Menopause Book Round Up: Six Great Books on the Menopause Transition

Reading at least one book about the menopause transition should be required for all women when they turn 40. 

But how do you know what’s worth reading? Especially when time is short and your to-do list is long?

I’ve rounded up some of my favorite menopause books so that you can easily figure out what book is the right fit. You can find my recommendations below.

Happy reading!

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What Fresh Hell is This? Perimenopause, Menopause, Other Indignities, and You by Heather Corinna

What I liked: Heather Corinna’s writing style and sense of humor makes this book an easy read. I love love love that she’s inclusive of populations who are often left out of the menopause conversation (like those with disabilities, and the queer, transgender and non-binary communities) and feel like she gives a solid overview of the menopause transition along with practical tips for managing menopause that are appropriate for all socioeconomic groups.

What I didn’t like: Nothing. Well done Heather Corinna!

Who this book is for: Anyone who wants a solid overview of the menopause transition with a good dose of history, humor, feminism, inclusivity and truly practical advice.

Find it on Amazon here.

The Menopause Manifesto: Own Your Health with Facts and Feminism by Dr. Jen Gunter

What I liked: The Menopause Manifesto is the most thorough book of the bunch in terms of explaining how we got here (the history of menopause) as well as explaining the biology, physiology and pharmacology of the menopause transition - which I personally find fascinating. 

What I didn’t like: Dr. Jen Gunter isn’t afraid to tell it like it is and call out pseudo-science and misinformation even if it means going up against big names or big brands. And while I greatly admire her ability to fight the good fight and withstand a lot of push back, I take a more nuanced view of some menopause related topics than she does. Would that keep me from recommending her book (or her Substack)? Not at all. The Menopause Manifesto is one of the best books out there and Dr. Gunter is an incredible resource for evidence-based menopause information.

Who this book is for: If you’re up for a very readable but scientifically in-depth look at menopause, this book is for you.

Find it on Amazon here.

Menopocalypse: How I Learned to Thrive During Menopause and How You Can Too by Amanda Thebe

What I liked: This book is part memoir, part education, and part exercise guide. There is so much power in hearing Amanda’s own menopause story, which was unexpected and difficult, but which she was ultimately able to get through like the bad-ass woman she is.

What I didn’t like: Not the most in-depth overview of the menopause transition but hearing her story and seeing her exercise guide may be a bigger priority for some women, which is great!

Who is this book for: Women who want less in-depth menopause info and more storytelling and mid-life fitness advice.

Find it on Amazon here.

Unlock Your Menopause Type: Personalized Treatments, the Last Word on Hormones, and Remedies that Work by Dr. Heather Hirsch

What I liked about this book: Unlock Your Menopause Type is a fresh take on managing menopause symptoms. Dr. Hirsch has created six different menopause “types” based on her experience running a menopause clinic. For each menopause type Dr. Hirsch provides examples of hormone, non-hormone and lifestyle recommendations. This book felt like an important practical guide for women who are in the THICK of the menopause transition, and also felt like it could also be useful for the doctors who treat them.

What I didn’t like: Nothing. Well done Dr. Hirsch!

Who is this book for: This book isn’t the best pick simply looking for general menopause education in preparation for what may come. Instead, this book is an awesome resource for women in the thick of the menopause transition who are looking for ways to troubleshoot symptoms and feel like themselves again.

Find it on Amazon here.

Menopause Bootcamp: Optimize Your Health, Empower Yourself, and Flourish as You Age by Suzanne Gilberg-Lenz

What I liked: Dr. Suzanne Gilberg-Lenz is a board certified OB-GYN as well as an integrative medicine expert and Ayurvedic specialist. This means she’s qualified to take a truly holistic approach as she tackles menopause from both an eastern and western medical perspective. 

What I didn’t like: Occasionally Dr. Gilberg-Lenz mentions treatments without warning readers that these treatments don’t have great safety or efficacy data yet, but the vast majority of her advice was in alignment with the major medical governing bodies.

Who this book is for: Someone who wants a solid overview of the menopause transition along with holistic advice for well-rounded treatment of symptoms.

Find it on Amazon here.

Menopausing by Davina McCall with Dr. Naomi Potter

What I liked: Menopausing is a hardbound, glossy, and beautifully designed book in a market of cheaper paperback menopause books - which makes it a fun addition to the bunch. But what I love most about this book are the stories from women who have gone through the menopause transition - the more stories we hear, the better prepared we are for the wide variety of possibilities as we transition through menopause.

What I didn’t like: Some of Davina’s menopause “advice” feels trite and a little dated.

Who is this book for: Women who want a more surface-level overview of menopause, love turning thick glossy pages and want to read a wide variety of menopause stories.

Find it on Amazon here.

*Please note: if you buy something through one of these links, I may earn a small affiliate commission at no cost to you.