What do you think?
Rate this book
The Menopause Book: The Complete Guide: Hormones, Hot Flashes, Health, Moods, Sleep, Sex
"Very readable, comprehensive, up-to-date... an excellent guide." - Isaac Schiff, MD, Harvard Medical School
Deeply optimistic, reassuring, and essential, the book the North American Menopause Society called “required reading” is now revised and updated, with over 20 percent new material that incorporates the latest medical findings, cutting-edge research, and best-practices advice. Expertly separating fact from fiction in the latest “breakthrough” medical studies, it shows you what to pay attention to, and what you can ignore. Learn about the role of hormones and the latest advances in hormone therapy. The truth about hot flashes and how to deal with getting one at work. The impact of menopause on sexuality and how to manage an up-and-down libido. There are chapters on heart health (how to protect it), moods (how to ride them out), and exercise (how to stretch without strain). And finally, why this period of life can be a natural springboard to staying healthy, feeling great, and looking beautiful for the next act of your life.
Your Questions, Your Is it possible that I could get another period after more than a year without one?Losing weight at midlife feels like an uphill battle—what’s the healthiest approach?How do I perform a breast self-exam?Is hormone therapy necessary—and if so, which one is right for me?How effective are Kegel exercises, and how do I do them?I’m starting to get adult acne—is this normal?
Deeply optimistic, reassuring, and essential, the book the North American Menopause Society called “required reading” is now revised and updated, with over 20 percent new material that incorporates the latest medical findings, cutting-edge research, and best-practices advice. Expertly separating fact from fiction in the latest “breakthrough” medical studies, it shows you what to pay attention to, and what you can ignore. Learn about the role of hormones and the latest advances in hormone therapy. The truth about hot flashes and how to deal with getting one at work. The impact of menopause on sexuality and how to manage an up-and-down libido. There are chapters on heart health (how to protect it), moods (how to ride them out), and exercise (how to stretch without strain). And finally, why this period of life can be a natural springboard to staying healthy, feeling great, and looking beautiful for the next act of your life.
Your Questions, Your Is it possible that I could get another period after more than a year without one?Losing weight at midlife feels like an uphill battle—what’s the healthiest approach?How do I perform a breast self-exam?Is hormone therapy necessary—and if so, which one is right for me?How effective are Kegel exercises, and how do I do them?I’m starting to get adult acne—is this normal?
937 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2009
377 people are currently reading
155 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
November 16, 2024
This book is a quick and easy read. The more informed we are, the better the quality of our lives as we face the post-menopausal years. I’m in my early 50’s and only just realized that according to the definition, I'm post-menopausal. Once you have no longer had your period for twelve consecutive months, you’re post-menopausal. I'm usually very organized and do my research. I did it before entering puberty and before pregnancy. Menopause has sadly been the exception and I have been ill-prepared for this part of my life. I was happy to remember that I’ve had this book sitting on my shelf for a while.
Here are some interesting facts and helpful tips:
BONE HEALTH
“As you get older, you lose bone in your spine. This process begins about 18 months before your last period. Over the next eight years, your spinal bone density will decrease by more than 10 percent, followed by a slower pace of age-related bone thinning that can go on for the rest of your life. This bone loss can lead to the ‘dowager’s hump’ seen in some elderly women.”
“One of the simplest ways to get enough vitamin D is to just walk around in the sunshine. Ultraviolet rays from the sun trigger the skin to make its own vitamin D. But with our heightened consciousness of the dangers of skin cancer, most of us slather on sunscreen to keep out the rays. So consider a sensible compromise. If you have light skin, get about 5 to 15 minutes of sun exposure to your face, arms, hands, or back, at least twice a week (without sunscreen) during warm weather. If you have darker skin, you should add a few more minutes. But don’t overdo it. Watch the time, and when you’ve had enough, slap on sunscreen of at least 15 SPF.”
FLAVONOLS
“Chocolate contains flavonols, which are also found in apples, onions, and green tea. Flavonols helps to relax blood vessels, improve blood flow, and decrease blood clotting. They have also been shown to reduce inflammation. Researchers think that someday cocoa flavonols may be used to treat diabetes, stroke, and a kind of dementia.
Of course, there’s a catch! Flavonol is the reason chocolate is bitter. Not so great for those of us with a serious sweet tooth. Your best bet is to choose a dark chocolate (like a semisweet or bittersweet) that is high in cacao and lower in fat and sugar. … Limit yourself to no more than an ounce a few tunes a week.”
Menopause is about far more than just hot flashes and the usual symptoms. Our bodies start aging when we lose estrogen. This book is a good jumping-off point to get started on the research, but I don’t think it’s essential. I’ve just started watching Menopause Taylor on You Tube. She’s a knowledgeable retired ob-gyn and boy, does she know her stuff. The only thing that she asks is that her videos be watched in order. I’ve recently started on those. She also has a book, but I’m not sure if I’ll be getting it any time soon. I highly recommend her channel to all pre- and post-menopausal women. I wish that I’d known about her sooner.
Here are some interesting facts and helpful tips:
BONE HEALTH
“As you get older, you lose bone in your spine. This process begins about 18 months before your last period. Over the next eight years, your spinal bone density will decrease by more than 10 percent, followed by a slower pace of age-related bone thinning that can go on for the rest of your life. This bone loss can lead to the ‘dowager’s hump’ seen in some elderly women.”
“One of the simplest ways to get enough vitamin D is to just walk around in the sunshine. Ultraviolet rays from the sun trigger the skin to make its own vitamin D. But with our heightened consciousness of the dangers of skin cancer, most of us slather on sunscreen to keep out the rays. So consider a sensible compromise. If you have light skin, get about 5 to 15 minutes of sun exposure to your face, arms, hands, or back, at least twice a week (without sunscreen) during warm weather. If you have darker skin, you should add a few more minutes. But don’t overdo it. Watch the time, and when you’ve had enough, slap on sunscreen of at least 15 SPF.”
FLAVONOLS
“Chocolate contains flavonols, which are also found in apples, onions, and green tea. Flavonols helps to relax blood vessels, improve blood flow, and decrease blood clotting. They have also been shown to reduce inflammation. Researchers think that someday cocoa flavonols may be used to treat diabetes, stroke, and a kind of dementia.
Of course, there’s a catch! Flavonol is the reason chocolate is bitter. Not so great for those of us with a serious sweet tooth. Your best bet is to choose a dark chocolate (like a semisweet or bittersweet) that is high in cacao and lower in fat and sugar. … Limit yourself to no more than an ounce a few tunes a week.”
Menopause is about far more than just hot flashes and the usual symptoms. Our bodies start aging when we lose estrogen. This book is a good jumping-off point to get started on the research, but I don’t think it’s essential. I’ve just started watching Menopause Taylor on You Tube. She’s a knowledgeable retired ob-gyn and boy, does she know her stuff. The only thing that she asks is that her videos be watched in order. I’ve recently started on those. She also has a book, but I’m not sure if I’ll be getting it any time soon. I highly recommend her channel to all pre- and post-menopausal women. I wish that I’d known about her sooner.
September 13, 2015
This book or one similar should be handed out to women by their gynecologists when menopause, perimenopause and hysterectomies become an issue. Why? Because doctor's can't seem to talk to their patients about menopause. There seems to be a disconnect. I had a hysterectomy and the doctor really didn't say much about what to expect, etc. I think he was waiting for me to ask questions and I had no real idea of what to ask or what I would be in for after the hysterectomy.
I wish I'd had this book to begin with at least as a jumping off point when I began speaking about a hysterectomy with my doctor. I feel I was so unprepared for menopause. I knew about hot flashes but not how long I might have them, how bad they might get, how they were different with every woman, that they could be triggered. Basically, I didn't know anything. Now that I've reached menopause (not having a period for 12 months) I feel overwhelmed.
Among the things I learned from this book are that I'm not alone, many women are bewildered, mystified, exasperated or just plain upset by their symptoms. That's good to know because I know I'm not alone in my trek to and through menopause. Also, they ask questions I hadn't thought to ask yet but now don't have to. I learned something that shocked me; the transition to menopause, called perimenopause can last up to TWELVE YEARS. I still can't believe it. Also, hot flashes don't always go away. That's right, once they arrive, they may never leave. Probably never heard that have you?
Why isn't there more cohesive and readily info available from doctors about this. I should have learned about this from my doctor, not a book I happened to find, a year after a hysterectomy. Yes, I'm angry. This is 2015, not 1950. This is the information age. I guess I should just be glad for this book, and I am. Lots of helpful questions, honestly answered.
About a third of the book is about staying healthy but after reading so much stuff I didn't know (that's bad) I kind of feel like I really needed a pep talk. I don't know, more comments from women who have had a hard time but either things got better or they just learned to cope and how. If you know a woman that is having hot flashes, might be getting a hysterectomy (and know them well), I think this would be a thoughful gift.
I wish I'd had this book to begin with at least as a jumping off point when I began speaking about a hysterectomy with my doctor. I feel I was so unprepared for menopause. I knew about hot flashes but not how long I might have them, how bad they might get, how they were different with every woman, that they could be triggered. Basically, I didn't know anything. Now that I've reached menopause (not having a period for 12 months) I feel overwhelmed.
Among the things I learned from this book are that I'm not alone, many women are bewildered, mystified, exasperated or just plain upset by their symptoms. That's good to know because I know I'm not alone in my trek to and through menopause. Also, they ask questions I hadn't thought to ask yet but now don't have to. I learned something that shocked me; the transition to menopause, called perimenopause can last up to TWELVE YEARS. I still can't believe it. Also, hot flashes don't always go away. That's right, once they arrive, they may never leave. Probably never heard that have you?
Why isn't there more cohesive and readily info available from doctors about this. I should have learned about this from my doctor, not a book I happened to find, a year after a hysterectomy. Yes, I'm angry. This is 2015, not 1950. This is the information age. I guess I should just be glad for this book, and I am. Lots of helpful questions, honestly answered.
About a third of the book is about staying healthy but after reading so much stuff I didn't know (that's bad) I kind of feel like I really needed a pep talk. I don't know, more comments from women who have had a hard time but either things got better or they just learned to cope and how. If you know a woman that is having hot flashes, might be getting a hysterectomy (and know them well), I think this would be a thoughful gift.
December 4, 2017
I'm entering "that stage of life" so I decided I needed to learn more about it. Unlike teenagers and puberty, there really aren't a lot of factual books on the topic. I could ask my older relatives but some of them are reluctant to talk about it. Some of them were even more ignorant because it's been a taboo subject for so long.
One of the problems I have with the book is there's so little information for women like me. I've never had children. It seems like children are the default. I've been happily married for 25 years. We've never gone through any fertility treatments. I have no "issues." It's just we've never had children.
On the other hand, it's still a book chock-full of information. I've already recommended it to women who have asked questions on Facebook. There's just too much we don't know.
One of the problems I have with the book is there's so little information for women like me. I've never had children. It seems like children are the default. I've been happily married for 25 years. We've never gone through any fertility treatments. I have no "issues." It's just we've never had children.
On the other hand, it's still a book chock-full of information. I've already recommended it to women who have asked questions on Facebook. There's just too much we don't know.
July 3, 2019
A lot more scary than menopause
This book covers perimenopause and menopause, but basically it’s a laundry list of everything that could possibly go wrong for a middle-aged woman. Some good advice, but also some outdated advice, so definitely check anything you want to follow up on with your own doctor.
This book covers perimenopause and menopause, but basically it’s a laundry list of everything that could possibly go wrong for a middle-aged woman. Some good advice, but also some outdated advice, so definitely check anything you want to follow up on with your own doctor.
Read
January 22, 2016My wife pulled this out and jokingly asked me if I wanted to read it. Challenge accepted. I learned a lot.
July 8, 2021
Hey all, let’s time travel to the past and hand distribute this book to alllllll the pre-peri-and-menopause body owners of the planet? All of the chapters and questions and answers (& some non-answers) as well as tips and tricks in this guide were and are helpfully valuable. Wish they had this for all those in the past- and yet, am grateful it is here now. Big book to read, and small bites at a time-overall, enjoyable knowledge…
Read
August 31, 2019While this is the updated 2017 edition, the tone reads as old fashioned to me--more my mother's generation than mine, and mine's the one (GenX) who are now in their 40s and 50s. Very heteronormative (so much about preventing pregnancy without acknowledging that this isn't an issue for everyone, including frequent reference to condoms and PIV intercourse--obviously this is an important topic, but not the only thing). While I only skimmed most of the book, the only queer content I spotted was a box within a sidebar titled "Preventing STDs in Woman-to-Woman Sexual Relationships." Is that better than nothing? Hm.
So now I'm going to look for a smart contemporary GenX-type book about menopause. Let me know if you see one.
So now I'm going to look for a smart contemporary GenX-type book about menopause. Let me know if you see one.
January 20, 2020
Very useful and informative. When we were pregnant we had “what to expect when you’re expecting”. This is what we are now expecting, except it’s 10 years not 9 months. The good, the bad and the ugly parts of a woman’s transition to ultimate freedom and a new time in life.
June 30, 2015
Very informative and helpful
September 25, 2023
First, a note: This book was last updated in 2017, and it's due for a new update with inclusive language and acknowledgement that some people dealing with menopause might not be cisgendered women, and that some people aren't going to be having M/F intercourse or even sex at all. It also could stand to include some advice for partners of people in peri- and menopause. I hope these are aspects we see in future editions.
The title of this book says "Complete Guide," and it's fairly accurate, as title claims go. Not only do the chapters cover topics that other menopause books tend to overlook (including sleep, weight gain, nutrition, cancer, and feeling good about our looks), but book also touches on aspects of aging that aren't really menopause-related--just getting-old stuff that cis women have to deal with (though much of that is also related to the loss of estrogen, even if the connection isn't commonly understood). The appendices are full of references and resources for digging deeper (which, again, may not be the most up to date but most will still be useful). I found this book to overall be super-helpful for many of the issues I'm dealing with, so after checking out a library copy for all of two chapters, I bought my own to mark up as I needed. I'll be using this as a reference for years to come.
As the cover blurb suggests, it's good to start reading this book before menopause--in perimeno at the very latest. I waited until the actual event to start learning but wish I'd known some of this 10 years ago. Highly recommended, but also needs a modern update.
The title of this book says "Complete Guide," and it's fairly accurate, as title claims go. Not only do the chapters cover topics that other menopause books tend to overlook (including sleep, weight gain, nutrition, cancer, and feeling good about our looks), but book also touches on aspects of aging that aren't really menopause-related--just getting-old stuff that cis women have to deal with (though much of that is also related to the loss of estrogen, even if the connection isn't commonly understood). The appendices are full of references and resources for digging deeper (which, again, may not be the most up to date but most will still be useful). I found this book to overall be super-helpful for many of the issues I'm dealing with, so after checking out a library copy for all of two chapters, I bought my own to mark up as I needed. I'll be using this as a reference for years to come.
As the cover blurb suggests, it's good to start reading this book before menopause--in perimeno at the very latest. I waited until the actual event to start learning but wish I'd known some of this 10 years ago. Highly recommended, but also needs a modern update.
November 30, 2022
Very impressed! It covers absolutely everything from the different stages, treatments, options, symptoms, health considerations, medication interactions, sexual and mental health, if you've thought of it, it's in here. Even has recipes, testimonials, and how to have conversations with your own daughter for the future, and stretching techniques!
I'll definitely be purchasing this, but it was great to borrow from the library to review and skim it first.
I'm on the early side of things but have noticed so many changes happening that I just didn't understand what was happening or even consider I could be approaching menopause yet. This answered so many questions and confirmed the Meno journey has just begun.
Highly recommend! It's divided by sections, super easy for quick reference, and written in standard English without alot of unnecessary medical jargon.
I'll definitely be purchasing this, but it was great to borrow from the library to review and skim it first.
I'm on the early side of things but have noticed so many changes happening that I just didn't understand what was happening or even consider I could be approaching menopause yet. This answered so many questions and confirmed the Meno journey has just begun.
Highly recommend! It's divided by sections, super easy for quick reference, and written in standard English without alot of unnecessary medical jargon.
Read
February 23, 2023Full of all sorts of health information for women who are middle-aged or older. It isn’t just about menopause. However, when it comes to the hormone debate, they quote the WHI study, which has been retracted. So it’s tough to trust the book when they are quoting studies that were pulled for being poor research/science. Still, lots of great info from skin to cancer to aches and pains to eyes and ears to more intimate issues.
June 15, 2019
Good reference book
I found this book in Prime reading. Whereas not everything applied to my particular situation, there was plenty that did. Good reference book that does a fantastic job of covering the majority of women’s questions when it comes to the unknown. Well done! Recommended for all women.
I found this book in Prime reading. Whereas not everything applied to my particular situation, there was plenty that did. Good reference book that does a fantastic job of covering the majority of women’s questions when it comes to the unknown. Well done! Recommended for all women.
February 28, 2022
Got this as a "freebie" from Prime reading. Although it had some good information it was very repetitive and the question/answer format made it very difficult to find that info.
It's an important subject and one that every women should know about but I'm glad I didn't pay for this particular title because it just wasn't what I was looking for.
It's an important subject and one that every women should know about but I'm glad I didn't pay for this particular title because it just wasn't what I was looking for.
January 2, 2023
this covered a lot of the same territory as the other menopause books i read in 2022. however, this one was unique in that it pointed out many of the changes that are age related versus menopause related. meaning, X is happening to you because you're getting older, not because you're going through menopause.
September 18, 2021
Repetitive, redundant, and it repeats itself.
Lots of.good information, but in their attempt to answer as many questions as possible, the repeat a lot.
It tries to be a read from.cover to.cover book and a Q and A book. It didn't work in my opinion.
Lots of.good information, but in their attempt to answer as many questions as possible, the repeat a lot.
It tries to be a read from.cover to.cover book and a Q and A book. It didn't work in my opinion.
February 15, 2020
This is a reference book so reading it through took a while.
April 16, 2022
Comprehensive and easy to read. I skimmed it, paying special attention to the topics that interested me most.
October 15, 2023
Came across this 2017 2nd edition in the library and found it comprehensive and a breeze to read. I especially liked part 3: Staying Healthy Forever- lots of useful and reassuring advice on keeping your body in good shape.
September 2, 2025
This book is filled with a ton of information and some great advice. After reading it, I no longer feel like Menopause is happening to me. I have ideas on how to take back control!!
August 31, 2021
Very informative. I did not know much about the subject and it helped me understand more about it. There is so much info that some of it did not pertain to me but is good to know.
July 9, 2018
This book compiles all the information you might need regarding menopause in one easy to read volume. Broken down into chapters on hormones, hot flashes, sleep, etc., it provides up to date medical advice on a topic that doesn't get discussed enough. The authors don't pretend to know everything; menopause isn't a subject that is researched nearly enough, although it affects all women. Unfortunately, a lot of that research is only done on Caucasian women so if you are an African-American, Hispanic or Asian-American, you might find that some of the information doesn't apply to you.
That said, the book is interesting and well-researched and the resources in the appendices will help you continue your exploration of this subject.
That said, the book is interesting and well-researched and the resources in the appendices will help you continue your exploration of this subject.
February 18, 2015
A very easy to read. The book's subject is on something all women face and should know a little about. I am getting close to this age but am not quite there; however, it helped me to understand some things that are going on in preparation for the 'event'. Point being it is a book for all ages (once you start) no matter where you are in your stage of life. It covers so many more topics than just menopause and should be read by all women. The more we are informed, IMHO, the longer we live.
April 6, 2019
If you are looking for information for medical menopause this book it not for you. If you’re at an age where menopause is happening naturally, you’re (hopefully) going to know a lot of this already. I was really hoping for some scientific answers to the many questions I had before hysterectomy, and this was nothing but vague “it’s different for every woman” fluff.
September 27, 2015
This is a very long book. I recommend to any woman over 40. However, much of it is written in a question-answer format, which appears to be more anecdotal. Some of these topics can be skimmed over.
Read
May 6, 2012currently reading. So far very interesting in learning about the next stage of my life. My OB recommended it
September 21, 2013
excellent informative book with questions, answers throughout, highly recom for all women to read prior or during menopause!
November 1, 2013
This is a great reference book for all women age 35 and up!!!
November 4, 2015
Ok, ok. I am getting old. If you are too, I recommend this book.
January 18, 2025
Well organized, easy to read and extremely informative.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews