A nonfiction, completely medical/science based book all about the process of menopause. One of the first points the OB/GYN author pointed out was how much we all learn about the changes the body makes when experiencing new levels of hormones during puberty and adolescence. But no one really prepares women or the men in their lives for menopause and the changes this will bring. I appreciated the discussion of many different topics related to menopause, because some women have many signs and symptoms of this change and others have very few. It is a great handbook to return to when signs occur and it maybe unclear what to do about them. I think that this book can be read cover to cover, or for the sections pertinent to the individual. As things change, it can be referred to again and again, perhaps focusing on different areas.
This is really well done and a meaningful addition to resources as women age. I appreciate the author’s hard work and effort as putting this together. When it comes to women’s health literature, many of the books talkdown to the reader. This one was well done and felt woman to woman.
Highly recommend.
#TheMenopauseManifesto #NetGalley #KensingtonBooks #Citadel

“I demand that the era of silence and shame about menopause yield to facts and feminism. I proclaim that we must stop viewing menopause as a disease, because that means being a woman is a disease and I reject that shoddily constructed hypothesis. I also declare that what the patriarchy thinks of menopause is irrelevant. Men do not get to define the value of women at any age.”

After 38 years of regular but long, heavy and painful periods (minus 4 successful pregnancies and three miscarriages), I’ve actually been looking forward to menopause in some ways. At 48, I have now been experiencing the symptoms of peri menopause for about 18 months, and while I expected some of the more well known effects such as hot flushes, insomnia and irregular bleeding, I now realise, thanks to Jen Gunter and The Menopause Manifesto, that the inexplicable joint pain I have been suffering may also be related.

For the uninformed, menopause occurs when there are no more follicles in the ovaries capable of ovulating, meaning there are no more eggs, and menstruation ceases. The average age when this happens is 50-52 years. However the transition to menopause (often referred to as peri menopause) can start several years earlier, and the length, and the severity of symptoms, may vary significantly from woman to woman. There are dozens of common symptoms and conditions associated with menopause from an increased risk of heart disease to a decrease in libido, but they don’t just occur in a vacuum - they may be influenced by general health, age and lifestyle factors. Gunter provides detailed but mostly accessible medical facts about the biological process of menopause, its medical ramifications, and a comprehensive guide to treatment options. Useful chapter summaries in point form are provided if you are inclined to skim the denser scientific material. Personal anecdotes and blunt observations from the author ensures the material is rarely dry.

The Menopause Manifesto not only delivers the science but also explores how menopause is perceived (primarily in America and similar cultures). Gunter includes discussion about patriarchal medicine’s tendency to dismiss or minimise the experience of menopause, the culture of shame attached to the transition, and the lack of education surrounding the process. The feminist slant of the book is unapologetic as Gunter encourages women to empower themselves with knowledge so as to better advocate for their own health.

The Menopause Manifesto is a comprehensive, practical resource for all in possession of female reproductive organs. I wish I had read something like this five years ago and strongly recommend that women aged from in their early forties consider educating themselves about menopause well in advance.

4.5 stars = Excellent resource!

This is a frank, in depth resource that I believe works for those anticipating menopause and curious to know what to expect, those in the midst of the transition looking for reliable information, and also for those who are in menopause and want to read up on the health impacts of this new phase of life.

The author is an OB/GYN who has gone through menopause, so she brings personal as well as professional insights. While this is a detailed and in depth look at the biology of the process, there is also some humor and a great, conversational tone. I appreciated how honest the author is on the impact of patriarchy on some of the assumptions and lack of research on topics covered in the book. I highly recommend this. (Some language, frank talk about biology and bodily functions)

After a surprise hysterectomy, I was left looking for answers about how to navigate this new chapter of life. Dr. Gunter, a fantastic doctor, who you may know from Twitter takes you through everything you wanted to know. And also some things I hadn't thought of yet.

This manifesto is a must-read for all women. Dr. Gunter's straightforward and warm appeal makes you feel like you are sitting with a girlfriend drinking wine and discussing the big M. I don't know why more women don't talk about these changes. It is normal and it is going to happen whether we all like it or not. We might as well become educated when it comes to our bodies. This book is filled to the brim with information. I plan to buy a copy for myself to use as a reference guide. Thank you to NetGalley and Citadel Press for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

"I demand that the era of silence and shame about menopause yield to facts and feminism. I proclaim that we must stop viewing menopause as a disease, because that means being a woman is a disease and I reject that shoddily constructed hypothesis. I also declare that what the patriarchy thinks of menopause is irrelevant. Men do not get to define the value of women at any age."

Ok, I just turned 40 in February and these titles totally call to me as I know I may have some years yet but as it says I want to be prepared and I am all about preventative care. Btw got a mammogram last Saturday and no cancer detected! Yay first 40 yo adult level attained without harm!  

This book goes into amazing detail depending on experiences and symptoms to look out for and here's a few items that jumped out to me:

⏺There is so much shame in menopause isn't there!? Such a patriarchal idea, that women are worth nothing now that they can no longer have babies. I want a menopause party! I want to start a trend! Let's all have fun and say we survived our years of horrible periods!

⏺This author mentioned that "Hunger is an emotion" I can totally see that.

⏺Cardiovascular symptoms may be what are usual for men but those aren't what women feel. So women are dying from heart attacks by misogyny.

⏺Oooo I totally agree with the "ad feminem" attack on women when they are on their period, during and after pregnancy, on menopause that they can't think or function properly. Ugh

⏺I got to the desire section! Thank goodness that coconut oil is ok to use lol.

⏺ Odor - STFU I have never bought into the douche game. It's def a guy thing ugh patriarchy is in everything. Where is the testical freshening aisle?

Totally recommend this book for those going through menopause and as a proactive manual to help get past all the BS and how to advocate for your body when it starts changing.

Thank you net galley and kensington books for the e-ARC for my honest and voluntary review.

“The Menopause Manifesto” is here to rid us of the patriarchy’s old school notions of what menopause could and should be and to offer a feminist reinterpretation of menopause as a powerful, transformative, participatory experience. Some may know Gunter for her previous tome “The Vagina Bible” which clarified a similarly misunderstood and oft-maligned body part. But she recognized, as woman after woman approached her book tours and via social media about their menopausal experiences, an informed populace is an empowered populace.
Details regarding the length, timing, and impact of menopause on the physical body, the genitourinary system, cognitive and emotional health, and ways to mitigate the symptoms place Gunter’s tome equal parts manifesto, health guide, and support group for one.

The Menopause Manifesto is one of the most comprehensive books on women’s health since “Our Bodies, Ourselves.” Dr. Jen Gunter’s book is a pep talk for women with fascinating facts and affirmations.

Using charts, diagrams, and chapter summaries, Gunter makes a complicated subject simpler without being overly clinical and dry. She discusses the pros and cons of contraception methods, diets, medications (specifically MHT), supplements, bioidenticals, and much more. And never shy about talking about hot flashes, sex, and mental health.

The Menopause Manifesto answered many of my questions, dismissed by my previous male physicians. I specifically loved Gunter’s personal antidotes, observations, and experiences and found them relatable and invaluable. I recommend Menopause Manifesto, and I thank NetGalley for allowing me to read and review it.
#TheMenopauseManifesto #NetGalley #womenshealth

As a woman of a certain age, I was really interested in reading this book and have read a few others on the subject recently. Unfortunately, this book just didn't hold my interest and I couldn't get into it at all.

I was super excited to get an advanced reader copy of this title , as I have followed Dr. Gunter ‘s social media presence for years.

This is a book that every person with a uterus,ovaries, and vagina should read and revisit again and again. It’s a book that should be gifted among friends, and it’s a conversation provoking read. This book should have a place of honor in your shelf, well before you reach the age where you’re going to need it.

I loved that it was divided in three parts, every chapter an easy way to go back, highlight, and reflect upon.
Part feminist manifesto, part owner’s manual...this is one book you simply must own. Period ( or lack thereof ).

I'm increasingly interested in the enigma that is the human body, specifically this point in life when things that have been working as designed (or not) for so long chug to a stop and we enter another stage in life. This book is conversational, bringing bodily functions and explanations down to a layperson's level, which I appreciated. There's a lot of history, a lot of biology, much of which, as the author stated, could be found in the vagina bible, so I felt it could be left out, but for the sake of a complete guide, I understand why it was included.

There was no ground breaking or lightbulb revelations- if you've searched symptoms of menopause and 'what does this mean?' you know all of this info, anyway. The benefit is having all of those internet searches in one book. This would be a great book to have in print so the reader could highlight, tab and reference, especially part 3 which can be read in full or in parts.

I had a hysterectomy and kept my ovaries, so I don't have clues like menses grinding to a halt to clue me into menopause. This book is a useful guide to the process, and all involved.

This is the best book on the subject, despite Dr. Gunter's obviously emotional rhetoric on osteoporosis (which she says killed her mom).

Thanks to the publisher for the ARC. This is a good book.

The Menopause Manifesto by Dr Jen Gunter is an interesting read. I didn't really know much about the subject before I read this book, and, since I'm 44 I thought it would be good to educate myself a bit more. This book is deeply and fiercely feminist, which is a good place to start. it is science based, and discusses the benefits and risks of various approaches. The main thing I took away from it is that the best things I can do is exercise and eat a balanced high fibre diet,. I'm pretty sure that if you read this book, you'd take away something different, but also helpful and supportive. I recommend this book to anyone who wants to know more about this stage in life, without shame or fear.

Thanks to NetGally for the review copy.

Every single female needs to read this book! Dr. Gunter holds nothing back and explains everything there is regarding menopause! A topic not talked about enough and the symptoms can be all over the place. So, ladies do yourself a favor and read this book!!

I follow Dr. Gunter on Twitter, and you can’t imagine the relief when I heard she was releasing a book for those of us suffering from menopause. It’s definitely not something that my generation of mothers or grandmothers talked about. After a partial hysterectomy, I’ve been suffering from symptoms for seven years. It’s been poorly treated because of limited options of doctors because of location and doctors that have an “isn’t she cute” mentality.

I appreciate Gunter explored the history both through the term and the misogynistic approach through the years. She explored the varying symptoms, treatment options, and things to discuss with your doctor in a relatable and down-to-earth, evidence-based approach. This book is a definite must-read that helps to prepare the reader for each stage they will go through. Thank you, Kensington Books, for sending this along.

Extremely informative. Thankfully I'm not that close to this major life change, but I've listened to women all my life talk about the horrors they go through. The stigma they feel. They no longer feel like a woman, and that simply isn't the truth, you are just as much a woman and still have a lot to offer the world during and post menopause. This practical and thoughtful guide with a side of humor is full of sound advice to help you defeat those "down on yourself" feelings that emerge when the change comes. Highly recommend.

Dr. Jen Gunther, MD is my new chief explainer of women’s health. Her upcoming book, The Menopause Manifesto: Own Your Health with Facts and Feminism is brilliant. It’s an utterly necessary addition to every 35+ woman’s bookshelf. Run, don’t walk, to your nearest bookstore and pre-order a copy. Then, start reading on its May 25 publication date.

So, what makes it so great? Simple. Gunther balances evidence-based medical advice with feminist observations about menopause and women’s health. For example, she gives readers the low down the medical perspective on sexuality during the menopause transition. At the same time, she repeatedly notes the differences in how we treat the aging man’s sexuality with dignity and the aging woman’s sexuality with scorn. And frankly, it’s just plain ignored as a valid concern for women “of a certain age.” (See my recent review of Invisible Women: Data Bias in a World Designed for Men.)

The topics Gunther covers are broad. She discusses whether to take lots of supplements, change your diet, and get more exercise. And details the reasons why or why not. But what sets her apart is the common-sense medical information. If you need details about how the hormonal changes around menopause work, this book is for you. Gunther also includes when they generally start and when they may start to settle down. She explains the way various medically based hormone treatments work. The terminology used over the years is confusing and Gunther defines bioidentical hormones with plenty about what aspects are just hype.

Every topic women in their 40s and 50s wonder about is covered here. Gunther includes hot flashes, insomnia, skin and hair changes, breast health, weight, and so much more.

My conclusions
As a post-menopausal woman, I wondered if this book would provide information I didn’t know. It absolutely did! I found possible solutions to try for some typical issues.

On Goodreads, a friend in her early 40s asked if it’s too early to read The Menopause Manifesto. I encouraged her to give it a try. There is a LOT of information about the whole menopause transition, starting with peri menopause. A younger woman might not need everything right now. On the other hand, a trusted resource like this would definitely help. Navigating menopause is all about feeling informed and therefore in more control.

And let me say one more time, I love the feminist perspective that Gunther adds to her medical information. She minces no words in calling out the patriarchy. Sometimes she does so by explaining the truly wild historical remedies. And then reminding us that we are sadly still moving past the fallacies about menopause.

Our society treats women’s aging process, including menopause as an illness. It is not. And Gunther gives women the tools to make sure their doctors’ treat them with respect and dignity. She also gives them permission to move on and find better doctors by teaching them what is hogwash and what is evidence-based medicine.

If you need a solid reference book to support your menopausal transition and healthy aging process, I recommend The Menopause Manifesto.

Acknowledgements
Many thanks to NetGalley, Kensington Books / Citadel, and the author for a digital advanced reader’s copy in exchange for this honest review.

This book is equal parts terrifying, reassuring, maddening, and downright infuriating. I knew women were constantly being short-changed by healthcare providers, myself included, and this book cemented that knowledge. The author provides information women need but are likely not being given by their providers. There is a lot of science that may get somewhat confusing for people who are not familiar with reproductive biology, however, the author makes certain topics such as exercise, diet, hormone replacement therapy, osteoporosis, and health risks abundantly clear. She also shares her own experiences and concerns, instead of just talking about topics in an abstract sense. She is also very informative about charlatans peddling the modern-day equivalent of snake oil to unsuspecting women.

One star subtracted for questionable information (EX: iron and B12 are not derived strictly from animal-based sources) and missing references (EX: "see Chapter xx," where the chapter number is not included).

Every woman should read this book. It addresses women's health at all ages but especially during and after menopause. It enumerates the health challenges women may face during and after menopause, including causes and potential treatments. It helps women understand what's a "normal" part of menopause and what should be investigated as a different medical condition. Most importantly, it debunks patriarchal ideas about menopause and encourages women to advocate for themselves and to seek treatment for troubling symptoms, if they desire, even if those symptoms are a "normal" part of menopause. It's an empowering book that erases a lot of confusion and helps women feel better and more confident about their bodies.

Thanks, NetGalley,. for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.

An informative and well written book that explains menopause clearly and will be a useful reference tool. Some interesting thoughts on menopause and feminism also. Obviously it's not a criticism of the author, but as a Brit I found not everything was relevant to our healthcare system but still full of helpful suggestions.
Thank you to netgalley and Kensington books for an advance copy of this book