The Women's Brain Book: The neuroscience of health, hormones and happiness

by Sarah McKay

Understanding how the brain grows and changes through the stages of life is key to health and wellbeing. This is not a book about the differences between male and female brains, nor a book using neuroscience to explain gender-specific behaviours, the 'battle of the sexes' or 'Mars-Venus' stereotypes. This is a book about what happens inside the brains and bodies of women as they move through the phases of life, and the unique - and often misunderstood - effects of female biology and hormones. Dr McKay give insights into brain development during infancy, childhood and the teenage years (including the onset of puberty) and also takes a look at mental health as well as the ageing brain. The book weaves together findings from the research lab, case studies and interviews with neuroscientists and other researchers working in the disciplines of neuroendocrinology, brain development, brain health and ageing.

352 pages, Paperback

Published January 27, 2026

Reviews

[Dr. Krystal L. Culler, DBH, MA · Rating 5 out of 5]

A field update of women's brain research. Written in an accessible way to understand the science and in the format of question/answer. It makes the information easy to understand in a field that is surrounding by many neuromyths. It is also great to keep as a reference- easy to to go back to for when the question may arise in life and you want to re-read a section. It walks you along the life course of women- from the womb to the tomb- and the changes in the brain.