The Science of Menopause: Understand Your Body, Make the Right Choices

by Dr Philippa Kaye

Everything you need to understand your body and treat your symptoms during the perimenopause – backed up with the latest research.

As we understand more each day about what hormone changes mean for women's long-term health, there is an urgent need for an evidence-based book that helps us understand what is happening to us, so that we can make informed decisions. Should you take HRT? How common is early menopause? What causes brain fog? Can herbal supplements help?

Menopause is not just about hot flushes, and it isn't something to "sail through" or pretend it isn't happening. Featuring the latest research and backed up by informative infographics and illustrations, The Science of Menopause tells you everything you need to know about menopause is, the symptoms to watch out for, and the treatments that may be able to help.

Genres: Health, Nonfiction

482 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 10, 2024

Reviews

[Katjusa · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book feels like an extended pamphlet from the dr's office. It offers some basic, clinical info on hormones and hormone therapy, including the various treatments and how to take them, but it's totally devoid of any exploration or examples of the real-life, lived experience of menopause that could help a lay reader or give context. Some of the diet advice is good (particularly the suggestion to add certain foods/nutrients, not deprive/take away), but then the author has to go and recommend BMI as a tool — and, nope, not doing that in 2025. I think this book will be helpful to some, but it wasn't for me.

[Diana · Rating 1 out of 5]

It seems like a pretty basic book, covering lots of symptoms and options for people going through perimenopause, menopause and into postmenopause. Lots of illustrations and infographics. I learned much of this info when navigating infertility in my 30s, but I was going to continue reading anyway. Then they started discussing BMI and monitoring your weight, and it's just too problematic a topic for me to continue. Someone less knowledgeable on the topic may find some info in the book to be helpful or for use as a starting point.

[Rahdika K · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is probably my first non-fiction book of the year (if you don't count the countless academic texts I have to read 🤭). The title is pretty much self explanatory of what to expect, so no surprises there.

The book is divided into five sections: Hormones, the Menstrual Cycle and Menopause, Timings, Symptoms, Living Well, and Treatments. Plus, it wraps up with a handy list of resources and support for help if needed.

As a medical doctor, I found this book to be a nice little refresher. It’s packed with facts, all presented on colorful, visually appealing pages. It’s concise and clear—easy enough for anyone to understand, even if you’re not a medical expert (or a person who can confidently pronounce perimenopause without tripping over your own tongue).🤗

Let’s talk about the illustrations for a moment. They are absolutely gorgeous! It’s such a breath of fresh air to see women of all shapes, sizes, and skin tones represented in this book. There’s something so lovely about normalizing that diversity—finally, women on paper who look like real women. A rare find, indeed!

Now, if you’re someone who reads about menopause religiously or has already done a fair bit of light reading on the subject, you might find this book a bit repetitive. It covers the basics, and while that’s great for a refresher, don’t expect any deep, mind-boggling discussions here. If you’re hoping for a thorough exploration of the hormonal mysteries that govern our lives, you may want to look elsewhere.

That said, this book is one I’d recommend to pretty much everyone. While the information is basic, it’s a solid go-to reference. We all need a quick reminder every now and then, don’t we? Plus, for the men out there, this book is a goldmine. It’ll help you understand that women aren’t that complicated after all—we’re just navigating a world of hormones that sometimes have a mind of their own. And trust me, they will have the last word. 😉

Thank you to Times Reads for sending me a review copy.

[Cat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Format: Physical library book.
Very well laid out and informative, a plethora of diagrams and drawings to sustain interest and explain. The best I've seen visually. Well worth a read. However it's not my favourite on the subject for that I'd suggest you companion read (or listen which is what I did) with Davina McCalls book, 'Menopausing' which feels more like you've spent the weekend hanging out with your oldest friends, still very factual but more honest, uplifting and inspiring.

[Suzammah · Rating 2 out of 5]

Useful basics from a science/medical standpoint but didn’t cover much lot of the mental side of symptoms - brain fog, new anxieties etc or ways of dealing with them other than take anti-depressants (which are great, but don’t work for everyone and aren’t specific).

[Kristina Esch Van Slyke · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good info in an organized format. This helped me thoroughly prepare for my ob/gyn appointment but I will need to keep educating myself with other resources as I don't feel like this held all of the answers.

[Michelle Atkinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really useful and simple guide with some good hints and tips. Had hoped for more on help with sleep.

[Jenngb · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed the format and all the multicultural illustrations. I didn't finish every page because it had to go back to the library, but I will likely buy my own copy

[Trudy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very helpful and clearly laid out information

[Sarah Goethem · Rating 4 out of 5]

Highly informative

[Literate Duck · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful read, especially with all the conflicting information out there. The book was well researched. Would have liked to have seen more holistic and homeopathic remedies. There were a limited amount in the book and often times not spoken of Highly by the author.