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The Menopause Companion: A Beginner's Guide to Owning Your Transition, from Peri to Post
An indispensable primer on menopause that reads like advice from a close friend, co-written by a naturopathic doctor and expert in women’s health.
It’s one of the most important, least discussed events that happens for half the population. It’s a physiological and psychosocial event, a cultural construct, and a deeply personal experience all woven together in a jumbled knot. It’s menopause. But why is there so much mystery surrounding the topic? This accessible and to-the-point guide makes the entire landscape of menopause—not just the physiology—more transparent.
If what you need is a level-headed friend to help walk you through the litany of fears to face, questions to ask, and practical decisions to make throughout your transition, this guidebook offers no-nonsense, straightforward, medically backed information about what to expect and what you can do about it. It offers:
*A refresher course on reproductive system anatomy, life cycle, and physiology—what are hormones, and how do they influence my body?
*Information on how to recognize and what to do about common symptoms—when should I see a health practitioner and how do I talk to them?
*Context for the history of menopause medically and culturally—what do scientists actually know and what are the major myths?
*Advice on how to get ready, notice changes, and call in support—what is available to try in terms of products, tools, medications, holistic support, or self-care practices?
It’s one of the most important, least discussed events that happens for half the population. It’s a physiological and psychosocial event, a cultural construct, and a deeply personal experience all woven together in a jumbled knot. It’s menopause. But why is there so much mystery surrounding the topic? This accessible and to-the-point guide makes the entire landscape of menopause—not just the physiology—more transparent.
If what you need is a level-headed friend to help walk you through the litany of fears to face, questions to ask, and practical decisions to make throughout your transition, this guidebook offers no-nonsense, straightforward, medically backed information about what to expect and what you can do about it. It offers:
*A refresher course on reproductive system anatomy, life cycle, and physiology—what are hormones, and how do they influence my body?
*Information on how to recognize and what to do about common symptoms—when should I see a health practitioner and how do I talk to them?
*Context for the history of menopause medically and culturally—what do scientists actually know and what are the major myths?
*Advice on how to get ready, notice changes, and call in support—what is available to try in terms of products, tools, medications, holistic support, or self-care practices?
256 pages, Paperback
Published June 27, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
March 13, 2023
This is a great book for anyone approaching or going through Peri-menopause to understand what to expect.
I really liked that this book was very inclusive and felt that hopefully anybody who may experience the peri-menopause would feel comfortable reading this, to get a better understanding of what is to come.
I think it's so important that we know what is likely to happen, so we can assess what is normal and what we may need to get checked out by a medical professional.
This book is very accessible and easy to read and understand, which I think is key.
I really liked that this book was very inclusive and felt that hopefully anybody who may experience the peri-menopause would feel comfortable reading this, to get a better understanding of what is to come.
I think it's so important that we know what is likely to happen, so we can assess what is normal and what we may need to get checked out by a medical professional.
This book is very accessible and easy to read and understand, which I think is key.
November 4, 2023
If you are heading towards menopause or think you are there, this text may be quite helpful. It does read as a textbook rather than another boring self-help book as it goes into the biology and science of the female anatomy rather than just telling you how you should feel or will feel. There are anecdotal submissions that make it a more enjoyable and relatable read. Overall, there is some good information for those just entering into this stage of life and may help you in navigating this stage of life. I found it to be a good research resource as it does also make suggestions for other books to seek out as well in the supporting information sections when quoting from other sources.
August 29, 2023
I found some of the information in this book pretty useful and liked the way the author wrote about things. One thing that bugs me in advice-type books is when the author offers a "script" for what to say in certain scenarios and it never reads like the way any person naturally talks. And I would say there were things I was hoping to find in this book that I didn't. But I definitely came away with some new information so it's worth a read if you're a person who will be/is experiencing perimenopause.
June 14, 2024
Do I want to be reading this book? No. But so many friends are going through perimenopause that I thought I should start learning about it. Honestly, my main beef with this book is that the author seemed so worried about not offending anyone that it prevented her from being helpful. I wanted more direction on how to enter this healthily. Or how to respond to symptoms. That’s not this book. I do not feel like this helped me “own my transition.”
April 3, 2023
Because menopause is not talked about often,It's hard finding information. This book is a life savior easy to understand information. This is a book I will recommend to family members and friends.
March 23, 2025
Not my usual genre, but this was an EXCELLENT read.
As a woman in my early forties, I know that perimenopause is right around the corner, and I was realizing just how little I knew about what to expect, so decided I’d better do some reading 🫣
Aside from the thorough scientific explanations of the physiological transition through menopause, what I was most grateful to discover was how compassionate, inclusive, and realistic the author was throughout the entire book. It’s rare (at least in my experience with books) to have medical information provided with such an encouraging mix of self-empowerment and self-gentleness.
Does it still feel strange to be thinking about menopause after spending the last twenty plus years so focused on pregnancy and birth and postpartum? Yes, it does.
Do I still feel a little apprehensive about what this next chapter might look like for me? Yes, I do (and I think that’s normal - there’s a lot we can’t know until we actually go through something ourselves).
But am I feeling better equipped to move towards menopause, with a clearer understanding of what to expect, and what options I will have along the way? Yes, and that makes all the difference.
As a woman in my early forties, I know that perimenopause is right around the corner, and I was realizing just how little I knew about what to expect, so decided I’d better do some reading 🫣
Aside from the thorough scientific explanations of the physiological transition through menopause, what I was most grateful to discover was how compassionate, inclusive, and realistic the author was throughout the entire book. It’s rare (at least in my experience with books) to have medical information provided with such an encouraging mix of self-empowerment and self-gentleness.
Does it still feel strange to be thinking about menopause after spending the last twenty plus years so focused on pregnancy and birth and postpartum? Yes, it does.
Do I still feel a little apprehensive about what this next chapter might look like for me? Yes, I do (and I think that’s normal - there’s a lot we can’t know until we actually go through something ourselves).
But am I feeling better equipped to move towards menopause, with a clearer understanding of what to expect, and what options I will have along the way? Yes, and that makes all the difference.
January 27, 2024
I've decided that if writers are taking on this topic using science and criticisms of capitalism, I am giving 5 stars. Because menopause in America? Negative 10 billion stars.
The Youngers are going to have it better, but the post-Roe country is a very scary place. Adding this book to my list...very helpful for what they call the different "bodies." I have also said some of the exact same words as their pull out quotes.
And I loved the use of the calming blue watercolor art throughout the book. Lovely.
Favorite quote was from Adam Grant: "You can't heal a sick culture with personal bandages."
The Youngers are going to have it better, but the post-Roe country is a very scary place. Adding this book to my list...very helpful for what they call the different "bodies." I have also said some of the exact same words as their pull out quotes.
And I loved the use of the calming blue watercolor art throughout the book. Lovely.
Favorite quote was from Adam Grant: "You can't heal a sick culture with personal bandages."
May 22, 2024
Extremely informative and easy to get into. The author interviewed a lot of women and there are quotes and stories from them throughout. Some information is commonly known, but there are good insights and tips for women at any stage of menopause.
April 22, 2025
I won this book in a giveaway. Lots of good information. I'll be keeping it to pass along to friends.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews