Great Books
Worth Reading
Estrogen Matters
by Avrum Bluming, MD and Carol Tavris, PhD
If you have ever been told HRT is dangerous, this is the book that explains where that fear actually came from and what the research really shows. An oncologist and a social psychologist make the case using decades of evidence, and it is one of the most powerful books on this list to help you build knowledge, drop fears rooted in misinformation, and grow your confidence in evidence-based data.
The New Perimenopause
by Mary Claire Haver, MD
Perimenopause gets a fraction of the attention menopause does, and I think that is a real problem. If you are in your late 30s or 40s and something feels off, this book explains what may actually be going on.
The New Menopause
by Mary Claire Haver, MD
This book lit a fire for the entire conversation about menopause, ushering the subject into a new less-taboo era. It walks through the full range of symptoms and treatment options without any fear or fluff, so you have real facts to bring into your next appointment.
The Menopause Moment
by Kelly Casperson, MD
Dr. Casperson has a way of talking about hormones and brain health that feels like a conversation with a smart friend rather than a lecture. I recommend this one often for anyone who wants the science without the jargon.
You Are Not Broken
by Kelly Casperson, MD
Sexual health during this transition does not get talked about enough, and Dr. Casperson tackles it head on. This is the book I point people to when libido or intimacy questions come up, because she treats the topic seriously and without shame.
The Power of Hormones
by Louise Newson, MBChB
This is Dr. Newson's newest and most expansive book, looking at how estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone have been misunderstood for decades. If you want the full hormonal picture, not just the menopause piece, this is where to go.
The Definitive Guide to Perimenopause and Menopause
by Louise Newson, MBChB
Dr. Newson is one of the clearest voices in this space, and this book covers an enormous amount of ground, from HRT dosing to testosterone to the bigger picture of what under-treated menopause costs us.
Unlock Your Menopause Type
by Heather Hirsch, MD
Dr. Hirsch built this book around the idea that no two women experience this the same way, and it helps you figure out your own pattern of symptoms so you can build a plan that actually fits you.
The Perimenopause Survival Guide
by Heather Hirsch, MD
This one focuses entirely on the years before menopause, which is exactly the phase where most women feel the most lost and the least supported. Practical and current, and one of the few books written specifically for this stretch.
The Menopause Brain
by Lisa Mosconi, PhD
Brain fog is real, and it is hormonal, and Dr. Mosconi is the neuroscientist who can actually explain why. I recommend this to anyone who has been told their memory or focus issues are just stress or aging.
This one is not exclusively about menopause, but I recommend it constantly because it gives women the language and the confidence to advocate for themselves in any exam room. Essential if you have ever left an appointment feeling unheard.
It’s Not Hysteria
by Karen Tang, MD
Millenial Menopause
by Lauren Tetenbaum, LCSW, JD, PMH-C
As millennials become the newest generation to meet face to face with the menopause journey, Lauren’s newest book feels empowering, relatable and reads like a friend who has done the research. Her training as a lawyer, social worker, and psychotherapist feels threaded through with valuable data, perspectives, and guidance for readers.
Unbreakable
by Vonda Wright, MD
Muscle and bone loss are part of this transition too, and most of us never hear about it until something breaks. Dr. Wright is an orthopedic surgeon who lays out exactly what to do about it, and I think every woman in this phase should read it.
How to Menopause
by Tamsen Fadal, Journalist, Author, Advocate.
Tamsen Fadal is a journalist who went looking for answers. This book is what she found, synthesized from her own experience and interviews with more than 40 leading clinicians. A good starting point for any woman.