May is Women’s Health Month, and to celebrate women, I’m sharing two books that address a critical issue for our health- menopause. If you are not a woman, or think you are too young to worry about this, read on! For too long, we’ve felt awkward about discussing menopause. But, thank goodness, when I hit my late 40s and perimenopause started to rock my world, I found Dr. Jen Gunter and Amanda Thebe. These women, one an OB/GYN grounded in data and snark, the other a sassy Women’s and Fitness Health Expert, helped me during a difficult time in my health journey.
Gunter and Thebe have both published helpful books about menopause. These books armed me with information and strategies to manage my well being, and hopefully, they will help you, or someone you know, as well.
The Menopause Manifesto: Own Your Health with Facts and Feminism by Jen Gunter
I first heard Dr. Jen Gunter speak about menopause on a running podcast. She had great tips for managing symptoms of perimenopause, and so I decided to check out her book, The Menopause Manifesto. She didn’t disappoint.
Caveat: in the 1990s, I earned a Master of Science in Physical Therapy. We spent a ton of time in the PT Program at Virginia Commonwealth University reading scientific studies to determine if results were valid and reliable. So, I’m a science kind of gal. Which is why I respect how Dr. Gunter approaches the topic of menopause with data and information. Yet, she breaks down studies about women’s health into terminology that empowers instead of intimidates. Throughout her book, she gives personal anecdotes and humorous asides that make her feel like a good friend sitting next to you at the coffee shop. What I really like is the way she lays out facts, risk factors, and benefits so that readers can decide what options might be best for them. She never advocates just one approach but always acknowledges that a woman needs to choose for herself what she’s willing to try. The only agenda she pushes is one of personal choice and high quality of life.
Gunter keeps her information packed book fun and appealing with a generous dose of humor and some biting feminism. She asserts that a medical system dominated by men has for decades minimized or dismissed the needs of women, often employing offensive language to do so. For example, when discussing the latent insult in the diagnosis “ovarian insufficiency syndrome,” she ponders what might happen if the diagnosis of erectile dysfunction was renamed “penile insufficiency.” đ I often laughed out loud reading The Menopause Manifesto.
I recommend getting (or giving as a gift to a woman you love) The Menopause Manifesto in printed, physical form. My copy has post it notes, margin notes, and underlines scattered throughout. This is truly a reference manual. Gunter has also published The Vagina Bible, which I gave to my daughter when she was 17. Daughter took it to college and shared with many of her friends, as an alarming number of them had little knowledge about how to take care of their lady parts. Gunter has a Substack called The Vajenda that I follow for ongoing news and insights about women’s health. She’s also a great follow on Instagram.
Menopocalypse: How I learned to Thrive During Menopause and How You Can Too by Amanda Thebe
I also found Amanda Thebe through a running podcast, and she has given me the encouragement I need to accept my changing body as I age. Her book, Menopocalypse, and her inspiring Instagram feed, encourage me to think kindly about myself while pushing for improvement in the right ways.
Menopocalypse offers nutrition information and an Menopause Metobolic Resistance exercise program to help you eat better and get stronger. She shares the struggles and pitfalls of her own journey with menopause and what she learned along the way. One big thing – when bad days hit, give yourself grace. Also the concept of NEAT – non-exercise activity thermogenesis- which basically means you need to MOVE, even if it’s not for exercise. It’s still good for you, body and spirit. Additionally, Thebe addresses the mental health issues related to menopause, and how stress can worsen symptoms.
Thebe uses a humorous style which some reviewers found off putting, but I like. I will say it is easy for me to follow her exercise plan, but I have background in physical therapy, coaching, and group exercise instruction. Someone else might benefit from a more personal approach or meeting with someone in person in addition to reading this book.
Have you found books or information about Menopause that you would like to share? Please speak up in the comments!
Thanks for getting nerdy with me!
