Menopause can still feel like a daunting, taboo topic. And if you’re thinking ‘but why‘, so are we.
Over one million women between 35-65 in the United States are in the thick of menopause each year, and guess what, many others are on their way toward it. So, let’s open up the conversation on perimenopause, menopause, and the years to come!
This major midlife moment can carry negative connotations due to unpredictable hormone levels, and symptoms such as hot flashes and poor sleep (among other less-talked about ones), but fear not! Good news: Dr Mosconi, author of The Menopause Brain, shares some much-needed positivity on the subject, finding that women are actually happier after menopause than before!
We’ve rounded up a list of books for you, written by women who’ve been through it, studied it, and don’t want you to be left in the dark when it comes to the ebbs and flows of your changing cycle and hormones. Whether you’ve already waved goodbye to your menstrual cycle, are in the middle of learning more about what’s to come, or wanting to pay the knowledge forward to a friend or daughter, these books can help!
Here are a few recommendations to read (& share with friends, sisters, daughters, moms)! Keep scrolling to get the full deep dive on each title and find the perfect read to empower your menopause experience.
- The Menopause Brain by Lisa Mosconi, PhD
- Grown Woman Talk by Sharon Malone, MD
- The New Menopause by Mary Claire Haver, MD
- Perimenopause Power by Maisie Hill
- The Perry Menopause Journal by Perry
- The Menopause Manifesto by Dr. Jen Gunter
The Menopause Brain: New Science Empowers Women to Navigate the Pivitol Transition with Knowledge and Confidence by Lisa Mosconi, PhD
The Menopause Brain is a love letter to womanhood and a rallying cry for all women to embrace menopause with confidence. This book will ‘become your new best friend,’ as Halle Berry puts it!
Dr. Lisa Mosconi, PhD, is an Associate Professor of Neuroscience in Neurology and Radiology at Weill Cornell Medicine, and the Director of the Alzheimer’s Prevention Program at WCM/NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital. A world-renowned neuroscientist, bestselling author and speaker, Lisa is ranked amongst the top 1% of scientists of the past 20 years by official metrics.
What Others Are Saying:
“… This book is packed with evidence-based, empowering information on all things menopause. For every woman living any phase of menopause, this is your required reading.” Lisa Genova, PhD, bestselling author of Still Alice
“[Claire’s] insights remind me of the importance of fostering a sense of community and support among women, a sentiment I hold dear in my own work.” Mary Claire Haver, MD, bestselling author of The Galveston Diet
“Dr. Lisa Mosconi stands as a foremost expert on the menopause brain. This outstanding new book is a must-read, and I wholeheartedly recommend it.” Naomi Watts
“The Menopause Brain by Lisa Mosconi will quickly become your new best friend. Dr Mosconi confirms that you’re not crazy, and most importantly, that you’re not alone! Ladies, when you read The Menopause Brain you give yourself the gift of knowledge, and knowledge is power. Get into it!” Halle Berry
Grown Woman Talk: Your Guide to Getting and Staying Healthy by Sharon Malone, MD
Part medical handbook, part memoir, and part sister-girl cheerleader, this book is filled with useful resources and real-life stories of victory and defeat.
Dr. Sharon Malone is a DC-based OB/GYN and Certified Menopause Practitioner. She is the Chief Medical Advisor at Alloy Women’s Health, board-certified by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.
What Others Are Saying:
“This invaluable book reveals the life-saving importance of informed choices and empowers every woman, especially Black women, to practice self-care and navigate the healthcare maze with grace and confidence.” Linda Goler Blount, president and CEO of the Black Women’s Health Imperative
“Grown Woman Talk is a compulsively readable page-turner, packed with equal doses of science and sagacity, humor and history, plus practical advice galore. Dr. Sharon Malone is the compassionate doctor, soulful storyteller, surrogate sister, friend.” Jennifer Weiss-Wolf, executive director of the Birnbaum Women’s Leadership Center at NYU School of Law
“A must-read for anyone who cares about their quality of life . . . Dr. Sharon Malone is one of the smartest, funniest, and most charismatic women I know.” Michelle Obama
“Dr. Sharon Malone has filled every page with the vital information and the inspiration that we need to improve our health and extend our health spans—immediately!” Kerry Washington, Emmy-nominated actress and New York Times bestselling author of Thicker Than Water
The New Menopause: Navigating Your Path Through Hormonal Change with Purpose, Power, and Facts by Mary Claire Haver, MD
Claire’s empowering approach to self-advocacy fills the gaps in menopause care as well as everything a woman needs to know to thrive during her hormonal transition and beyond. With science-backed information and lived experience, this book provides tools to help women take charge of their health at this pivotal life stage.
Dr. Mary Claire Haver, board-certified OB/GYN, helps women going through perimenopause, menopause, and beyond actualize their health and wellness goals. To empower and educate women, Dr. Haver took a deep dive into the science of menopause, aging, and inflammation, emerging with an evidence-based program so women could wisely invest in their health.
What Others Are Saying:
“[An] enlightening guide … readers will welcome the affirming tone and the attention paid to less-discussed symptoms … It’s an informative manual on an important yet under-discussed health matter.” Publishers Weekly
Perimenopause Power: Navigating your hormones on the journey to menopause by Maisie Hill
Maisie delves into the science of menopause in an accessible way and provides a whole slew of tips to see women through the challenge of wildly fluctuating hormones and empowers women to address their issues and have conversations with loved ones and their doctors.
Maisie Hill is a highly qualified and sought-after menstrual health expert with over 15 years of experience as a practitioner, coach, and birth doula. Maisie delved into the land of women’s health after her own slew of health concerns, and therapies. Now she’s here to walk with others through similar challenges.
What Others Are Saying:
“An informative must-read for any woman–whatever their age.” VOGUE online
“Will make you gasp at how ill-informed you are about your own body.” Sunday Telegraph, Stella
“Maisie’s knowledge of hormones changed my life … you need this book.” Anna Jones
The Perry Menopause Journal: Empowering You With Knowledge, Sisterhood and Positivity. Guided Menopause Book with Expert Contributions by Physicians, Psychologists & Real Stories of the Community by Perry
This journal is the perfect combination of knowledge, stories and guidance. With space to write and document your journey, affirmations, prompts, and even a mood and symptom section, this journal will be a go-to for every day reflection.
The Perry Menopause Journal is a co-authored publication with over 15 esteemed experts who specialize in the intricate realm of menopause. Their collective wisdom, diverse perspectives, and extensive experience make this journal an unparalleled resource for women navigating the complexities of perimenopause. By bringing together a wide range of expertise, The Perry Menopause Journal offers a comprehensive and holistic approach to addressing the challenges and empowering women during this transformative phase of life.
What Others Are Saying:
“From the very format to the incisive prompts and questions, to the stories and the expert advice, this is going to be my go-to-gift for every woman I know who is going through perimenopause, henceforth! Hands down, it’s exactly what midlife women need on their night tables, on the subway, or at work. Huzzah!” Alisa Kennedy Jones, The Empress
The Menopause Manifesto: Own Your Health with Facts and Feminism by Dr. Jen Gunter
Filled with practical tips, useful information and startling insights, this essential guide will revolutionize how women experience menopause and show them how their lives can be even better for it. Dr. Jen debunks misogynistic attitudes and challenges the over-mystification of menopause to reveal everything you really need to know about menopause.
Dr. Jen Gunter is an OB/GYN and a pain medicine physician. She is an advocate for women’s health with an online platform focus. Gunter seeks to empower through knowledge by countering stubborn myths and misunderstandings about menopause with hard facts, real science, fascinating historical perspective, and expert advice.
What Others Are Saying:
“An exhilarating read and a comprehensive review of all things menopause.” Lori Davis, DNP, NCMP, North American Menopause Society
