A vital guide to the most pressing health concerns women face—including fertility, menstrual health, chronic pain, menopause, and beyond.
AN OPEN FIELD PUBLICATION FROM MARIA SHRIVER
The medical field has long ignored women’s unique health needs, assuming our bodies are the same as men’s. But this couldn’t be further from the truth. Based on the latest solely women-centered research and insights from the world’s top female health experts, The New Rules of Women's Health is the accurate, comprehensive, and empowering resource you need to take charge of your wellbeing.
In this book, you'll find everything you should know to make the best decisions for your health,
The important differences in how various diseases develop in women—including why we’re more susceptible to autoimmune disease and suffer from heart disease and Alzheimer’s in disproportionate rates—and the best tips for prevention What the newest science says about optimizing your health and diet before disease strikes, from how to get better quality sleep to what workouts you should be doing at every age The underrecognized signs of hormonal imbalance and what you need to do to regulate How to tell if your period symptoms are “normal”—or when they’re a sign of an underlying condition Science-backed strategies to preserve your fertility and prepare your body for pregnancy if decide to start a family What to expect during perimenopause—including the health conditions women are at increased risk for during this time and how to manage your symptoms so you can navigate this transition feeling stronger and more confident than ever How to find women-focused healthcare providers you trust The time is now to take charge of your wellbeing. Consider The New Rules of Women's Health is your resource for life.
Wow, this book is DENSE! However, it’s in the absolute best way possible. The New Rules for Women’s Health is hands down one of the most thorough and well researched books I’ve ever read on women’s health. It doesn’t just skim the surface with generic wellness advice. Instead, it’s a deep, evidence based dive into everything a woman might experience throughout her life, from birth and puberty all the way through menopause and beyond.
What impressed me most was the sheer scope of the information. Rabbitt goes beyond the obvious topics, like menstrual cycles, pregnancy, perimenopause, and dives into areas that most of us have never even heard of before (the estrobolome? Who knew?). She also covers chronic conditions, autoimmune health, fertility, heart disease, brain health, and even how stress, sleep, and diet affect women differently than men. There’s also a lot of practical guidance on how to optimize your health before problems even arise, which felt empowering rather than overwhelming.
One of my favorite sections was the sexual health chapter. Women’s sexual health is still treated as a taboo topic in many medical and social spaces, so I loved how open, honest, and judgment free this chapter was. It felt refreshing to see topics like libido, sexual satisfaction, and hormonal influences discussed in a way that felt both validating and completely normal.
What also stood out was the expert input. Rabbitt pulls from a wide range of specialists in women’s health, which makes this book feel not just informative but reliable. There are tips, medical explanations, and realistic strategies for everything from navigating hormonal changes to finding doctors who actually listen and understand women’s health concerns (something we all know can be a challenge).
I also really appreciated how the book highlights the medical gender gap, like the fact that women’s health has historically been treated as an afterthought, with research primarily based on men’s bodies. This book feels like a corrective to that, giving women the tools and knowledge to advocate for themselves, ask better questions, and make informed decisions.
If I had one critique, it’s simply that the book is a lot to take in at once. There’s so much information that it can feel a little overwhelming, especially if you try to read it straight through. But honestly, that’s not a bad thing, because it’s the kind of book you keep on your shelf as a reference guide, returning to different sections as you move through different stages of life.
Overall, this is an incredible resource for any woman who wants to understand her body better and take control of her health. Whether you’re in your 20s and just starting to track your cycles, in your 30s or 40s navigating fertility and hormonal shifts, or entering perimenopause and beyond, this book has something for you. I learned SO much and will absolutely be referencing this for years to come. Highly recommend!
Thank you to NetGalley, Meghan Rabbitt, and Open Field/Maria Shriver for the ARC of this book.
This is a "must own" and "must read" book for women of every age. Finally a book by, for and about women that presents up-to-date knowledge based on research and clinical expertise focussed on women....not men. This book is clearly organized by important topics for adolescents, young women and moms, mid-life adults and women "of a certain age." It should be on the bookshelf of every household. I bought several copies--gave a copy to family and friends, and even gave one to my doctor!
It's refreshing to read such a well-researched, well-written, comprehensive guide to women's health. I plan to gift it to all the women in my life, from my preteen daughter to my friends dealing with perimenopause (the worst!) and my 70-something mom who didnt have access to all this invaluable information.
I didn’t realize how much I didn’t know until I started reading this. It’s staggering how normalized that lack of knowledge has been for women’s health. Thank you, Meghan Rabbitt, for changing that!