Menopausing: The Positive Roadmap to Your Second Spring

by Davina McCall, Naomi Potter

Menopause affects every woman, and yet so many approach it with shame, fear, misinformation or silence.

Why is no one talking about this? Who has the correct information? And how can we get it?

That’s how this book has come about. We are going to tell you the truth, so you can make an informed decision about your life and your body… mic drop.’

For too long, women have had to keep quiet about the menopause – its onset, its symptoms, its treatments – and what it means for us. Menopausing will build an empowered, supportive community to break this terrible silence once and for all. By exploring and explaining the science, debunking damaging myths, and smashing the taboos around the perimenopause and menopause, this book will equip women to make the most informed decisions about their health… and their lives.

Menopausing will also celebrate the sharing of stories, enabling women to feel less alone and more understood, and talk openly and positively about menopause.

- No more scaremongering: just evidence-based info
- No shame: real women, real menopause stories, real empathy, real community
- Honest, no-holds-barred advice: Dry vagina? Zero sex drive? Hair loss? We’ve got it covered
- The start of a movement: to get everyone talking about the menopause in every home, GP surgery and workspace

Genres: Nonfiction, Health, Audiobook, Self Help, Science, Reference, Womens

303 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 15, 2022

Reviews

[Jo_Scho_Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

For women of a certain age this is a godsend. It’s a wonderfully informative coffee table book (Yes! Put it on there! For far too long we have kept quiet about this subject!) that you can dip in and out of. It’s frank, it’s fascinating and it debunks so many of the horror stories around HRT. It covers the peri menopause in detail too, so the minute you get a hot flush, experience brain fog, feel like you’re going crazy, then you need to read this - you won’t feel so alone.

You can really hear Davina’s voice coming through, it’s not been ghost written by somebody else - although there is additional information added by a qualified doctor regarding the medical side of things. Broken down into fourteen different chapters with personal testimonies from women at the end of each one, it’s both illuminating and shocking.

I found out loads of new stuff about the menopause as a result of this book and forewarned is forearmed ladies. It’s going to happen to us all whether we like it or not so do yourself a favour and pick this one up (to leave on your coffee table!)

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

A book dedicated to the menopause, yes please! At 43, some signs of perimenopause are appearing, this book was well needed.

I love the format of this book. It's colourful, it's broken down into logical chapters and sub sections. It's easy to pick up and put down. It has an encyclopaedia vibe about it. Most importantly, it's full of first-hand experiences from women everywhere!

This book, however, does push the HRT agenda, and while I'm not judging that, I did expect more of a variety of solutions, tips, and tricks to battle our way through. I'm also not a huge fan of putting on your best underwear, foundation that face, and let's walk with purpose. If that makes you feel good, then great, but mind over matter isn't the cure.

However, there's no denying Davina is good at rallying the troops, getting the motivation going, and generally making us all feel better about the battle that is Menopausing.

There's a lot of girl power and feel-good vibes here. If you are heading into your second spring, this book is worth considering.

Four stars.

[Swaye · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really appreciate Davina McCall's dedication to breaking the silence surrounding perimenopause and menopause. She has made a significant contribution to raising awareness and inspiring women to understand their bodies better. However, while the book offers valuable insights, it fell short in a few critical areas for me.

One glaring issue I found with Menopausing is its repetitiveness. Certain points and concepts are reiterated to the point of redundancy, which I found quite tiresome in my search for new information and perspectives.

Moreover, my primary concern lies with the book's focus on go-getting, ambitious, career-driven women. While it is important to address the challenges faced by such individuals and how they cope with the loss of motivation during menopause, the book fails to provide examples or guidance for women who are not driven by those things. This lack of representation alienates a significant portion of readers who may not identify with the specific narratives presented.

Another aspect that disappointed me was the heavy emphasis on hormone replacement therapy (HRT) throughout the book. Although HRT may be a recommended and life-changing course of action for many women, the authors overlook the fact that some individuals are unable to pursue this option due to pre-existing conditions such as extreme anxiety, depression, and CPTSD. In fact, the book goes as far as criticizing the prescription of antidepressants for women experiencing perimenopausal symptoms. As someone who has personally benefited from antidepressants and professional psychiatric care during this phase in my life, I strongly believe that the book should have acknowledged the efficacy of these treatments and emphasized that women should not disregard them in favour of HRT alone.

Nevertheless, Menopausing does serve a crucial purpose in dispelling the isolation that women often feel when grappling with the myriad of symptoms associated with perimenopause and menopause. The book provided me with valuable information and a sense of relief about the numerous symptoms that I was unaware were associated with my perimenopause. The book not only assisted me in identifying the symptoms directly linked to my perimenopause, but it also aided me in untangling the intricate connection between hormonal changes and the impact of my past trauma on my overall well-being.

Although the book falls short for me in properly addressing the needs of women who are particularly sensitive to hormonal changes, such as those with existing mental health conditions, it does acknowledge that individual experiences with menopause can vary greatly. In my personal journey, I have discovered that a synergistic combination of medication (Lexapro), transformative therapy sessions with my brilliant psychologist, and my own profound spiritual exploration has made all the difference. This holistic approach has given me the tools to navigate all aspects of my life, including my perspective on and experience of perimenopause.

I believe the book should perhaps have been titled "Menopausing: How HRT Can Help". Okay, that's a terrible title but something in a similar vein to reflect its heavy focus on hormone replacement therapy being the be-and-end-all solution for some women.

While Menopausing may not be the all-encompassing guide I was hoping for, it undeniably adds value to the conversation surrounding perimenopause and menopause, inspiring further exploration and empowering women to navigate this transformative phase of life.

[Stephen · Rating 4 out of 5]

very informative book and is a must read , learnt a lot reading this

[Victoria Sigsworth · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such an excellent book. Bought it and read in a week. All information bang up to date. The book is clearly marked in chapters and each chapter has specific sections so if you just need to look at a certain area this is easily found. Davina with help from Dr Naomi Potter covers all the symptoms etc that menopause may bring to the table and sits round that table with a coffee and writes about it all as if you are sitting there with her. There is good advice about how to get your point across to your GP which actually will stand you in good stead with any problem you need to present to your doctor. All attractively presented too like a magazine. If you are going though this or think you are, you could do worse than get this book and it will be money well spent. Definitely recommend this book. Many thanks to Davina for getting this out there.

[Lisa - OwlBeSatReading · Rating 2 out of 5]

Excellent in terms of helpful advice and information, but just so very annoying because, well, I’m sorry, Davina, but you get right on my nerves, always have, always will. At times it felt patronising, a bit fake, all this “yay, be a menopause warrior whoop whoop” crap. I ain’t got the mojo for that!

Anyway, I would recommend this for the info side, (or if you don’t mind Davina!) but I do suggest reading Making Menopause Matter: The Essential Guide to What You Need to Know and Why instead. It’s far more palatable and less irritating!

[Rachel Welton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Let's face it, I'm not a fan of gushing "I'm sooo super glad you shared your story with me! I feel sooo blessed" type style. It makes me twitch and die a little inside. However the longer I listened, the more I kept identifying symptoms and experiences that I hadn't even realised were perimenopausal. The content of the book is comprehensive, if a little repetitive, and genuinely informative with enough intelligent detail. It is far better than the fluffy presentation leads you to believe. OMG! I just LOOVE it..

[Ellie (bookmadbarlow) · Rating 5 out of 5]

A brilliant guide for anyone that wants to learn more about perimenopause and menopause.
Davina is just so personable, so this was such an easy listen as she talked us through (with the help of Dr Potter) different stages of the process and what we might expect to feel / experience etc.
The guides on how to speak with a doctor as well as how to feel better in general were ones that I found most helpful in my very early stages and it prompted me to ask for what I need rather than just to suffer through.
It started some interesting conversations with friends too.
A great starting point.

[H.A. Leuschel · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars for the sheer enthusiasm and generosity of the author and her many collaborators that shines through! A great book to start conversations, find resources and tools to understand and better embrace a woman's second spring which can often bring devastating changes but with the right tweaks can offer new opportunities to enjoy life fully.

[Jo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Davina has done a lot to bring menopause to the fore. This is a worthy read if you're peri, full meno, approaching those years or if you know someone in this situation. Lots of advice, testimonials and reassurance. Plus input from a medical doctor who specialises in women's health.

[Louisa Charlotte Phillips · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a very informative book for anyone going through ‘normal’ menopause who might not be aware of what menopause is. It is not a book for women being put through chemical menopause. There are two small areas of the book which mention ‘women who have had cancer’ it talks endlessly about HRT which is never an option for women who have had oestrogen positive cancers obviously! as that’s why we’re being put through early menopause in the first place, and on the topic of ‘early menopause’, one of the small areas of the book which talks about it, seems to lump women who have had breast cancer in with women who have had POI - that’s not me, my ovaries were stopped for me, it didn’t happen naturally) and discusses endlessly the ‘risk of cancer’, ‘risk of cancer’, risk of cancer’ in women who have never had it, for people considering HRT. She describes how ‘no one’ should have to suffer, well I do, I have to as there are no alternatives. Women in chemical menopause will often suffer more symptoms as it happens quickly and will be much stronger in severity and this will go on for at the very least 10-15 years whilst on endocrine treatments, so if menopause is so hard to tolerate, how are we expected to tolerate it? I would have appreciated more advice for people who have had breast cancer, as for us, there is no magic pill.

[Christine McGarr · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my god, this book has changed my life!! I was diagnosed as perimenopausal 3 years ago, went on HRT and thought everything was fine. Then 18 months ago I was diagnosed with depression and anxiety after suffering for a year. I put it down to some pretty dramatic changes at work, but I've struggled since. Reading this book has made me realize I still have so many symptoms of menopause, of which the depression is only one. I'm writing a list, phoning my GP and asking for a full treatment review this week. Finally feel like there's a light at the end of the tunnel! Thank you so much Davina!!!

[Suzanne Kentish · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this, listening to Davina is like she's talking to you! Just what I needed to hear at the moment. It's made me informed in my decisions regarding HRT in an easy listening format. Sometimes a bit gushy but liked that she comes at the subject from all angles, learnt a great deal, skipped the chapters which weren't relevant to me! If you are over the age of 30 I suggest you read it, don't leave it too late to be well armed with information!!!

[Andrea · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 rounded up to 3. The info is actually okay but the delivery is awful. There is a lot is tangents and chat and 'advice' not related to menopause. It could have been half as long. I only rounded to 3 because there are very few books on this. Otherwise, I would recommend to read something else.

[Dannelle Kouf · Rating 5 out of 5]

while it's not a time of life I'm currently in, I will be someday. I want to know everything about menopause and what I can do when I get there. this book is a great dip your toes into the subject book. the author tells her personal story, adds tons of others stories, and has a Dr to explain all the medical stuff. from changes in sex drive, skin, hair, mood, and why it's all happening. This book covers it all.

[Deb · Rating 1 out of 5]

Mainly anecdotes from women with a bunch of cheerleading from Davina McCall, interspersed with bits of lightweight info from a doctor. Lots of repetition (how many times do we need to be told that we can choose where to put an estrogen patch?) Davina got her groove back very quickly after starting HRT, and you'd think, from reading this, that that's how it works for everyone - if you want a balanced view of HRT, this isn't it.

Inaccurate in places - e.g. it says repeatedly that the Mirena coil only needs replacing every five years - but when it's used as the progesterone element of HRT, it is supposed to be replaced every four years (see British Menopause Society and Mirena licensing).

If you are the kind of person who loves to be surrounded by a bunch of girlfriends going "you got this!" and "you are a warrior!", then maybe this is the book for you (though I suspect you don't need it, because you've already got your girlfriends doing that). And if you are looking for reliable information and facts, rather than reassurance that you are strong, this is just irritating.

Read The Menopause Manifesto: Own Your Health with Facts and Feminism instead.

[Claire Thackray · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF. We as women deserve better than this and are better than this. Filled me with fear. Menopause is a normal cycle of life and whether you choose HRT or holistic doesn’t come into it. What does come into is the fact that as women we deserve more than certain influencers hyping doom and gloom. Ladies, you are divine your ancestors faced and survived this without social influence that is frankly quite unhelpful. Turning 40+ can be a beautiful season of our life….

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a helpful book, written by Davina in collaboration with Dr Naomi Potter. Useful advice and support on every aspect of the menopause and HRT together with collated individual stories. Reading the book makes you realise that you're not going mad with your own symptoms. I learned a lot from it even though I've been going through the menopause for years.

[elizabeth · Rating 2 out of 5]

Some current info and acknowledgment that we are in the 21st century, sure. But still, the traditional assumptions about the reader persisted (everyone wants to lose weight, everyone is a mom) and really soured me on the whole thing.

[Olga · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book feels like an advertisement - way too many anecdotes of and not enough science to explain why hormonal therapy works. Or maybe there is, but I couldn’t find in the first 20% of the book, after which I gave up on this book.

[Dionne · Rating 2 out of 5]

Should have been called HRTing.

[Michelle Mason · Rating 3 out of 5]

Archetypal Davina. I did A LOT of eye rolling and cringing. However, useful information, presented in a very easily digestible fashion. Excellent for top level awareness.

[Megan · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was interesting but after the first few chapters it just seemed like a hard sell for HRT.

[Mel · Rating 4 out of 5]

At the time of listening, I am 45 and not experiencing any signs of being peri menopausal or menopausal. However, this book was a fantastic introduction to the topic and very easy to listen to and to understand. Davina MaCall is incredibly likable and does a great job of putting the listener at ease and telling it like it is, with plenty of giggles along the way.

I appreciated the medical sections from Dr Naomi Potter which were an excellent supplement to each of Davina’s chapters. The anecdotes and examples from letters gathered from a range of people (who I assume were contacts from Davina's social media) were informative and interesting but made to seem a little fake by the actors who read them in an overly-enthusiastic range of English accents.

This audiobook has been very useful for learning about the wide range of menopausal symptoms and the treatments available. I have definitely taken away useful information for when the time comes. For example, personally, it is useful for me to know that hypothyroidism can trigger early peri menopause. And, I knew very little about HRT.

One further thing to note is that parts of this book refer specifically to dealing with the menopause in the UK, for example how it is treated by the NHS and the types of treatments that are available in the different parts of the UK. These sections will obviously be less useful to those living outside of the UK. But, there is still plenty of information in there that would apply to any person interested in learning more about the menopause.

Most of the book deals with the symptoms and treatments for menopause, but the last few sections address general ways to look after yourself while going through menopause and beyond, with a reminder that you are worth this and should treat yourself well. I appreciated this encouragement and found these details very motivating.

Definitely recommend this as a first point of call for peri-menopause and menopause info!

[Tarsila Krüse · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Menopausing" is a comprehensive guide on menopause written by Davina McCall and Dr. Naomi Porter. The book features a beautiful layout and not only covers the symptoms and challenges of menopause but also includes many stories from women who have gone through it. It heavily advocates for Hormonal Replacement Therapy (HRT).

Reading about the symptoms and stories in "Menopausing" left me somewhat discouraged. While the stories aim to provide hope and make women feel less isolated, the realities and symptoms shared are pretty terrifying. I often had to take breaks from reading to process the fact that menopause will happen to me, too. It has undoubtedly made me more informed and aware of the potential symptoms and issues, but I am not looking forward to it.

The book aims to be inclusive, featuring examples of women who undergo menopause under different circumstances, such as due to surgery or ovarian issues. It also includes a story of a trans person who went through menopause after transitioning. However, I felt that the book did not consider women who had fertility issues. It frequently mentions that women feel invisible after their reproductive years and after having babies, but what about women who struggle to or do not have babies? How do they cope with going through perimenopause and menopause, knowing that their hormones are even more out of balance? Perhaps a significant chapter in their lives is very much done, filled with another set of challenges. I believe this is something worth considering.

The text covers a wide range of options for treating symptoms, explaining precisely what HRT is and its many facets. It also emphasises that treating peri- and menopausal symptoms involves patience and trying different things. Additionally, it advocates for healthy living, proper eating, and other forms of managing symptoms.

"Menopausing" opens discussions and empowers women to advocate for themselves and seek support. I hope that menopause won’t be as challenging for me as some of the experiences reported in the book, but when the symptoms show up, I’ll know what they are and how to deal with them.

This is a great book to read and keep, especially if you are in your late thirties or forties for future reference.

[Isabella · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a general rule Davina is a bit too bouncy for me and I can’t watch her on tv as I find her exhausting. But fair play to her she has really worked hard on bringing the challenges of perimenopausal and menopausal to the wider world. This audio book had lots of sad and inspirational stories, some nothing like my experience and some very similar to my experience. Including speaking to male Drs who didn’t seem to acknowledge my symptoms. Some symptoms I didn’t put together with menopause. So lovely to know that I can get back to the old me.

There did seem to be a focus on HRT being the only solution with a little emphasis on diet and exercise. I have started to have conversations with my son about menopause and will be getting the book for my daughters. This needs to be in school curriculum (good to hear that this starting to happen) and a book, or similar should be given as online or audio book for people in their 30’s.

Menopause is a very different beast than when my mother went through it. So glad I am living in these times rather than her times.

[Demi Cramb · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25* I decided to listen to this as it was free on an app and I was looking for an informative listen.

Davina and Naomi provided a very comprehensive and informative listen of all things menopause.

As a woman I have no clue about menopause and I am now surrounded by more women in peri/menopause state so I feel more prepared and comfortable to discuss it.

However the book did add to my list of reasons why men have it easy!!

[Olga · Rating 4 out of 5]

Drusku one-sided par hormonu terapiju un maz tiek apskatīts, ko vēl varētu darīt, bet overall - par visiem iespējamajiem simptomiem - priceless.. radās jautājums - nu ko vēl varētu sievietēm likt izciest? Un patika teiktais, ka, ja tas viss būtu jāpiedzīvo vīrietim, menopauzes simptomiem jau noteikti izdomātu zāles, un tās būtu brīvi pieejamas 😂

[Jonah Levkowicz · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this after I bought it for my mother. It’s informative with pretty pictures but there’s not much in the way of progressive info but I guess it starts the trend of normalising the menopause which is good

[Joanne Eglon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such an amazing and insightful book about all things premenopausal/menopausal.

Easy to read. Devoured this in 2days.

A godsend for anybody wanting to learn more about this wretched thing we women go through.

Thoroughly enjoyed it

Would highly recommend 💕