Our Bodies, Ourselves

by Boston Women's Health Book Collective, Judy Norsigian

THE BESTSELLING WOMEN’S HEALTH CLASSIC—INFORMING AND INSPIRING WOMEN ACROSS GENERATIONS Hailed by The New York Times as a “feminist classic,” this comprehensive guide to all aspects of women’s sexuality and reproductive health—including menopause, birth control, childbirth, sexual health, sexual orientation, gender identity, mental health, and overall wellbeing—changed the women’s health movement around the world and remains as important and relevant as ever. Providing detailed and empowering information on women’s reproductive health and sexuality, this latest edition of Our Bodies, Ourselves shows how to find and access health information and offers additional resources and stories to educate women about health care injustices and inspires them to work collectively to address them. Including the latest vital information -Changes in the health care system—especially how health care reform affects women and how to get the care you need. -Safer sex—how to engage in pleasurable, satisfying sexual experiences while protecting your health and the health of your partner. -Environmental health risks—including minimizing exposure to everyday pollutants that endanger reproductive health. -Body image—resisting negative media stereotypes and embracing healthier approaches to looking and feeling good. -Local and global activism—using social media and organizing tactics to build community and advocate for policies that improve women’s lives. -As well as crucial information about gender identity, sexual orientation, birth control, abortion, pregnancy and birth, perimenopause, and sexuality and sexual health as we age. Together with its companion website, OurBodiesOurselves.org, Our Bodies, Ourselves is a one-stop resource that belongs on the bookshelves of women of all ages.

Genres: Health, Nonfiction, Reference, Feminism, Self Help, Medical, Medicine

2080 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 3, 2006

About the author

Our Bodies Ourselves is a nonprofit education and advocacy organization focused on women's health. We aim to combine women's personal stories with reliable, up-to-date health information, while examining the social and political influences on women's health and well-being.

Reviews

[Laura (Kyahgirl) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I originally got this book out of the library and liked it so much I decided to buy a copy for my own library. That automatically makes it a five star rating.

The thing I like about this book is the tone. It talks about all aspects of being a woman going through menopause or approaching menopause. It doesn't talk like you're sick or suffering from a disease or like you're going to suffer and here's what to do. The book covers the facts about the physical processes in both 'natural' menopause and medically/surgically/chemically induced menopause. It covers the current research, the role of the pharmaceutical industry, lifestyle choices that can have a huge impact on your health during this time and more. Practical considerations for choosing your health care provider are also addressed.

Ever since I read 'Our Bodies, Ourselves' about thirty years ago, I've respected and valued the information that is published by the Boston Women's Health Book Collective.

[Fostergrants · Rating 4 out of 5]

i will want to own this one. i like the open mindedness and friendly approach. it does not treat the process as a medical condition that needs to be cured but a natural part of life, and then it helps you through the scary parts. sensible, straightforward, easy to read, modern.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

As with the basic Our Bodies, Ourselves, that you need to own, every woman entering menopause should own this copy! Buy it BEFORE you start the pre-menopause stage so you can prepare yourself for that fun ride. Yikes...

[Kate · Rating 3 out of 5]

I seriously wish I had read this before choosing surgical menopause. I would have almost certainly have made the choice I did, but I would have been much better prepared for the consequences.

[Siggi · Rating 5 out of 5]

You can always count on the Boston Women's Health Book Collective to bring you good and solid information.

[Kirsten · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every woman going through life's change or not should own this amazing literature

[S. Wigget · Rating 3 out of 5]

I hope the author of Come as You Are--or someone else who knows that BMI is fatphobic bullshit--writes a book on menopause. That's my one complaint about this book.

[Molly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Comprehensive and insightful as well as encouraging.

[Ruth · Rating 4 out of 5]

My two main thoughts after reading this: 1) This is such an important resource, and 2) I am stunned that this book was banned at one point (where/why/how long doesn’t really matter). All women and those who care about them can benefit from reading this. I feel mostly empowered—and yes, somewhat concerned—by the information contained herein. Concerned in that I am not convinced that I have the necessary social, physical, and financial resources to transition through menopause with grace when the time arrives. But it’s still comforting to know more facts and fewer myths about this important time. So glad I read this.

[Joy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ideally I would like my own copy of this, but finances are difficult at the moment, so I'll have to share with the rest of the library-using population. I didn't read it cover-to-cover but I did skim most of the sections, while reading more closely the parts that directly bear on my personal case. Lots of good information and advice; more than I can absorb in one sitting so I'm sure I will return to it before long.

[Jen Chenault · Rating 5 out of 5]

The 6th book I've read in the Our Bodies, Ourselves collection. So much information, demystification of menopause, political and patronization of women at this point in their lives. Filled with amazing information. Just like all of these books!

[Ellie]

this would be my next purchase

[Wanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Easy read, informative and I liked being able to search by specific topics

[Janice · Rating 4 out of 5]

Friendly and understandable. Informative. Now I know. I retread some of the chapters....a good reminder.

[Raven L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book.

I am sadden there will be no more updates to the book, or any other OBOS books.

[Whitney · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is on the “did not finish” pile. Not because it’s bad, but because it is a reference—not something you read from cover to cover. It does have decent info, though.

[Patty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent resource.

[Autumn Kearney · Rating 4 out of 5]

When it was written it was great. Now it's out of date. I own and read the paperback 2006 version. I hope that they print up a new one soon.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

too much "honoring" and "celebrating" and "next phase of life" crap. as someone who never wanted kids, i don't feel a loss at my fertility going away. i don't feel less feminine by not having a period anymore.

[Mirhanda · Rating 1 out of 5]

I had a wonderful edition in the early 90s that was all about women's health. I bought a more recent edition and it's really all about men and men's health now. I hate to say it but I will no longer recommend this book to any woman unless she can get her hands on the older 90s edition.

[Get Booked Fans]

Episode 34:4. Hi Amanda and Jenn,
First of all, thank you for a great podcast – I am a fan all the way from Denmark!
I am looking for book recommendations for my mother-in-law’s upcoming birthday. She is currently going through an emotional roller coaster-ride, as she is going through menopause and finds it difficult to 1) find relevant information about the bodily changes and 2) to find emotional support. She is such a fun and loving Filipino mother-in-law, and I find it so hard to see her going through this alone and I therefore want to find some great books that can take her through this stage of her life so she can better cope. I hope there are some good fiction and non-fiction books out there.
Thank you for your help.
–Kristina
Recommended by: Amanda

[Meg - find me on TSG]

I've been joking for a couple of years now that someone needs to write a jokey book for middle-aged people in the tone of those books for pre-pubescent kids so we know what to expect from our changing bodies.

But for the serious tone, this is that book for women. It covers about every related topic I can think of in a straightforward manner with good citations to scientific literature. There's power in knowing random weird things that can happen aren't just you. I feel much better prepared for the next 10 years or so--nd prepared to resist the osteoporosis industrial complex!