimate connection between our minds and emotions and our physical health so brings in psychotherapy. She knows the value of the Eastern approach that our bodies are partly energy so she covers energy medicine too – disease can result when it’s not flowing properly.
In writing The Wisdom of Menopause Christiane presents robust, clear information on almost all options to enable women to make a fully informed decision. (The main therapy that strikes me as absent is homeopathy. You will need to look elsewhere for information on that, or better still, consult a qualified homeopath.)
Be aware of these
Every author (indeed every human being) can only write from their own perspective. Christiane was a Baby Boomer whereas I am a Generation Xer. Personally I couldn’t relate to some of her experiences. Because thankfully her generation had already changed them for the better by the time my generation came along. This does not detract from the usefulness of the book as the same principles that applied to her, apply to all generations.
The Wisdom of Menopause was last updated in 2012. The world of science moves so fast that some of the studies about the available options have been superseded by more recent research (e.g. hormone replacement therapy). As Christiane is based in the United States, information covers what’s available there, which may be different to other countries. This is easily fixed by an internet search of reliable websites to find out the latest facts and what is available where you live. Or you can check with an unbiased health professional, preferably one who specialises in the menopause.
You’ll love this
If you love understanding how the body works, then this book will fascinate you. Christiane explains scientific research in plain English. If you don’t like this level of detail you can easily skip over it and you will still find the book invaluable.
You’ll love this book if you are looking for support for your menopause. It will enable you to weigh up the pros and cons of the options available. It will inspire you to do the many things that you can do to help yourself.
It will also suit you if want reassurance that the physical, mental or emotional chaos you are going through is a normal part of this transition phase. And that it will end.
Always writing with realism and compassion, Christiane will provide you with a multitude of ways to navigate through the difficulties. She shows you how to come out the other side, not only healthy and well, but thriving.
December 2, 2017
As I read through this book, my initial excitement of finding something that described my constellation of body issues/events abated. I found the outdated information on weight and BMI index and contradictory information about carbs, etc. to be frustrating. This is a personal thing but the book assumes a different relationship to physicians and medical care than most people have-- if you have an HMO or use the NHS doctors will not be willing to work with you if you just want a comprehensive check up or hormone check unless you are in crisis and then only the most myopic approach will be used. This is not so much a criticism of the book as of the current state of the NHS and healthcare in the UK/US. Increasingly I felt I was reading a book for privileged baby-boomers who could afford a gold standard of care, not for me. When I was younger, I could entertain this body-mind connection idea, but now that I have been ambushed by intersecting chronic conditions, no amount of "well thinking" alone is going to set this right, no matter how many Positive Metal Attitude turnaround examples I read. This book is very helpful for dietary supplements and an overview of symptoms, etc. Many parts-- like the "midlife beauty" sections, etc. can be glossed over completely.
January 13, 2018
Although I have officially finished reading this book, slowly and carefully noting advice and tips for this stage of my life, The Wisdom of Menopause is the kind of resource book that will have to be pulled from the shelf frequently for reminders about so many health issues related to this period of time. As well as recommending this book to all, I'm curious about Christiane Northrup's other book, Mother-Daughter Wisdom. I'm sure it's equally full of guidance and healing.
December 16, 2019
DNF - Sadly, like most books for women, this is geared towards women who were married and had children who want to "free" themselves from the burden of their husband and children. Clearly, women who are single, and/or didn't have children (!!!!) don't have as much to worry about with menapause - we'll just keep on trucking in our happy-go-lucky lives, hopefully not regretting our bad life choices that brought us to this point in life.
November 8, 2021
This was a great book for me to read to prepare for the inevitable journey ahead. I loved that the emphasis was less on the physical symptoms of menopause but more on how menopause changes women in mind, body, and spirit. It was nice to hear somebody speak frankly about something that nobody seems to want to talk about. It also provided some great insights into peri-menopause and the way my family dynamics are shifting.
December 24, 2018
4.5 stars. Rounding up because this is a truly fantastic book and well-written book.
HIGHLY recommend for those women "d'une certaine age."--any woman who is Peri-Menopausal or who is Menopausal, or any Ob/Gyn or Primary Doctor. This is THE PERFECT GIFT for any woman you know who is turning 51.
(I would say turning 50, but that is such a traumatic birthday that I wouldn't risk it. On a woman's 50th, you give her the gift of telling her how beautiful she is and how she doesn't look 50 and looks more like 42 and how important she is to you, and if there is a party, make sure SHE is the center of attention and have as many people as possible give her accolades and charming non-age related gifts like fabulous jewelry, wine, art, Brand name accessories, expensive chocolates and don't leave her alone for even a second).
Back to this book:
Christiane--the way she writes, she makes the reader feel like you are on first name basis--is a remarkable woman and physician. She is so darn likeable, that where another author might have you rolling your eyes, she has you smiling fondly, as if at a beloved, albeit ditzy relative.
She is incredibly intelligent and for the most part, this is well-written and easy to read and understand, but not at all boring, even for those of us that are physicians. I was impressed at what a fantastic job she does describing complicated things like strokes, heart disease, cancer, hormones. This is not easy stuff and i learned a lot--seeing these topics from a fresh and new perspective.
Christiane intersperses her advice about supplements, hormone replacement therapy, diet, exercise with her own change-of-life drama involving a messy divorce from a super-hot surgeon to whom she'd been with for a quarter century. This book is really her autobiography. She describes her Empty Nest depression, chest pains, and everything she went through to emerge stronger and more content as a fifty-something single woman with young adult daughters.
How to read this book: I started with page 1 and pretty much read the 600 plus page book over a month in a half in order--I did skip ahead to the chapter on weight gain/weight loss.
I recommend NOT reading this entire book in order--the first chapter is super easy/fun, after that, I would read the things that interest YOU in particular and use the rest for reference, flipping through and seeing what jumps out at you.
There is a lot of good information in this book--and also some things that Christiane believes but most health professionals do not. For example, she has a negative opinion on statin drugs and most doctors (including the undersigned) are Pro-Lipitor. Christiane gives the impression that Red Yeast Rice and Fish Oil Capsules are better than statins with fewer side effects which gives me a Major Face Palm Headache.
She is Pro-Bioidentical Hormones, which are more expensive and harder to obtain than the others, and there is no evidence (no REAL evidence) that Bioidentical HT (hormone therapy) is superior.
She is Anti-Mammogram, which also is problematic for me--what she says is a valid viewpoint, but she says it a little too often and vehemently.
Occasionally, not that often, there are mentions of Tarot Cards, Magnets, and Past Lives, and advice such as "unplug all your lamps at night before you go to bed" apparently so that the electromagnetic field from appliances don't do something bad to your brain or body. You find yourself thinking, "what a bunch of hooey....so your lights don't work when you get up to use the bathroom and you fall and break your hip stumbling in the dark or you hurt your back bending over behind the nightstand or shock yourself plugging and unplugging shit constantly"
And then you move on to the next paragraph, where there is fabulous advice about HOW to reduce stress and get healthy that is spot-on and makes total logical sense and resonates.
Also, because she got a divorce, she hints that maybe you, the reader, should do the same--let's all have one, shall we??!! You THINK your marriage is fine, but isn't that annoying man a drag on your womanly freedom and essence? He is always throwing his stinky socks on the floor upsetting the Feng Shui of the Bedroom. Doesn't he get in the WAY of you chasing your dreams of self-actualization? Doesn't he hate your cat? Doesn't he completely disrupt your Me-Time with his endless demands for your attention and affection?
(Well maybe, but that doesn't mean i want to shit-can his ass. He's a Good Egg, he's sweet to me and I'd rather have him than a 100 girlfriends or some other guy).
My point is: this IS a fabulous book but be choosy about which advice you take to heart.
Be discriminating.
What i liked the best was:
1. Christiane does a splendid job of describing the Mind-Body connection.
i feel i am a better doctor and can help my patients more after reading this.
2. Her message is that getting old is actually O.K. and even exciting and fun.
3. There are TONS of suggestions in here for you to try out--and as she says, you can't do them all, choose what makes sense in your particular life for you personally.
4. This book is full of HOPE for the future.
HIGHLY recommend this.
HIGHLY recommend for those women "d'une certaine age."--any woman who is Peri-Menopausal or who is Menopausal, or any Ob/Gyn or Primary Doctor. This is THE PERFECT GIFT for any woman you know who is turning 51.
(I would say turning 50, but that is such a traumatic birthday that I wouldn't risk it. On a woman's 50th, you give her the gift of telling her how beautiful she is and how she doesn't look 50 and looks more like 42 and how important she is to you, and if there is a party, make sure SHE is the center of attention and have as many people as possible give her accolades and charming non-age related gifts like fabulous jewelry, wine, art, Brand name accessories, expensive chocolates and don't leave her alone for even a second).
Back to this book:
Christiane--the way she writes, she makes the reader feel like you are on first name basis--is a remarkable woman and physician. She is so darn likeable, that where another author might have you rolling your eyes, she has you smiling fondly, as if at a beloved, albeit ditzy relative.
She is incredibly intelligent and for the most part, this is well-written and easy to read and understand, but not at all boring, even for those of us that are physicians. I was impressed at what a fantastic job she does describing complicated things like strokes, heart disease, cancer, hormones. This is not easy stuff and i learned a lot--seeing these topics from a fresh and new perspective.
Christiane intersperses her advice about supplements, hormone replacement therapy, diet, exercise with her own change-of-life drama involving a messy divorce from a super-hot surgeon to whom she'd been with for a quarter century. This book is really her autobiography. She describes her Empty Nest depression, chest pains, and everything she went through to emerge stronger and more content as a fifty-something single woman with young adult daughters.
How to read this book: I started with page 1 and pretty much read the 600 plus page book over a month in a half in order--I did skip ahead to the chapter on weight gain/weight loss.
I recommend NOT reading this entire book in order--the first chapter is super easy/fun, after that, I would read the things that interest YOU in particular and use the rest for reference, flipping through and seeing what jumps out at you.
There is a lot of good information in this book--and also some things that Christiane believes but most health professionals do not. For example, she has a negative opinion on statin drugs and most doctors (including the undersigned) are Pro-Lipitor. Christiane gives the impression that Red Yeast Rice and Fish Oil Capsules are better than statins with fewer side effects which gives me a Major Face Palm Headache.
She is Pro-Bioidentical Hormones, which are more expensive and harder to obtain than the others, and there is no evidence (no REAL evidence) that Bioidentical HT (hormone therapy) is superior.
She is Anti-Mammogram, which also is problematic for me--what she says is a valid viewpoint, but she says it a little too often and vehemently.
Occasionally, not that often, there are mentions of Tarot Cards, Magnets, and Past Lives, and advice such as "unplug all your lamps at night before you go to bed" apparently so that the electromagnetic field from appliances don't do something bad to your brain or body. You find yourself thinking, "what a bunch of hooey....so your lights don't work when you get up to use the bathroom and you fall and break your hip stumbling in the dark or you hurt your back bending over behind the nightstand or shock yourself plugging and unplugging shit constantly"
And then you move on to the next paragraph, where there is fabulous advice about HOW to reduce stress and get healthy that is spot-on and makes total logical sense and resonates.
Also, because she got a divorce, she hints that maybe you, the reader, should do the same--let's all have one, shall we??!! You THINK your marriage is fine, but isn't that annoying man a drag on your womanly freedom and essence? He is always throwing his stinky socks on the floor upsetting the Feng Shui of the Bedroom. Doesn't he get in the WAY of you chasing your dreams of self-actualization? Doesn't he hate your cat? Doesn't he completely disrupt your Me-Time with his endless demands for your attention and affection?
(Well maybe, but that doesn't mean i want to shit-can his ass. He's a Good Egg, he's sweet to me and I'd rather have him than a 100 girlfriends or some other guy).
My point is: this IS a fabulous book but be choosy about which advice you take to heart.
Be discriminating.
What i liked the best was:
1. Christiane does a splendid job of describing the Mind-Body connection.
i feel i am a better doctor and can help my patients more after reading this.
2. Her message is that getting old is actually O.K. and even exciting and fun.
3. There are TONS of suggestions in here for you to try out--and as she says, you can't do them all, choose what makes sense in your particular life for you personally.
4. This book is full of HOPE for the future.
HIGHLY recommend this.
July 30, 2021
I was originally engaged in this book until Christiane Northrup identified herself as an anti vaccinator and covid denier. I then determined that anyone who positioned themselves like this was someone I could no longer trust. I’m burning her book.
July 10, 2016
I'm at that point in life when I need to learn all I can about what is happening or going to happen...
March 20, 2010
This book is a godsend for anyone going through perimenopause or menopause. Christiane Northrup writes an easy to understand book with a wealth of information.
Read
July 14, 2021Why did I buy this in my early 30s I have no idea. Still not
She’s gone complete quack.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christi...
She’s gone complete quack.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christi...
April 20, 2015
menopausal changes change us from nutures to independent women
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 11, 2017
"A menopausa é a encruzilhada na estrada, onde um lado diz "cresce" e o outro diz "morre". A menopausa, como o outono, é uma janela aberta".
November 12, 2018
It is no secret that relationship crises are a common side effect of menopause .Usually is attributed to the crazy-making effects of the hormonal shifts occurring woman's body at this time of transition . what is rarely acknowledged or understood is that as these hormone-driven changes affect the brain ,they give a woman a sharper eye for inequity and injustice , and a voice that insists on speaking up about them . In other words , they uncover hidden wisdom-and the courage to voice it . As the vision-obscuring veil created by the hormones of reproduction begins to lift, a woman's youthful fire and spirit are often rekindled , together with long-sublimated desires and creative drives . Midlife fuels those drives with a volcanic energy that demands an outlet .
If it does not find an outlet-if the woman remains silent for the sake of keeping the peace at home or work, or if she holds herself back from pursuing her creative urges and desires-the result is equivalent to plugging the vent on a pressure cooker : something has to give . Very often what gives is the woman's health , and the result will be one or more of the "big three"diseases of postmenopausal women : heart disease, depression, and breast cancer .
" പുരുഷനാണോ സ്ത്രീയാണോ വലുത് ...? ഈ ചോദ്യം എന്നോടാണേൽ ഞാനൊരു സംശയവും കൂടാതെ പറയും സ്ത്രീയാണെന്ന് ,അതൊരു അമ്മ കൂടിയാണെങ്കിൽ ഏറെ മഹത്വമുള്ളവളായിരിക്കും എന്റെ മനസ്സിൽ " .
വളരെ സങ്കീർണ്ണമായ ഒരു ഘടനയാണ് സ്ത്രീശരീരവും മനസും ,അവർക്ക് കടന്നു പോകേണ്ടി വരുന്ന അവസ്ഥകളും ഏറെകുറെ അങ്ങിനെയൊക്കെ തന്നെയാണ് .
ആർത്തവത്തെപ്പറ്റി വിപുലമായ ഒരുപാട് ചർച്ചകൾ നടക്കുന്ന ഇക്കാലത്ത് ,പ്രശസ്തരായ പല വ്യക്തികളും , സാഹിത്യകാരികളുo മറ്റും ആർത്തവരക്തപുരണ്ട വസ്ത്രങ്ങളും മറ്റും പ്രദർശിപ്പിക്കുകയും ചെയ്യുന്നതും കണ്ടിട്ടുണ്ട് .
CHRISTIANE NORTHRUP ,M .D . -
എഴുതിയ -The Wisdom of Menopause , എന്ന ഈ പുസ്തകം 'മധ്യവയസ്സിലെത്തിയ സ്ത്രീത്വത്തിന്റെ ബൈബിൾ ' എന്നാണ് വിശേഷിപ്പിക്കപ്പെട്ടിരിക്കുന്നത് .
എങ്കിലും കുടുംബം എന്ന ഘടനയുടെ മുഖ്യഘടകം സ്ത്രീകളായിരിക്കുമ്പോൾ (അങ്ങിനെയാണ് എന്റെ വിശ്വാസം) അവർക്കുണ്ടാകുന്ന unbalance മുഴുവൻ കുടുംബത്തെയും ബാധിക്കുന്നു എന്നതുകൊണ്ടുതന്നെ,എന്റെ അഭിപ്രായത്തിൽ പുരുഷന്മാർക്കും ഈ പുസ്തകത്തിന്റെ വായന ഒഴിച്ചുകൂടാനാവാത്തതാണ്.
Menopause - ആർത്തവിരാമം - എന്ന അവസ്ഥയിലൂടെ കടന്നു പോകേണ്ടി വരുമ്പോൾ സ്ത്രീകൾക്കുണ്ടാകുന്ന ,മാനസികവും ,ശാരീരികവും ആയ മാറ്റങ്ങളെയും ,വിഷമതകളെയും കുറിച്ചുള്ള വിപുലവും , വിശദവുമായ പഠനമാണ് ഈ ഗ്രന്ഥം .
1 - Menopause puts Life Under a Microscope
2-The Brain Cathes Fire at Menopause
3-Coming Home to your self : From Dependence to Healthy Autonomy
4-This can't Be Menopause , Can It ? The Physical Foundation of the Change
5-Hormone Therapy: An Individual Choice
6-Foods and Supplements to Support the change
7 -The Menopause Food Plan : A program to Balance Your Hormones and Prevent Middle-Age Spread
8-Creating Pelvic Health and Power
9-Sex and Menopause: Myths and Reality
10-Nuturing Your Brain: Sleep , Mood, and Memory
11-From Rosebud to Rose Hip: Cultivating Midlife Beauty
12 - Standing Tall for Life: Building Healthy Bones
13-Creating Breast Health
14- Living with Heart : Passion , Joy : How to Listen to and Love Your Midlife Heart
മുകളിൽ കൊടുത്തിരിക്കുന്ന പതിനാല് അദ്ധ്യായങ്ങളില്ലടെ ,Menopause ,Premenopause എന്നീ അവസ്ഥകളെ പരിശോധിക്കുകയും ,മനസ്സിലാക്കുകയും അതിനെ തുടർന്നു വരുന്ന പ്രശ്നങ്ങൾക്കൊക്കെയും വിശദീകരണങ്ങളുo ഫലപ്രദമായ മാർഗനിർദ്ധേശങ്ങളുo നൽകുകയും ചെയ്യുന്നു ഈ പുസ്തകത്തിലൂടെ ഗ്രന്ഥകർത്താവ് .
തനിക്കുമുന്നിൽ ചികിത്സകൾക്കായി കടന്നു വരുന്ന സ്ത്രീകളിലും ,അവർതന്നെ കടന്നുപോയ അവസ്ഥകളിലൂടെയും ,പലവിധ റിസർച്ചുകളിലൂടെയും അവർ കണ്ടെത്തിയ പഠനങ്ങൾ ഉൾക്കൊള്ളുന്ന ഈ പുസ്തകം ഈ രീതിയിലുള്ള വിഷയങ്ങളെ അധികരിച്ച് എഴുതിയ 10 പുസ്തകങ്ങളിൽ മോശമല്ലാത്ത സ്ഥാനം ഉറപ്പിക്കും എന്നതിന് ഈ പുസ്തകത്തിന്റെ വായനയിലൂടെ കടന്നു പോകുമ്പോൾ എനിക്കു തോന്നുന്നു .
with this trusted resource, Dr. Christiane Northrup shows that women can make menopause a time of Personal empowerment-emerging wiser , healthier , and stronger in both mind and body than ever-before .
If it does not find an outlet-if the woman remains silent for the sake of keeping the peace at home or work, or if she holds herself back from pursuing her creative urges and desires-the result is equivalent to plugging the vent on a pressure cooker : something has to give . Very often what gives is the woman's health , and the result will be one or more of the "big three"diseases of postmenopausal women : heart disease, depression, and breast cancer .
" പുരുഷനാണോ സ്ത്രീയാണോ വലുത് ...? ഈ ചോദ്യം എന്നോടാണേൽ ഞാനൊരു സംശയവും കൂടാതെ പറയും സ്ത്രീയാണെന്ന് ,അതൊരു അമ്മ കൂടിയാണെങ്കിൽ ഏറെ മഹത്വമുള്ളവളായിരിക്കും എന്റെ മനസ്സിൽ " .
വളരെ സങ്കീർണ്ണമായ ഒരു ഘടനയാണ് സ്ത്രീശരീരവും മനസും ,അവർക്ക് കടന്നു പോകേണ്ടി വരുന്ന അവസ്ഥകളും ഏറെകുറെ അങ്ങിനെയൊക്കെ തന്നെയാണ് .
ആർത്തവത്തെപ്പറ്റി വിപുലമായ ഒരുപാട് ചർച്ചകൾ നടക്കുന്ന ഇക്കാലത്ത് ,പ്രശസ്തരായ പല വ്യക്തികളും , സാഹിത്യകാരികളുo മറ്റും ആർത്തവരക്തപുരണ്ട വസ്ത്രങ്ങളും മറ്റും പ്രദർശിപ്പിക്കുകയും ചെയ്യുന്നതും കണ്ടിട്ടുണ്ട് .
CHRISTIANE NORTHRUP ,M .D . -
എഴുതിയ -The Wisdom of Menopause , എന്ന ഈ പുസ്തകം 'മധ്യവയസ്സിലെത്തിയ സ്ത്രീത്വത്തിന്റെ ബൈബിൾ ' എന്നാണ് വിശേഷിപ്പിക്കപ്പെട്ടിരിക്കുന്നത് .
എങ്കിലും കുടുംബം എന്ന ഘടനയുടെ മുഖ്യഘടകം സ്ത്രീകളായിരിക്കുമ്പോൾ (അങ്ങിനെയാണ് എന്റെ വിശ്വാസം) അവർക്കുണ്ടാകുന്ന unbalance മുഴുവൻ കുടുംബത്തെയും ബാധിക്കുന്നു എന്നതുകൊണ്ടുതന്നെ,എന്റെ അഭിപ്രായത്തിൽ പുരുഷന്മാർക്കും ഈ പുസ്തകത്തിന്റെ വായന ഒഴിച്ചുകൂടാനാവാത്തതാണ്.
Menopause - ആർത്തവിരാമം - എന്ന അവസ്ഥയിലൂടെ കടന്നു പോകേണ്ടി വരുമ്പോൾ സ്ത്രീകൾക്കുണ്ടാകുന്ന ,മാനസികവും ,ശാരീരികവും ആയ മാറ്റങ്ങളെയും ,വിഷമതകളെയും കുറിച്ചുള്ള വിപുലവും , വിശദവുമായ പഠനമാണ് ഈ ഗ്രന്ഥം .
1 - Menopause puts Life Under a Microscope
2-The Brain Cathes Fire at Menopause
3-Coming Home to your self : From Dependence to Healthy Autonomy
4-This can't Be Menopause , Can It ? The Physical Foundation of the Change
5-Hormone Therapy: An Individual Choice
6-Foods and Supplements to Support the change
7 -The Menopause Food Plan : A program to Balance Your Hormones and Prevent Middle-Age Spread
8-Creating Pelvic Health and Power
9-Sex and Menopause: Myths and Reality
10-Nuturing Your Brain: Sleep , Mood, and Memory
11-From Rosebud to Rose Hip: Cultivating Midlife Beauty
12 - Standing Tall for Life: Building Healthy Bones
13-Creating Breast Health
14- Living with Heart : Passion , Joy : How to Listen to and Love Your Midlife Heart
മുകളിൽ കൊടുത്തിരിക്കുന്ന പതിനാല് അദ്ധ്യായങ്ങളില്ലടെ ,Menopause ,Premenopause എന്നീ അവസ്ഥകളെ പരിശോധിക്കുകയും ,മനസ്സിലാക്കുകയും അതിനെ തുടർന്നു വരുന്ന പ്രശ്നങ്ങൾക്കൊക്കെയും വിശദീകരണങ്ങളുo ഫലപ്രദമായ മാർഗനിർദ്ധേശങ്ങളുo നൽകുകയും ചെയ്യുന്നു ഈ പുസ്തകത്തിലൂടെ ഗ്രന്ഥകർത്താവ് .
തനിക്കുമുന്നിൽ ചികിത്സകൾക്കായി കടന്നു വരുന്ന സ്ത്രീകളിലും ,അവർതന്നെ കടന്നുപോയ അവസ്ഥകളിലൂടെയും ,പലവിധ റിസർച്ചുകളിലൂടെയും അവർ കണ്ടെത്തിയ പഠനങ്ങൾ ഉൾക്കൊള്ളുന്ന ഈ പുസ്തകം ഈ രീതിയിലുള്ള വിഷയങ്ങളെ അധികരിച്ച് എഴുതിയ 10 പുസ്തകങ്ങളിൽ മോശമല്ലാത്ത സ്ഥാനം ഉറപ്പിക്കും എന്നതിന് ഈ പുസ്തകത്തിന്റെ വായനയിലൂടെ കടന്നു പോകുമ്പോൾ എനിക്കു തോന്നുന്നു .
with this trusted resource, Dr. Christiane Northrup shows that women can make menopause a time of Personal empowerment-emerging wiser , healthier , and stronger in both mind and body than ever-before .
Read
May 29, 2024A friend my age recommended this book because it helped her understand why she was angry so much. I thought that would be super useful, so I requested it at the library. I’d heard that it was the Bible of menopause, but when it came, I was dismayed to discover that it’s just about as long as the Bible!
I did a heavy skim on this and found a lot of gems. My main takeaway is that our bodies try to tell us when we’re living in a way that’s harmful to us, and if we don’t listen during PMS, we get slammed with it during perimenopause. Most people treat the symptoms, but you really need to get to the root cause of where you’re not getting what you need in your life.
My other big takeaway is the idea that, during our reproductive years, we’re biologically wired to take care of everyone else and overlook anything that might threaten our ability to provide for our kids (ex., a husband being a jerk). But as we transition into the second half of our lives, we shift to being biologically wired to take care of ourselves, turn inward, be creative, unleash powerful wisdom and intuition.
Our culture is so screwed up on this topic. I had no idea there was anything good left in life after menopause at all. But a hormone mix that supports seeing through bullshit and not being a doormat? Yes please! Wisdom, intuition—bring it on!
When I got this book, I was still in a controlling relationship. The guy saw the book sitting on my table and made a snotty comment about it. But man, I fired him, and suddenly my body stuff really is a lot more harmonious! So fast! This lady is not kidding about your lifestyle, stresses, and bullshit being a big deal.
Notes
P. 54
I’m noting this because for years, I’ve disconnected from anger, and I want to make sure I’m not just hiding it or bottling it up. It does seem to have an easier time coming to the surface lately!
“Here are some situations from which anger arises, and the messages behind the anger:
“- Being unable to count on promises or commitments made to use (need for reassurance, honesty, and integrity in relationships)
“- Losing power, status, or respect (need for respect or recognition)
“- Being insulted, undermined, or diminished (need for respect or recognition)
“- Being threatened with physical or emotional pain (need for comfort, safety, intimacy, or healing touch)
“- Having an important or pleasurable event postponed or canceled to suit someone else’s convenience (Need for support, integrity, fun, joy, pleasure, or grieving)
“- Not obtaining something we feel should legitimately be ours (need for fairness or recognition)”
I did a heavy skim on this and found a lot of gems. My main takeaway is that our bodies try to tell us when we’re living in a way that’s harmful to us, and if we don’t listen during PMS, we get slammed with it during perimenopause. Most people treat the symptoms, but you really need to get to the root cause of where you’re not getting what you need in your life.
My other big takeaway is the idea that, during our reproductive years, we’re biologically wired to take care of everyone else and overlook anything that might threaten our ability to provide for our kids (ex., a husband being a jerk). But as we transition into the second half of our lives, we shift to being biologically wired to take care of ourselves, turn inward, be creative, unleash powerful wisdom and intuition.
Our culture is so screwed up on this topic. I had no idea there was anything good left in life after menopause at all. But a hormone mix that supports seeing through bullshit and not being a doormat? Yes please! Wisdom, intuition—bring it on!
When I got this book, I was still in a controlling relationship. The guy saw the book sitting on my table and made a snotty comment about it. But man, I fired him, and suddenly my body stuff really is a lot more harmonious! So fast! This lady is not kidding about your lifestyle, stresses, and bullshit being a big deal.
Notes
P. 54
I’m noting this because for years, I’ve disconnected from anger, and I want to make sure I’m not just hiding it or bottling it up. It does seem to have an easier time coming to the surface lately!
“Here are some situations from which anger arises, and the messages behind the anger:
“- Being unable to count on promises or commitments made to use (need for reassurance, honesty, and integrity in relationships)
“- Losing power, status, or respect (need for respect or recognition)
“- Being insulted, undermined, or diminished (need for respect or recognition)
“- Being threatened with physical or emotional pain (need for comfort, safety, intimacy, or healing touch)
“- Having an important or pleasurable event postponed or canceled to suit someone else’s convenience (Need for support, integrity, fun, joy, pleasure, or grieving)
“- Not obtaining something we feel should legitimately be ours (need for fairness or recognition)”
September 20, 2018
This book has a lot, a lot, a lotta information. It is not a quick read and I had to stop periodically to take a break in order to better digest what I was reading. I like the fact that she is an MD, but heavily subscribes to an alternative approach in all things health related. I did not like the fact, that because her divorce ended up resolving mental, emotional, and health issues for her, she seems to think that approach will help everyone. The subtle undertone I got early in the book was if you were manifesting various physical symptoms that you should question your marriage and consider leaving your mate. While I do believe there is a connection between the mental/emotional condition that will manifest physically I do not believe leaving your mate is always the answer. I'd also like to point out, she didn't have a choice, her husband left her. I also find it interesting that someone who is an MD with a background very anchored in science could be so hocus pocus focused. It was strange for her to be giving all this scientific background and medical explanation, then have her throw out something about the fourth chakra. I don't have a problem w/ it, it was just distracting. Overall, her book provided me with the information I was looking for as I make treatment decisions for myself related to menopause. I recommend it w/ the caveat that you will have to take what works for you and leave the rest.
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