by 
For the longest time, the poster image of menopause or perimenopause was that of a very angry woman, and so I had no idea what to make of it.
All I knew was that this was a period where the normal biological functions of my body would cease, and I would become an entirely new person.
Luckily, in recent years, more authors, researchers, and scientists have dug into the phenomenon that is menopause, and we are getting brand-new insights.
As always, I turned to books for the first wave of information, and I found some truly amazing ones.
I genuinely believe that growing older is a privilege, and I plan to treasure every minute I have here on Earth.
If you are a woman who is either approaching menopause or you’re simply curious about this stage of a woman’s life, then these are the books you want to read.
You don’t have to be a woman to read these books – you could be a man wanting to understand more about the women in your life, or just curious.
Either way, I think these are books everyone needs to get their eyes on.
So Hot Right Now by Alex Greengate
This book feels like a friendly big sister sitting you down for a real talk.
It breaks down what perimenopause actually is, how to spot the signs, and how to deal with the changes without feeling like you’re spiraling.
It doesn’t just focus on the symptoms (although there are plenty, like night sweats and mood swings), it also shares tips for handling them – both naturally and with medical help like HRT.
I really liked that it didn’t try to scare me, even though I’m not close to menopause yet.
Instead, it made me feel like I could handle whatever comes.
It’s kind, calming, and surprisingly empowering.
Making Menopause Matter by Diane Danzebrink
This one really got me thinking and it’s perfect if you’re menopausal or perimenopausal.
Diane doesn’t just talk about the physical stuff; she dives into why menopause matters in every part of life – work, relationships, mental health.
It’s not just about one person’s body; it’s about how society supports (or doesn’t support) women during this big life change.
Even though I’m still years away, I found myself nodding along and realizing how important it is to start understanding all of this early.
Diane’s passion really shines through, and it made me want to be more open in talking to others – my friends, my future self, even my aunts – about menopause.
The Power Decade by Susan Saunders
I loved the vibe of this book.
It’s all about seeing life after menopause as a time to thrive, not fade away.
Susan calls our 50s and 60s The Power Decade, and even though that feels far away for me, I actually found it super inspiring.
She talks about nutrition, exercise, mindset, and how to use this phase to become your best self.
I appreciated the mix of expert advice and real stories from women – it made it feel hopeful and real.
It’s like planning for a really exciting trip – you might not be going yet, but it helps to know what to pack.
Just Getting Started by Lisa Snowdon
Lisa’s book feels like a warm hug and a pep talk all in one.
She shares her own journey with menopause (which started early for her), and she’s honest about how tough it was but also how it helped her grow into an even better version of herself.
I especially liked how she talked about body confidence, sex, and self-love without being awkward or too much.
As someone who’s always thinking about the future, it reminded me that growing older doesn’t have to mean slowing down.
Instead, it’s just the start of something new and maybe even better.
Lisa’s voice is fun, wise, and super encouraging.
The Natural Menopause Method by Karen Newby
This book takes a gentle, holistic approach that I found really refreshing.
Karen is a nutritionist, so she focuses on how food and lifestyle habits can make menopause smoother.
Even now, I picked up some tips I can start trying – like how to sleep better or what to eat when you’re always tired.
I liked that she didn’t promise quick fixes, just solid advice that feels doable.
She also includes a 14-day cleanse and talks about things like brain fog and sugar cravings.
It’s the kind of book you keep by your kitchen counter for little reminders and encouragement.
The Menopause Manifesto by Dr. Jennifer Gunter
Dr. Jen Gunter doesn’t hold back and I love that about her.
This book is honest, sharp, and packed with facts.
She tackles the myths around menopause and replaces them with science and common sense.
Even though it’s full of information, it doesn’t feel overwhelming.
She’s funny and real, and she reminds us that menopause isn’t a disease – it’s just a phase we should all be prepared for.
I might be years away, but I felt like I got a head start by reading this, so it’s the perfect book for every woman.
It’s the kind of book about menopause you want to lend to your friends or relatives.
A Better Second Half by Liz Earle
This book felt like sitting down with a wise, warm friend who has figured a lot of things out.
Liz talks about health – physical, emotional, and mental – and how to take better care of ourselves as we age.
I liked that she shares her own story and doesn’t pretend everything is easy.
She touches on gut health, exercise, stress, and even tech-y stuff like biohacking, but in a really down-to-earth way.
I found myself underlining things to try, and this is such an important book for women of all ages.
It made me feel like aging doesn’t have to be scary – it can actually be kind of exciting.
The Feel Good Fix by Lavina Mehta MBE
Lavina focuses on small, quick ways to move your body and boost your mood – she calls them exercise snacks and mind snacks, which honestly just sounds fun.
I liked that it’s all about fitting wellness into real, busy lives without needing a gym membership or fancy equipment.
As someone who sometimes struggles with motivation, this book felt like a low-pressure nudge in the right direction.
It’s especially great for women going through menopause, but honestly, it’s useful for anyone looking to feel a little more balanced and happy – even if you’re not there yet.
The Definitive Guide to the Perimenopause and Menopause by Dr. Louise Newson
If you only read one menopause book, this might be it.
Dr. Newson is a top expert, and she explains things so clearly that even a total beginner (like me) can understand.
She covers everything – from how hormones work to HRT to how menopause affects your mood, memory, and even your job.
I liked the real women’s stories she included – it made the science feel more human.
I’m still far from menopause, but I felt really grateful to have this guide on hand.
It’s thorough, helpful, and full of compassion.
You’ll walk away feeling much more prepared and a lot less nervous.
Bloody Hell!, edited by Mona Eltahawy
This book is powerful and different from the rest.
It’s a collection of essays by people from all over the world – women, transmasculine, and non-binary folks – sharing their honest, sometimes raw stories of menopause.
In this book, Mona is not giving any solutions or fixing anything.
She talks about being real, messy, bold, and free.
I found it eye-opening and oddly comforting and it reminded me that everyone’s journey is unique, and there’s no one right way to experience menopause.
The stories are full of fire, strength, and humor – and they made me feel strangely excited about the freedom that can come with this big life shift.
So, which of these books about menopause and perimenopause are you planning to read?
Let me know in the comments below.
And if you have any other book recommendations for curious readers like me, feel free to drop them there too
