What do you think?
Rate this book
It's Probably Your Hormones: From Appetite to Sleep, Periods to Sex Drive, Balance Your Hormones to Unlock Better Health
Weight gain, insomnia, libido loss, fertility issues and acne are just some of the possible signs that something is not right with your hormones.
Dr Mary Ryan, a consultant endocrinologist, explains how good hormone health is important throughout our lives, not just at menopause, and how, by tackling problems when they arise, we can take control and improve our wellbeing.
The unfortunate truth is that many women struggle to have their health taken seriously and fail to get the support needed to manage debilitating symptoms. Dr Mary Ryan shows us how we can recognize hormonal issues and how to balance our hormones with various treatment options, including HRT, diet, sleep, and exercise, so that we can live happy, healthy, and balanced lives at any age.
Dr Mary Ryan, a consultant endocrinologist, explains how good hormone health is important throughout our lives, not just at menopause, and how, by tackling problems when they arise, we can take control and improve our wellbeing.
The unfortunate truth is that many women struggle to have their health taken seriously and fail to get the support needed to manage debilitating symptoms. Dr Mary Ryan shows us how we can recognize hormonal issues and how to balance our hormones with various treatment options, including HRT, diet, sleep, and exercise, so that we can live happy, healthy, and balanced lives at any age.
320 pages, Paperback
Published May 4, 2023
37 people are currently reading
568 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
January 7, 2024
Standard disclaimer that I listened to this as an audiobook which inevitably impacts my experience. That being said, this book was a bit simplistic. I borrowed it as I’ve been having my own journey with hormones and wanted to find out more information. While there was some information about the role and impact of the over 100 hormones in our body, I found this book was more of a semi-memoir and ‘call to action’ that ignores any intersectionality or nuance. While the underlying message that women do too much and need to care for themselves is true and important, the author is a bit optimistic in people’s capacity to change their circumstances. After all, she’s a widowed mother of three (as well as a successful endocrinologist, clearly economically secure, and member of many supportive networks) so if she can do it, why can’t you? I’m not expecting a full dissection of class or structural injustice but an acknowledgement would have been beneficial.
There was more blind optimism than realistic acknowledgement in this book, and for what I wanted to get out it that greatly impacted it. I’m sure individually she does exceptional work with her clients. She is clearly person centered and passionate about holistic health rather than a medical pill fix which I appreciate. Unfortunately, it is difficult to translate this to a broad audience through a book. The common repetition of stories, anecdotes, and facts also made this book a bit frustrating.
There was more blind optimism than realistic acknowledgement in this book, and for what I wanted to get out it that greatly impacted it. I’m sure individually she does exceptional work with her clients. She is clearly person centered and passionate about holistic health rather than a medical pill fix which I appreciate. Unfortunately, it is difficult to translate this to a broad audience through a book. The common repetition of stories, anecdotes, and facts also made this book a bit frustrating.
January 3, 2026
"Life is wonderful, ageing is a privilege, and being a woman is a great gift."
I unexpectedly loved this book, so feminist without declaring oneself, so focused on self care. It read like a soft and strong embrace. It's ok, it's all ok.
I unexpectedly loved this book, so feminist without declaring oneself, so focused on self care. It read like a soft and strong embrace. It's ok, it's all ok.
May 16, 2025
This was an interesting overview of how complex the endocrine system is and how hormones influence your body and how we can take care of ourselves to help our bodies do their job throughout all stages of life. Moral of the story is get sleep, reduce stress, eat balance diets etc. She does a good job of making clear what is normal for our bodies so that you know when to speak up if something is off and advocate for your body. She also speaks to some of the societal and systematic issues that lead to a lot of the hormonal issues women experience and seeks to confront those. Overall very informative. My one complaint was that it was very repetitive often repeating herself almost word for word across chapters unnecessary.
September 14, 2024
Really disappointing. I learned literally nothing new from this book. It’s an extremely simplistic overview of how complex and complicated the endocrine system is and I found most of the explanations and advice I could find from a quick google search. Definitely not the book for someone who knows a lot about health already as this seems to dumb everything down to secondary school level.
October 23, 2023
The first chapter- “if your periods lasts more than 3-4 days then you have a hormonal problem”…….. 🤔. And you’ve been to medical school?!?
April 7, 2024
Always up for reading and understanding more about health and different factors impacting it. This book, focussed on hormones, shed much light on their importance in the body, and the vast multitude of functions it plays. Very informative.
July 26, 2023
I wish there would have been a book like that 20 years ago (or a doctor like Dr. Ryan)!
This book gives insight into and information about hormone health and highlights the effects of hormone imbalance on the female body. I couldn’t name a single person who wouldn’t benefit from reading this. It is factual and laced with case studies yet Dr. Ryan writes in such a compassionate way that it doesn’t feel like a biology textbook.
This book gives insight into and information about hormone health and highlights the effects of hormone imbalance on the female body. I couldn’t name a single person who wouldn’t benefit from reading this. It is factual and laced with case studies yet Dr. Ryan writes in such a compassionate way that it doesn’t feel like a biology textbook.
October 2, 2024
Repetitive at times
April 15, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of this book. This book was both informative and more importantly, encouraging! Dr. Ryan emphasizes throughout her book that it is essential to take care of ourselves as women by eating well, getting enough rest and minimalizing stress in our lives. I feel empowered to make some positive changes also more prepared for the upcoming seasons in my life of perimenopause and menopause.
May 19, 2024
This book only scratched the surface of the science (which can be a hit for one but a miss for another), and some of the advice can be a bit repetitive at times. However, the book itself contains many useful pieces of information that need to be more widely known and spread. I'd recommend it if someone is looking for a light but informative read on the endocrine system.
3.75/5
3.75/5
September 10, 2024
Endocrinology is a field I wanted to wrap my head around and Dr Ryan does a fantastic job here collecting case studies and general symptom characteristics into a digestible crash course!
Anything to extend the conversation and add to my ever growing vocabulary of terms - so important to keep track of no matter your health journey, highly recommend!
Anything to extend the conversation and add to my ever growing vocabulary of terms - so important to keep track of no matter your health journey, highly recommend!
September 22, 2024
A must read 👌
December 30, 2023
“It’s probably your hormones: From appetite to sleep, periods to sex drives, balance your hormones to unlock better health” written by Dr Mary Ryan. Audiobook read by Jacqueline Milne.
This book isn’t released till Tuesday May 2024 on Amazon in USA - so I couldn’t buy the paperback. It’s definitely worth buying a copy and placing it on my bookcase. I love how fascinating this topic is and how empowering it is. It is a book that all men and women need to read. Dr Ryan gives us case studies on her patients. Dr Mary Ryan is a consultant endocrinologist. Such a great book, I was looking for answers for something. Most topics covered I already knew, however I did learn a lot! There were times that the book made me sad.
Track 1 of 13:
“We came across a patient who’d gone through about 8 rounds of IVF which was physically and emotionally exhausting for her. We discovered that this patient actually had an undiagnosed under active thyroid. Once we treated that the couple became pregnant. They even had to come back to the clinic and to say ‘Dr Ryan can you stop us from getting pregnant?’ That experience fascinated me and started what was to become a life long passion. It also showed me how much we need to teach both doctors and patients about hormonal health. That woman could have been saved so much heart break 💔 if her thyroid issue had been diagnosed earlier.”
10:23
“Thyroid diagnosed earlier
Track 2 - chapter 1: why we need this book
Dr Ryan talks about how we should educate boys and girls early on and normalise periods, tampons, period cups - all those things that we have been ashamed for, embarrassed about. I agree with her.
- Educate about hormonal health.
- Public education
- Lectures
- Peri menopause, menopause, sex lives, periods, body issues,
“Periods should be celebrated not seen as a nuisance.”
“A normal period is 3 or 4 days long with pain on the first day and slight cramps over the two days.”
Dr Ryan saying if your period is longer than 3 or 4 days it’s your hormones and it needs to be sorted out. Helping preventing fertility issues and endometriosis.
- “say No, I need tests, I need intervention.”
- “being empowered with knowledge women can go to a doctor demand the treatment they deserve.”
(I told my doctor I think xx this is what it is and they ignored me and embarrassed me instead - no one should go through with that.)
- What is endocrinology? If you never had diabetes or problems with thyroid’s, you may have never heard of an endocrinologist. Also deal with all hormones.
Everything is linked:
- Menstrual cycle, if off means something is up. Too heavy periods or irregular - it’s a sign of tiredness or thyroid is not functioning correctly.
- Bowel motions change - a sign - hormones control bowel muscle.
- If not Sleeping right - a sign of hormonal imbalance.
- Headaches - a sign of hormonal imbalance.
- These are the first big indicators for women!
- growth hormone: fuels childhood growth. 01:14:53
-
01:20:38
“Estrogen and progesterone, the ultimate female hormones. They cause breasts to grow during puberty and hips to become fuller. They control menstruation and make pregnancy possible. They also make sure we have strong hair and smooth skin. The long shiny hair that lot of young girls have is a demonstration of this.
Estrogen controls the female cycle. Increases blood circulation and the uterus and improves bone density. It has a positive effect on blood lipids by increasing your good cholesterol, HDL, and lowering your bad cholesterol, LDL. Estrogen has nurturing qualities. Throughout histories estrogen and new mothers has ensured the survival of new born babies. Estrogen also ensures cheerful disposition and emotional balance. However, our character is not only shaped by sex hormones but also by cortisol which is produced by adrenal glands and makes us more aggressive and stressed. Estrogen affects our levels of happiness and our emotional equilibrium and progesterone affects our cortisol levels and calms our nervous system. Estrogen holds immense power, in the sea of hormones. When our estrogen levels are in balance we feel calm, clear headed, and energetic. When we are off balance, we feel that our nerves are shredded. Estrogen is produced by primarily in the ovaries. The fatty tissue. In the small amount in the testicules and a region in the brain that is important for memory and learning. The hormones acts like a neuro protective antioxidant protecting nerves cells & their connections by intercepting aggressive and damaging molecules and proteins. Therefore they protects our brains. Estrogen also stimulates blood flow, strengthens the immune system and stimulates the production of proteins leading to increase if trident-hiserise? (Don’t know the word) providing energy between meals and cholesterol. Helping the body to make cell membranes in the blood and water retention in the tissues.”
01:23:44
- women are twice as likely to get Alzheimer’s from age of 65 like men from the study of estrogen/hormones - it affects the hippocampus an area of the brain that estrogen production drops dramatically during menopause.
- High estrogen links to cancer and weight, extra estrogen can lead to liver damage.
“Progesterone is the second important female sex hormone. On the one hand it compliments estrogen. On the other hand it is its antagonist. Progesterone balances out estrogen and without estrogen, progesterone cannot fully take effect. Together they determine menstrual cycle. Make conception possible, and allow embryo develop by protecting the mucus membrane of the uterus.
Progesterone is produced in the follicle cell from cholesterol. Progesterone acts not only in the uterus but on almost all body tissues in the brain. As well as the peripheral nerves essentially your arms and legs. It is important in energy production, the immune system, temperature and water regulation and bone and fat metabolism. It lowers the risks of various types of cancer, and intensifies the effects of thyroid hormones. Together with estrogen, progesterone protects against osteoporosis and encourages new bone growth. Progesterone has a calming effect me helps us sleep better. It acts as an antiflamitry and a directic and flushes out fluids and tightens connective tissues. It increases libido around ovulation. Progesterone is also crucial production of testosterone in men.”
- “Both men and women produce estradiol and it’s the most common form present in female fertile years.”
- “Too much estradiol can be a bad thing and result in acne, loss of libido, depression, and osteoporosis. Very high levels of the hormone can increase the risk of uterine and breast cancer. While low levels can play in weight gain and cardiovascular disease.”
-“estroen weaker form of estrogen after menopause…”
1:29:49
- PCOS “high levels of testosterone is polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Affects between 6% and 8% of premenopausal women. See chapter 4 for treatment.
- TSH -thyroid hormone / produces: T4 & T3
- Vitamins and nutrients deficiency as well as alcohol can prevent the conversion of T4 to T3.
- iron deficiency
-
Thyroid issue: very tired, exhausted, putting on lots of weight, dry skin, dry hair, - would be suspicious of thyroid issue of under reactive thyroid.
- women who have been suffering with periods for more than 7 days
- pacing and slow down - listen to your bodies. Walk not run.
Chapter 3: Menstruation- 2:11:21
FHS & LH
Follicle-stimulating hormone
Luteinizing hormone (LH) is a hormone made by the pituitary gland.
Menorgeoh
Dismenoreah
Put on pill to make it regular - heavy cycles , lost iron.
Vitamin b6 and folic acid
Lifestyle
Cutting down on sugar
Sleep
Exercise
Cravings and periods - chocolates (sweet) or carbohydrates (stodgy).
Get your happy hormones in a different way.
Menoreaha
Premature Ovarian Failure (which used to be called early menopause) - 02:34:48
- causes of ammenoreah
- polyps - benign - cause heavy bleeding. Use iud’s/coil/hormonal mirena coil.
Chapter 4: fertility- 02:34:48
- look at your life style, cut alcohol consumption, don’t smoke, take folic acid and vitamin d, sleep, exercise, - for men (zinc and selium) and women.
- Patient history is vital.
- Fertility- when you know your cycle - first day of bleeding. Four phases are menstrual phase, bleeding, follicular phase (before cold the egg), the ovulatory phase (release of the egg), and the luteal phase (after release of egg).
This book talks about how women are first thing they go to if women are the issue when infertile. Men need to checked first.
“Men’s fertility and age : we never talk about it. When men reach 50, the quality of their sperm is far lower than they might ever imagine.”
“In a study conducted by the centre of reproductive and genetic health in london, discovered- half of the male participants under 35 were able to successfully fertilise an egg. Aged between 36 to 40, that number dropped to 42 per cent and it went down to 35 per cent for those ages 41 to 45. Men over the age of 45 have higher dna fragmentation which means higher risk of damage in fetus..”
3:19:38
It’s a man’s fault as well as a woman’s ..
Miscarriages..
“..there’s couple who have been trying for a long time and don’t have a baby. It’s incredibly sad, very difficult and my heart goes out to them. They’ve been on a long road and accepting that it’s not going to happen to them can be devastating. I’ve seen couples use donar egg and donar sperm to have their babies, and couples who’ve completed their families with a help of a surrogate, but that’s not for everyone..”
Chapter 5: perimenopause (track 6) 3:40:16
She talks about how men should have the snip, step up - after they have had children, if they’re not going to have anymore. Have the snip. Be responsible. so that their partners don’t have to worry - women wouldn’t have to use contraception. Women 40 yrs and over should still use contraceptives as they’re fertile.
Chapter 6: menopause
Ko-nen-key Japanese word. Average age is 51. But can start in 40s. Menopause is end of periods.
It frustrates me when women in the 30s say “oh I don’t think I can get pregnant?” I ask them as you still having regular periods, they answer yes, then you are still ovulating! This book confirms this fact!!
Chapter 10: self esteem (track 12 of 13)
Be the warrior not the victim.
Boundaries:
“Busyness is a disease. It’s not a badge of honour. We shouldn’t live to work. We should work to live.”
Everyone needs a break.
Mindfulness: clear your mind, just be with yourself. Slow down. Don’t listen to your podcast. It could be a coffee on your own.
Seize the day.
This book isn’t released till Tuesday May 2024 on Amazon in USA - so I couldn’t buy the paperback. It’s definitely worth buying a copy and placing it on my bookcase. I love how fascinating this topic is and how empowering it is. It is a book that all men and women need to read. Dr Ryan gives us case studies on her patients. Dr Mary Ryan is a consultant endocrinologist. Such a great book, I was looking for answers for something. Most topics covered I already knew, however I did learn a lot! There were times that the book made me sad.
Track 1 of 13:
“We came across a patient who’d gone through about 8 rounds of IVF which was physically and emotionally exhausting for her. We discovered that this patient actually had an undiagnosed under active thyroid. Once we treated that the couple became pregnant. They even had to come back to the clinic and to say ‘Dr Ryan can you stop us from getting pregnant?’ That experience fascinated me and started what was to become a life long passion. It also showed me how much we need to teach both doctors and patients about hormonal health. That woman could have been saved so much heart break 💔 if her thyroid issue had been diagnosed earlier.”
10:23
“Thyroid diagnosed earlier
Track 2 - chapter 1: why we need this book
Dr Ryan talks about how we should educate boys and girls early on and normalise periods, tampons, period cups - all those things that we have been ashamed for, embarrassed about. I agree with her.
- Educate about hormonal health.
- Public education
- Lectures
- Peri menopause, menopause, sex lives, periods, body issues,
“Periods should be celebrated not seen as a nuisance.”
“A normal period is 3 or 4 days long with pain on the first day and slight cramps over the two days.”
Dr Ryan saying if your period is longer than 3 or 4 days it’s your hormones and it needs to be sorted out. Helping preventing fertility issues and endometriosis.
- “say No, I need tests, I need intervention.”
- “being empowered with knowledge women can go to a doctor demand the treatment they deserve.”
(I told my doctor I think xx this is what it is and they ignored me and embarrassed me instead - no one should go through with that.)
- What is endocrinology? If you never had diabetes or problems with thyroid’s, you may have never heard of an endocrinologist. Also deal with all hormones.
Everything is linked:
- Menstrual cycle, if off means something is up. Too heavy periods or irregular - it’s a sign of tiredness or thyroid is not functioning correctly.
- Bowel motions change - a sign - hormones control bowel muscle.
- If not Sleeping right - a sign of hormonal imbalance.
- Headaches - a sign of hormonal imbalance.
- These are the first big indicators for women!
- growth hormone: fuels childhood growth. 01:14:53
-
01:20:38
“Estrogen and progesterone, the ultimate female hormones. They cause breasts to grow during puberty and hips to become fuller. They control menstruation and make pregnancy possible. They also make sure we have strong hair and smooth skin. The long shiny hair that lot of young girls have is a demonstration of this.
Estrogen controls the female cycle. Increases blood circulation and the uterus and improves bone density. It has a positive effect on blood lipids by increasing your good cholesterol, HDL, and lowering your bad cholesterol, LDL. Estrogen has nurturing qualities. Throughout histories estrogen and new mothers has ensured the survival of new born babies. Estrogen also ensures cheerful disposition and emotional balance. However, our character is not only shaped by sex hormones but also by cortisol which is produced by adrenal glands and makes us more aggressive and stressed. Estrogen affects our levels of happiness and our emotional equilibrium and progesterone affects our cortisol levels and calms our nervous system. Estrogen holds immense power, in the sea of hormones. When our estrogen levels are in balance we feel calm, clear headed, and energetic. When we are off balance, we feel that our nerves are shredded. Estrogen is produced by primarily in the ovaries. The fatty tissue. In the small amount in the testicules and a region in the brain that is important for memory and learning. The hormones acts like a neuro protective antioxidant protecting nerves cells & their connections by intercepting aggressive and damaging molecules and proteins. Therefore they protects our brains. Estrogen also stimulates blood flow, strengthens the immune system and stimulates the production of proteins leading to increase if trident-hiserise? (Don’t know the word) providing energy between meals and cholesterol. Helping the body to make cell membranes in the blood and water retention in the tissues.”
01:23:44
- women are twice as likely to get Alzheimer’s from age of 65 like men from the study of estrogen/hormones - it affects the hippocampus an area of the brain that estrogen production drops dramatically during menopause.
- High estrogen links to cancer and weight, extra estrogen can lead to liver damage.
“Progesterone is the second important female sex hormone. On the one hand it compliments estrogen. On the other hand it is its antagonist. Progesterone balances out estrogen and without estrogen, progesterone cannot fully take effect. Together they determine menstrual cycle. Make conception possible, and allow embryo develop by protecting the mucus membrane of the uterus.
Progesterone is produced in the follicle cell from cholesterol. Progesterone acts not only in the uterus but on almost all body tissues in the brain. As well as the peripheral nerves essentially your arms and legs. It is important in energy production, the immune system, temperature and water regulation and bone and fat metabolism. It lowers the risks of various types of cancer, and intensifies the effects of thyroid hormones. Together with estrogen, progesterone protects against osteoporosis and encourages new bone growth. Progesterone has a calming effect me helps us sleep better. It acts as an antiflamitry and a directic and flushes out fluids and tightens connective tissues. It increases libido around ovulation. Progesterone is also crucial production of testosterone in men.”
- “Both men and women produce estradiol and it’s the most common form present in female fertile years.”
- “Too much estradiol can be a bad thing and result in acne, loss of libido, depression, and osteoporosis. Very high levels of the hormone can increase the risk of uterine and breast cancer. While low levels can play in weight gain and cardiovascular disease.”
-“estroen weaker form of estrogen after menopause…”
1:29:49
- PCOS “high levels of testosterone is polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Affects between 6% and 8% of premenopausal women. See chapter 4 for treatment.
- TSH -thyroid hormone / produces: T4 & T3
- Vitamins and nutrients deficiency as well as alcohol can prevent the conversion of T4 to T3.
- iron deficiency
-
Thyroid issue: very tired, exhausted, putting on lots of weight, dry skin, dry hair, - would be suspicious of thyroid issue of under reactive thyroid.
- women who have been suffering with periods for more than 7 days
- pacing and slow down - listen to your bodies. Walk not run.
Chapter 3: Menstruation- 2:11:21
FHS & LH
Follicle-stimulating hormone
Luteinizing hormone (LH) is a hormone made by the pituitary gland.
Menorgeoh
Dismenoreah
Put on pill to make it regular - heavy cycles , lost iron.
Vitamin b6 and folic acid
Lifestyle
Cutting down on sugar
Sleep
Exercise
Cravings and periods - chocolates (sweet) or carbohydrates (stodgy).
Get your happy hormones in a different way.
Menoreaha
Premature Ovarian Failure (which used to be called early menopause) - 02:34:48
- causes of ammenoreah
- polyps - benign - cause heavy bleeding. Use iud’s/coil/hormonal mirena coil.
Chapter 4: fertility- 02:34:48
- look at your life style, cut alcohol consumption, don’t smoke, take folic acid and vitamin d, sleep, exercise, - for men (zinc and selium) and women.
- Patient history is vital.
- Fertility- when you know your cycle - first day of bleeding. Four phases are menstrual phase, bleeding, follicular phase (before cold the egg), the ovulatory phase (release of the egg), and the luteal phase (after release of egg).
This book talks about how women are first thing they go to if women are the issue when infertile. Men need to checked first.
“Men’s fertility and age : we never talk about it. When men reach 50, the quality of their sperm is far lower than they might ever imagine.”
“In a study conducted by the centre of reproductive and genetic health in london, discovered- half of the male participants under 35 were able to successfully fertilise an egg. Aged between 36 to 40, that number dropped to 42 per cent and it went down to 35 per cent for those ages 41 to 45. Men over the age of 45 have higher dna fragmentation which means higher risk of damage in fetus..”
3:19:38
It’s a man’s fault as well as a woman’s ..
Miscarriages..
“..there’s couple who have been trying for a long time and don’t have a baby. It’s incredibly sad, very difficult and my heart goes out to them. They’ve been on a long road and accepting that it’s not going to happen to them can be devastating. I’ve seen couples use donar egg and donar sperm to have their babies, and couples who’ve completed their families with a help of a surrogate, but that’s not for everyone..”
Chapter 5: perimenopause (track 6) 3:40:16
She talks about how men should have the snip, step up - after they have had children, if they’re not going to have anymore. Have the snip. Be responsible. so that their partners don’t have to worry - women wouldn’t have to use contraception. Women 40 yrs and over should still use contraceptives as they’re fertile.
Chapter 6: menopause
Ko-nen-key Japanese word. Average age is 51. But can start in 40s. Menopause is end of periods.
It frustrates me when women in the 30s say “oh I don’t think I can get pregnant?” I ask them as you still having regular periods, they answer yes, then you are still ovulating! This book confirms this fact!!
Chapter 10: self esteem (track 12 of 13)
Be the warrior not the victim.
Boundaries:
“Busyness is a disease. It’s not a badge of honour. We shouldn’t live to work. We should work to live.”
Everyone needs a break.
Mindfulness: clear your mind, just be with yourself. Slow down. Don’t listen to your podcast. It could be a coffee on your own.
Seize the day.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 14, 2025
was this book sponsored by the dairy industry?
December 21, 2023
Informative and empowering read.
Agree with other reviews that it if you're looking for very detailed information about a specific topic then this isn't the right book, and it does assume some privilege and access to good healthcare.
Also, a little repetitive at times.
Agree with other reviews that it if you're looking for very detailed information about a specific topic then this isn't the right book, and it does assume some privilege and access to good healthcare.
Also, a little repetitive at times.
June 18, 2024
Took me a while to finish this, but every woman should read this.
October 20, 2023
‘It's Probably Your Hormones’ is a great tool for educating more people on women’s hormonal health.
Women’s hormonal health is a complex and vital aspect of their overall well-being, intricately linked to various bodily functions and emotional states. Unfortunately, throughout history, it has often been suppressed or overlooked, leading to numerous consequences.
Societal taboos, lack of education, and gender bias have contributed to the stifling of open conversations about menstruation, menopause, and reproductive health. This suppression has resulted in women’s pain and discomfort being dismissed as trivial, their emotional fluctuations undermined, and their hormonal imbalances misdiagnosed or disregarded. ‘It’s Probably Your Hormones’ by Dr. Mary Ryan makes a step to break down these artificial barriers and educate readers on the issue.
Author’s background
Dr. Mary Ryan graduated from Trinity College with an MB BCH BAO the Peter Shepherd Memorial Prize, Adelaide Travel Scholarship Award and Honours in the Foundation Scholarship where she specialised in female infertility.
She later graduated with a MA and MD from Trinity College which she did on Diabetes, Obesity and Insulin Resistance.
Dr Mary Ryan lectured in Pharmacology in the RCSI under the stewardship of the President of University of Limerick Professor Des Fitzgerald and has a special interest in Diabetes, insulin pumps, obesity, infertility, osteoporosis, hypertension, Hyperlipidaemia thyroid disease and chronic fatigue.
She is Senior Lecturer with the Post Graduate School of Medicine since its commencement in 2007 and is actively involved with clinical research and supervises and publishes research with the medical students on Endocrinology and Diabetes.
What is the book about?
‘It’s Probably Your Hormones’ is about understanding and exploring the intricate role of hormones in the human body, particularly focusing on women’s health. Dr. Mary Ryan shares her fascination with hormones, their powerful impact on various aspects of life, and their influence on bodily functions. She emphasises that hormones control everything from physical actions to emotions, sleep, appetite, reproduction, and overall well-being.
The book delves into the interconnectedness of the body’s systems and how hormonal imbalances can disrupt these interactions, leading to health issues. The book also highlights the lack of research and awareness surrounding hormonal health, particularly in the context of women’s life stages such as puberty, perimenopause, and menopause.
Dr. Ryan advocates for open conversations about women’s health and the importance of understanding one’s body. She encourages readers to prioritise self-care, and recognize the significance of hormonal balance in overall well-being.
Key takeaways from ‘It’s Probably Your Hormones’
1. Hormones control everything about our health
Hormones control every muscle and organ in the body. Hormones play a significant role in both men’s and women’s health. Many common concerns and symptoms, such as exhaustion, pain, anger, changes in sexual desire, sleep issues, weight gain, and more, can be related to hormonal imbalances.
When a single hormone is out of sync, it can disrupt all other hormones. Hormones dictate our daily rhythms, stabilize our immune system, regulate our appetite and core body temperature, and influence our feelings and moods
2. Breaking taboos is important for healthcare progress
Historically, there has been a lack of open dialogue about women’s health, including topics like menstruation and menopause. Breaking down these taboos is crucial for educating people about their bodies and fostering better health outcomes.
3. Education is empowerment
Educating individuals, both women and men, about hormonal health empowers them to recognise normal and abnormal symptoms. Particularly, educating women about what constitutes a normal menstrual cycle can help prevent unnecessary suffering caused by conditions like endometriosis and polycystic ovary syndrome. People should always ask informed questions, and seek appropriate medical intervention.
4. Early intervention is the key to effective treatment
Recognising and addressing hormonal problems early, such as during adolescence, can prevent future fertility issues and provide a better quality of life for young women.
Strengths and weaknesses, according to readers’ reviews
Strengths:
• Compassionate writing style: Dr. Ryan’s writing style is approachable and easy to understand, making the content more engaging and relatable compared to a traditional biology textbook.
• Contains valuable Information: The book provides insights into hormone health and its impact on the female body.
• Inclusion of case studies: The book includes case studies, which can help readers connect theoretical knowledge with real-life scenarios, enhancing understanding.
• Advocacy for awareness: Dr. Ryan encourages women to speak up and understand their own bodies, empowering them to navigate the changes they experience throughout their lives.
Weaknesses:
• Surface-level coverage: One reader mentions that the book only scratches the surface of various topics. This suggests that while the book covers a wide range of subjects, it might not delve deeply into each one.
• Assumption of resources: Dr. Ryan’s feminism is criticised for assuming that women have unlimited resources. This might indicate that the book doesn’t fully acknowledge the economic and social constraints that some women face.
• Incomplete perspective: While the book seems to focus on women’s issues, one reader suggests that it could also benefit men. This implies that the book might not fully explore the universal aspects of hormone health.
Quotes from ‘It’s Probably Your Hormones’
“Unfortunately, PMS was one of those things that women thought they needed to suffer in silence, but of course, we now know that like so much of women’s health complaints, that silent suffering is unnecessary.”
“Many men haven’t the first idea what we go through because they were kept away from the women’s part of sex education in school and we have historically been taught to say nothing. This is not normal and it is not fair to men either; they need to know about our hormones so that they can support us at home and in the workplace. We must remember that we are 50% of the population and they are also 50% so it is time for us to work together and for us to insist that we are seen as equal because we know we are equal.”
“We are great at telling women what to do when it’s slightly too late. We talk about osteoporosis at menopause and we tell women about pelvic floor exercises in antenatal classes. Why aren’t we telling younger women about their bone health and explaining the importance of building up the pelvic floor before they are carrying an eight-pound baby inside them?”
Final takeaway
It’s Probably Your Hormones aims to educate and empower readers about the role of hormones in their health, emphasising the need for awareness, self-advocacy, and a holistic approach to maintaining hormonal balance.
Women’s hormonal health is a complex and vital aspect of their overall well-being, intricately linked to various bodily functions and emotional states. Unfortunately, throughout history, it has often been suppressed or overlooked, leading to numerous consequences.
Societal taboos, lack of education, and gender bias have contributed to the stifling of open conversations about menstruation, menopause, and reproductive health. This suppression has resulted in women’s pain and discomfort being dismissed as trivial, their emotional fluctuations undermined, and their hormonal imbalances misdiagnosed or disregarded. ‘It’s Probably Your Hormones’ by Dr. Mary Ryan makes a step to break down these artificial barriers and educate readers on the issue.
Author’s background
Dr. Mary Ryan graduated from Trinity College with an MB BCH BAO the Peter Shepherd Memorial Prize, Adelaide Travel Scholarship Award and Honours in the Foundation Scholarship where she specialised in female infertility.
She later graduated with a MA and MD from Trinity College which she did on Diabetes, Obesity and Insulin Resistance.
Dr Mary Ryan lectured in Pharmacology in the RCSI under the stewardship of the President of University of Limerick Professor Des Fitzgerald and has a special interest in Diabetes, insulin pumps, obesity, infertility, osteoporosis, hypertension, Hyperlipidaemia thyroid disease and chronic fatigue.
She is Senior Lecturer with the Post Graduate School of Medicine since its commencement in 2007 and is actively involved with clinical research and supervises and publishes research with the medical students on Endocrinology and Diabetes.
What is the book about?
‘It’s Probably Your Hormones’ is about understanding and exploring the intricate role of hormones in the human body, particularly focusing on women’s health. Dr. Mary Ryan shares her fascination with hormones, their powerful impact on various aspects of life, and their influence on bodily functions. She emphasises that hormones control everything from physical actions to emotions, sleep, appetite, reproduction, and overall well-being.
The book delves into the interconnectedness of the body’s systems and how hormonal imbalances can disrupt these interactions, leading to health issues. The book also highlights the lack of research and awareness surrounding hormonal health, particularly in the context of women’s life stages such as puberty, perimenopause, and menopause.
Dr. Ryan advocates for open conversations about women’s health and the importance of understanding one’s body. She encourages readers to prioritise self-care, and recognize the significance of hormonal balance in overall well-being.
Key takeaways from ‘It’s Probably Your Hormones’
1. Hormones control everything about our health
Hormones control every muscle and organ in the body. Hormones play a significant role in both men’s and women’s health. Many common concerns and symptoms, such as exhaustion, pain, anger, changes in sexual desire, sleep issues, weight gain, and more, can be related to hormonal imbalances.
When a single hormone is out of sync, it can disrupt all other hormones. Hormones dictate our daily rhythms, stabilize our immune system, regulate our appetite and core body temperature, and influence our feelings and moods
2. Breaking taboos is important for healthcare progress
Historically, there has been a lack of open dialogue about women’s health, including topics like menstruation and menopause. Breaking down these taboos is crucial for educating people about their bodies and fostering better health outcomes.
3. Education is empowerment
Educating individuals, both women and men, about hormonal health empowers them to recognise normal and abnormal symptoms. Particularly, educating women about what constitutes a normal menstrual cycle can help prevent unnecessary suffering caused by conditions like endometriosis and polycystic ovary syndrome. People should always ask informed questions, and seek appropriate medical intervention.
4. Early intervention is the key to effective treatment
Recognising and addressing hormonal problems early, such as during adolescence, can prevent future fertility issues and provide a better quality of life for young women.
Strengths and weaknesses, according to readers’ reviews
Strengths:
• Compassionate writing style: Dr. Ryan’s writing style is approachable and easy to understand, making the content more engaging and relatable compared to a traditional biology textbook.
• Contains valuable Information: The book provides insights into hormone health and its impact on the female body.
• Inclusion of case studies: The book includes case studies, which can help readers connect theoretical knowledge with real-life scenarios, enhancing understanding.
• Advocacy for awareness: Dr. Ryan encourages women to speak up and understand their own bodies, empowering them to navigate the changes they experience throughout their lives.
Weaknesses:
• Surface-level coverage: One reader mentions that the book only scratches the surface of various topics. This suggests that while the book covers a wide range of subjects, it might not delve deeply into each one.
• Assumption of resources: Dr. Ryan’s feminism is criticised for assuming that women have unlimited resources. This might indicate that the book doesn’t fully acknowledge the economic and social constraints that some women face.
• Incomplete perspective: While the book seems to focus on women’s issues, one reader suggests that it could also benefit men. This implies that the book might not fully explore the universal aspects of hormone health.
Quotes from ‘It’s Probably Your Hormones’
“Unfortunately, PMS was one of those things that women thought they needed to suffer in silence, but of course, we now know that like so much of women’s health complaints, that silent suffering is unnecessary.”
“Many men haven’t the first idea what we go through because they were kept away from the women’s part of sex education in school and we have historically been taught to say nothing. This is not normal and it is not fair to men either; they need to know about our hormones so that they can support us at home and in the workplace. We must remember that we are 50% of the population and they are also 50% so it is time for us to work together and for us to insist that we are seen as equal because we know we are equal.”
“We are great at telling women what to do when it’s slightly too late. We talk about osteoporosis at menopause and we tell women about pelvic floor exercises in antenatal classes. Why aren’t we telling younger women about their bone health and explaining the importance of building up the pelvic floor before they are carrying an eight-pound baby inside them?”
Final takeaway
It’s Probably Your Hormones aims to educate and empower readers about the role of hormones in their health, emphasising the need for awareness, self-advocacy, and a holistic approach to maintaining hormonal balance.
February 16, 2025
this book was definitely written by and for middle aged white irish mums and i don't mean that derogatorily. between the gcse biology explanations of different hormones and the brief, kinda one-dimensional case studies of other women there wasn't really much to feel connected to but maybe that's on me for expecting a different kind of book? anyway i think one good takeaway is to prioritise rest so i'm going to bed now
May 2, 2024
Dr. Mary Ryan reminds us at the beginning of the book that “Hormones are chemicals that produce and control every muscle and organ in the body.” Hormones impact our well being, our emotions, as well as the way our body functions. This books aims to help the reader become more knowledgable about the topic, identify issues the reader may be experiencing and make the reader more comfortable discussing these topics.
Dr. Ryan breaks down the endocrine system which is made up of all the hormones in your body in a way that everyone can understand. You don’t have to be a science whiz or a doctor to understand what she’s teaching you. The chapters surrounding Menstruation and Fertility are must reads! She helps to normalize these conversations and encourages you to include your partners in these chapter discussions. Listen to your body, get rest, exercise and love yourself are her main messages throughout the book. While we can try to do it all, sometimes we need to slow down and put ourselves first to get our health in order. Sometimes that means medication but sometimes it also means a lifestyle change. Dr. Ryan breaks down when each of those options would apply.
While the book is obviously geared towards women, it should be read by men too. She speaks openly about menstruation and menopause in hopes of breaking the stigmas our culture has fostered surrounding these life events. She is a firm believer that partners should be 50/50 in everything. She weaves through all of the chapters with case studies for patients she worked with to provide a real life impact to the topic at hand and assists with putting circumstances into perspective. This is a great resource and should be highly encouraged for all to read.
Thank you to Hachette Book Group for this ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Dr. Ryan breaks down the endocrine system which is made up of all the hormones in your body in a way that everyone can understand. You don’t have to be a science whiz or a doctor to understand what she’s teaching you. The chapters surrounding Menstruation and Fertility are must reads! She helps to normalize these conversations and encourages you to include your partners in these chapter discussions. Listen to your body, get rest, exercise and love yourself are her main messages throughout the book. While we can try to do it all, sometimes we need to slow down and put ourselves first to get our health in order. Sometimes that means medication but sometimes it also means a lifestyle change. Dr. Ryan breaks down when each of those options would apply.
While the book is obviously geared towards women, it should be read by men too. She speaks openly about menstruation and menopause in hopes of breaking the stigmas our culture has fostered surrounding these life events. She is a firm believer that partners should be 50/50 in everything. She weaves through all of the chapters with case studies for patients she worked with to provide a real life impact to the topic at hand and assists with putting circumstances into perspective. This is a great resource and should be highly encouraged for all to read.
Thank you to Hachette Book Group for this ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
May 17, 2024
This book had some helpful and insightful information about periods, peri/menopause, and all the ways that hormones affect our body and mind (read: they control literally everything). I found it to be pretty repetitive, not just from the intention to reiterate the importance for rest and equal workloads, but just the general points and information was often repeated chapter to chapter. It seems like it needed some additional editing.
Further, the doctor really wants equality in the home so that everyone can be supported — she operates from the hope of this and not the reality that that is not what most houses/society is really like, and that’s a longer game at play. Not everyone is entitled to weekends off, two spouses in a home, family nearby to lighten the load, money for workouts/therapy/etc.
Also helpful to know this is primarily written to the audience of Irish women, and takes advantage of public healthcare with reasonably accessible care.
Further, the doctor really wants equality in the home so that everyone can be supported — she operates from the hope of this and not the reality that that is not what most houses/society is really like, and that’s a longer game at play. Not everyone is entitled to weekends off, two spouses in a home, family nearby to lighten the load, money for workouts/therapy/etc.
Also helpful to know this is primarily written to the audience of Irish women, and takes advantage of public healthcare with reasonably accessible care.
May 20, 2024
I don't know much about hormones other than the stereotypes. I felt like Dr. Ryan did a good job of balancing the science of hormones with the translation into why the science matters and how it impacts women's bodies. Dr. Ryan views her patients through their medical histories and I wish I could find a local doctor like that. The book reiterates how important it is for women to share burdens with their partners and children and prioritize rest.
One of my most meaningful takeaways was that when women have children at an average age, they'll be approaching peri-menopause when their children are entering puberty. Both hormonal changes can inspire rage but knowing the rage is hormonal can channel empathy for a shared journey.
Overall, a really helpful guide and I would recommend it.
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
One of my most meaningful takeaways was that when women have children at an average age, they'll be approaching peri-menopause when their children are entering puberty. Both hormonal changes can inspire rage but knowing the rage is hormonal can channel empathy for a shared journey.
Overall, a really helpful guide and I would recommend it.
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
December 11, 2024
2.5 🌟🌟✨
i imagine in the long run I'll be happy to have read this book as there were some useful tips & educational information (particularly around menopause which has been pretty much a mystery to me up until now).
that being said, i did find it pretty repetitive & extremely gender essentialist - it ended up coming across pretty patronising, as it seems to assume the reader isn't already knowledgeable at all about gender relations/feminism.
i also found it quite depressing, as someone who should probably have been referred to an endocrinologist a LONG time ago, but I haven't marked the book down for that as i understand that's something the author is trying to change by raising awareness/encouraging people to advocate for themselves.
i imagine in the long run I'll be happy to have read this book as there were some useful tips & educational information (particularly around menopause which has been pretty much a mystery to me up until now).
that being said, i did find it pretty repetitive & extremely gender essentialist - it ended up coming across pretty patronising, as it seems to assume the reader isn't already knowledgeable at all about gender relations/feminism.
i also found it quite depressing, as someone who should probably have been referred to an endocrinologist a LONG time ago, but I haven't marked the book down for that as i understand that's something the author is trying to change by raising awareness/encouraging people to advocate for themselves.
January 6, 2025
I had the audiobook of this, read by the author & it was really clear. So much useful information, told in an easy to understand way. I learnt so much. There were a couple of chapters that were not relevant to me personally but this book is for everyone regardless of age or gender so it is really comprehensive, including everything, which I loved about it. I did listen to all the chapters as I was so interested in the topic & there are people in my life who will benefit from what I’ve heard. A really interesting book, you can tell the author loves the topic too. Every household should have at least one copy of this book in their home!
August 12, 2025
Wow this book totally transformed my view of the hormonal system. I learnt that hormones govern virtually every function of our bodies so if hormones are imbalanced, it has huge implications for our lives at large. We aren't just 'hormonal' during the menstrual phase or menopause, everybody is hormonal all the time, its just a matter of whether our hormones are functioning as they should. The author also opened my eyes to the reality of perimenopause and menopause, and explained how these experiences are made harder by the societal reluctance to discuss them. The writer also stressed the importance of rest and sleep as a chance for the hormonal system to recharge; fatigue and burnout are signs of a depleted hormonal system. I love how she linked our individual hormonal systems with broader social forces, like the patriarchy and social norms of busyness, taking on too much and having imbalanced domestic loads in couples and families. She reinforces the value of boundaries and advocating for ourselves. The cons of this book are that it is predicated on a male/female sex binary and lacks intersectional analysis.
January 7, 2025
Overall a good book. The book is divided into various chapters based on all the things that affect our hormones. Various examples across the book make it very relatable and help in understand our health in a better way. It made me realize that even small changes in the body can mean so much. Understanding our body and being aware of the changes happening in our body is important. I wish I had read this book in my 20s, but better late than never!
August 11, 2023
Got a few nuggets of useful info from this book.
It covers a wide range of topics but really only scratches the surface.
I enjoyed Dr Ryan’s focus on issues facing with women in society and how women’s health issues get overlooked and require lots of additional medical research. Her feminism is however assuming that women have unlimited resources.
It covers a wide range of topics but really only scratches the surface.
I enjoyed Dr Ryan’s focus on issues facing with women in society and how women’s health issues get overlooked and require lots of additional medical research. Her feminism is however assuming that women have unlimited resources.
February 19, 2024
Endocrinologist Mary Ryan takes us through the important role hormones play in our lives and how imbalances can affect our wellbeing.
This was really informative and a few times I felt like she was literally describing my life. She gave some very good tips on how to create balance and improve what are often debilitating issues caused by mistreating ourselves.
This was really informative and a few times I felt like she was literally describing my life. She gave some very good tips on how to create balance and improve what are often debilitating issues caused by mistreating ourselves.
April 26, 2024
I thought this book was pretty good --- there are definitely times where it feels a bit repetitive but there's some good advice that should be considered.
Definitely a book to go back to. I listened to this on audio and will be buying the physical copying for a re-read to highlight and flag specific areas!
Definitely a book to go back to. I listened to this on audio and will be buying the physical copying for a re-read to highlight and flag specific areas!
September 29, 2023
4 stars
A really insightful look into all the ways in which our hormones affect our day-to-day lives. Another book where I feel like I need the physical copy so I can go through and take proper notes on what to look into in more detail.
A really insightful look into all the ways in which our hormones affect our day-to-day lives. Another book where I feel like I need the physical copy so I can go through and take proper notes on what to look into in more detail.
December 25, 2023
It's good to reiterate a healthy well balanced lifestyle and not to ignore certain signs as a woman.
I have been researching a lot recently and think it's a good place to start but really covers a wide range of topics so not overly detailed in an area.
I have been researching a lot recently and think it's a good place to start but really covers a wide range of topics so not overly detailed in an area.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews