For decades, it was taboo to talk about menopause, let alone celebrate this phase of life. Now, women are much more candid about their experiences and looking for new ways to educate themselves. For that reason, publishers are coming out with scores of menopause books. Penned by gynecologists, real women, holistic health experts and even celebrities (hello, Naomi Watts!), these titles separate myth from reality and dive deep into what really happens during menopause—and what you can do to make it easier. With so many books to choose from, we’ve rounded up our favorites of the newest books—including several coming out later this year. Keep scrolling for our complete list of menopause nonfiction books.
In their upcoming book (out January 21), celebrated journalists and menopause experts Mariella Frostrup and Alice Smellie are here to tell readers everything they know about menopause. With a touch of humor and a combination of anecdotes from their own experiences and science-backed advice from leading experts, this book opens up the conversation. It’s designed to equip readers with the knowledge they need to get through perimenopause and beyond.
What early readers are saying: “Menopause Is Hot by Mariella Frostrup and Alice Smellie is another menopause book to remind you you’re not alone during what can feel like a very lonely journey. Its blend of personal stories, and expert insights makes it a comforting guide. Frostrup and Smellie tackle every aspect of menopause with honesty and reassurance, making this a helpful companion.”
After the success of her documentary, The M Factor, Shredding The Silence on Menopause, Emmy-award-winning journalist and menopause expert Tamsen Fadal, has written a book on the topic. Her upcoming menopause book, How to Menopause, out March 25, is the talk you never had about menopause. It’s filled with evidence-based advice from 42 experts including neuroscientists, menopause-certified physicians, sleep experts and more. These top-notch pros share advice on easing your symptoms, finding a doctor, advocating for yourself, talking to your partner about your symptoms, dealing with menopause at work and more.
What early readers are saying: “A must-read for all women heading into perimenopause or menopause! Tamsen Fadal’s How to Menopause is a game-changer for every woman navigating the complexities of midlife. With her signature warmth, expertise and refreshing honesty, Tamsen turns what can feel like an intimidating and isolating experience into an empowering journey. The book is not only a comprehensive guide filled with practical advice, medical insights (you’ll be disgusted at how little medical training there is for menopause!) and lifestyle tips, but it’s also a heartfelt conversation that made me feel seen and supported.”
Actress Naomi Watts has written the book she wishes she had when she first started experiencing menopause symptoms. Dare I Say It: Everything I wish I’d known about menopause (out January 25) blends funny stories from Naomi and her friends as they experienced menopause with advice from doctors, hormone experts and nutritionists to take the secrecy and shame out of menopause and aging. Answering important questions like: What is hormone replacement therapy and do I need to be on it, will I ever sleep again and more, Watts shares how to manage symptoms and all the changes that come along with menopause.
What early readers are saying: “Here is the succinct yet comprehensive primer to menopause. You can use it to advocate for yourself, friends, family, and loved ones. I’ve read several other books on menopause, but this was my favorite in its tone and delivery. I appreciated how Watts compiled advice from doctors, hormone experts, and nutritionists to take the secrecy and shame out of menopause and aging and delivered it with wit, determination, and a strong sense of advocacy.”
Generation M offers a new way to look at menopause. In her guide, Jessica Shepherd, MD, a board-certified OB/GYN and women’s health advocate, offers advice on getting through menopause well. Inside, she shares tips based on her own practice and conversations with other experts in the field, delivering solid tips on everything from hormone therapy to sleep, diet changes, exercise, mindfulness and more.
What readers are saying: “What a life-changing book. I read it in 2 days. I’m 45 and going through all the changes that make women feel like they are maybe crazy or dying or just simply falling apart and now I know why. Dr. Shepherd explains everything so that I can understand why it’s happening, that it’s not just me and what I can do to get my life back. I finally feel like I have a plan.”
Bestselling author and renowned ob/gyn Mary Claire Haver, MD, brings comprehensive research to light in The New Menopause. She details everything from changes in your sleep schedule to neurological, physical and sexual concerns. This must-read guide also includes a thorough A to Z toolkit of science-backed options for coping with symptoms, helping women feel prepared for anything during menopause.
What readers are saying: “This book is amazing. Not only does Dr. Haver clearly give facts, but she also does a tremendous job explaining in detail what is happening, why it’s happening and what you can do about it. Seriously, every single woman needs to read this book and be proactive and prepared to advocate for her health and future. Menopause is inevitable; suffering through it is not!”
Menopause expert Carol King (The “Menopause Auntie” on Instagram) has penned a humorous look into menopause. This book, out February 25, offers validation, important information and research to help you be your best self during menopause. Inside, King answers burning questions like: Is almost drowning in my sweat normal? And Why is every ounce hitting my middle? With King, readers don’t feel alone in this often-confusing, stressful journey.
What early readers are saying: “Are You There, God? It’s Me, in Menopause helps women who are navigating the confusing world of midlife and menopause. It is time to go above and beyond Dr. Google, and this book has hit the nail on the head.”
When sleepless nights, irritable moods, and hot flashes take center stage, it can be tough to be productive on a daily basis. To the rescue: Nutrition and functional medicine expert Dr. Mindy Pelz’s book highlights exactly how to squash symptoms and reset your body during menopausal years. With strategies—like how to ‘unstick’ your metabolism and the five lifestyle changes that help most—Dr. Mindy reconnects women with their youthful, energetic selves!
What readers are saying: “This book has helped me so much in just a short time. First, I love how the author shares the science behind hormones. I found it very practical and understandable. It was communicated in such a relatable way that I immediately was able to see where I could begin to implement changes according to my personal ‘symptoms.’”
Many doctors haven’t received much training on menopause and perimenopause—and that means their patients often find themselves fumbling through this stage. To the rescue: leading neuroscientist and women’s brain health specialist, Lisa Mosconi, PhD’s guide to hormonal changes. In this empowering book, Mosconi explains how menopausal estrogen drops wreak havoc on body temperature, mood, weight, memory and more. Mosconi dives into these changes as well as hormone replacement therapy, diet, exercise and self-care.
What readers are saying: “This book is fabulous, and just what I have needed to carry on living life with renewed joy. I recommend it to all women of any age. Many thanks to Dr. Mosconi for sharing this critical information on peri and postmenopause that all women can benefit from. Now let’s take her advice and start changing the narrative for future generations!”
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