Menopause Is Hot: Everything You Need to Know to Thrive

by Mariella Frostrup

Menopause is a hot topic. By debunking myths, banishing shame, and demanding more equitable health care and workplace policies, celebrated journalists Mariella Frostrup and Alice Smellie have sparked a global dialogue and a menopause revolution.

Renowned journalists Mariella Frostrup and Alice Smellie are here to tell readers everything they need to know about menopause, with a mix of smart humor and comforting reassurance. In this guide that doesn’t shy away from any topic, the authors open up about their own menopause journeys, and provide the latest science and advice from America’s leading experts on everything from dealing with hot flashes to pursuing hormone therapy.

Diving into the history of menopause up to the present day, with stories from women from across the world at various ages and stages of their menopause journey, Menopause Is Hot opens a much-needed conversation about a topic half the population will go through but are only just starting to chat openly about. It’s designed to equip readers with the know-how to handle symptoms starting from perimenopause onwards, separating myths from the facts, all while offering hope, support, and friendly advice. Menopause Is Hot reframes the conversation and is an essential companion for women during menopause and beyond—not an end, but a beginning.

Genres: Health, Nonfiction, Feminism

Audible Audio

First published January 21, 2025

Reviews

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A conversational style book with lots of great information backed by science. A nice dose of validation and optimism for women as we all know the silence and stigma that surrounds women's health! I especially liked the lifestyle tips (diet, exercise, skincare, supplements etc) with examples to pair with or without MHT.

[Nancy Ostman · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you are not yet in perimenopause and want to know what is coming, or you want to know if your symptoms are the same as others, then this book may work for you. However, I thought it would be a book on how to alleviate symptoms. This was more of a “history of menopause”. It was mostly just anecdotes of other women’s menopause stories and a commercial for MHT (menopause hormone therapy). Very few ideas for alleviating symptoms were discussed except for MHT which I felt was mentioned every few minutes! If you are looking for a book that gives solutions (other than MHT) for symptoms, this is not the book for you. Very disappointed as it was supposed to be “everything you need to know”. I didn’t learn anything I didn’t know just by going through it myself!

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

An informational but also conversational book about menopause and the challenges of midlife. I think this one suffered for me only because it was the third book I’ve read this year on the topic, so I think I’ve kind of covered it by now. If you’re wondering, I’d rank this one in the middle of the pack, not as good as Dare Me by Naomi Watts but better than the Menopause Manifesto.

Thanks to the publisher for my copy.

[Storystitcher · Rating 4 out of 5]

So do you know what all menopause books, articles, and research have in common, the same exact recommendations:

Keep stress very low
Prioritize sleep
Eat real food (not stupid dieting which just raises stress hormones)
Exercise (easy cardio and build muscle)
Mindfulness
Meditation
Yoga, Tai chi etc
Don’t smoke
Don’t drink alcohol (should be the first priority of all)

The 40s and 50s are when women really jump feet first into wine-thirty, every day of the year, 2+ glasses a night. This does what, screws up everything else above, cortisol (thus anxiety) skyrockets, estrogen skyrockets (until menopause anyway), sleep plummets, and you become a bitchy forgetful cow all because you think daily or weekly alcohol is somehow relaxing you. All the women I know who fattened up approaching and during menopause are living the wine life, don’t exercise, thrive on drama/stress and wonder why they can’t sleep or lose weight. Others I know who don’t experience this have visible daily habits like drinking alcohol very rarely, eating real food, spend time outdoors like hiking and have more of a relaxed, drama free life overall. They are going through or went through menopause much more easily. The list above prevents or reduces so many menopause symptoms. The biggest priority should be that if you are still drinking alcohol more than 1 glass a month by age 45 then STOP! Do your research. It doesn’t mean menopause will be a cake walk, but you will not be feeding the cycle that exacerbates all symptoms.

My 50 yr old sister is the typical fat, bitchy menopausal woman recently diagnosed with diabetes. My 60 yr old neighbor is the other example. Who do you want to be?

[Denise Hatcher · Rating 4 out of 5]

On page nine, this book reminds us that it was not that long ago, just 1969, when the author and doctor David Reuben wrote that women, basically, were only useful while they had egg-producing ovaries so that they could reproduce. This book, thankfully, is an argument against this idea. The 254 pages are divided into twelve chapters aimed to empower and inform women that menopause can and should be seen as a positive time in a woman’s life. They offer advice and insight that prove that hot flashes, weight gain, mood swings, and other symptoms are common side effects of hormonal changes. They share hopeful stories of women learning about their worth and finding a new sense of empowerment. I especially enjoyed the short, personal stories at the end of each chapter. Older women need to learn to love themselves and offer themselves the care they offered their young families. I find it timely that Oprah will be having a show on menopause next Monday, March 31, and that some of the famous names the authors mention as aging advocates will be on her show. It really is time for us, as women, to embrace our changing bodies and lives, and realize that there are still many wonderful accomplishments and opportunities that await us. This book made me feel more confident, understood, and empowered.

[Jane Ridley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my! Where do I begin? I wish, so much, that I'd read this essential guide while in perimenopause many years ago.
Every woman should read this book as part of their journey into the next, inevitable stage in life. Its details of how to understand your changing body are reassuring and thorough.
The real-life testimonies of 'regular' women make it very relatable. But, perhaps most importantly, the science — expressed in layman's terms — is solid and easy to understand.
A great read that handles the very much overlooked topic of menopause in a kind, empathetic way that reflects the authors' own experience.
Thank you to them both for their compassionate, informative work which will give hope and self-awareness to many readers like me.

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Menopause Is Hot by Mariella Frostrup and Alice Smellie is another menopause book to remind you you’re not alone during what can feel like a very lonely journey. While it might not offer much in the way of new or groundbreaking information, particularly if you've read other recent menopause books, its blend of personal stories, and expert insights makes it a comforting guide. Frostrup and Smellie tackle every aspect of menopause with honesty, and reassurance, making this a helpful companion.

Many thanks to Edelweiss and Scribner for the opportunity to read and review Menopause is Hot prepublication.

[Shannon · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you are currently reading about menopause this is a good book to add to your reading pile. The book is written with a conversation style that makes it easy to understand. I've read quite a few menopause books and this one felt like so many of the ones that have come out in the past year. I did like how it was broken up for ease of reading. While they do talk about MHT, if you want something in depth this isn't that book. A nice change that I haven't seen in other books was that they talked about how relationships are affected as well as facing the future.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a love letter to menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) previously known as hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Which can be frustrating for people who are unable to take MHT. That being said there is a lot of good information in here and can be a great starting point for discussions with your doctor. The authors also do a great job of dispelling the myths surrounding MHT. They also detail alternatives to MHT and things that can be done in conjunction with MHT. Overall, I think this book is informative, validating, and a great starting point in a woman's education surrounding menopause and peri-menopause.

Thank you to the publisher for the gifted copy.

[Aren Morris · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book I never knew I needed! Lighthearted and humourous meets well-researched with multiple perspectives. This book was a good balance between the history and science of peri/ menopause and anecdotal stories and lifestyles tips and tricks. Well written and easy to read. I highly recommend to those of us experiencing the transition to our powerful “wisdom years”, to people not yet there so they know what to expect (there are literally dozens of symptoms!!!), as well as our partners who might gain some insight into the challenges of this “second spring”. 👏👏👏

[Jennifer ~ TarHeelReader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quick thoughts: I remember a time when books like this simply did not exist. The authors debunk myths and leave shame behind. It’s optimistic, hopeful, informative, and approachable.

I received a free copy of the book.

Many of my reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com and instagram: www.instagram.com/tarheelreader

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

As someone going through peri-menopause at the age of 35, this book has been a lifesaver. Not only was it informative, but it connected me to a menopause expert at "Alloy" who has been helping me with MHT! I have a lot left to learn and will continue to research and study the changes I can expect in my body in the years to come, but am so happy to have a guide!

[Maddie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this book! So informative and easy to read! I appreciated all of the tips and science backed information! Definitely add this to your TBR pile!

[Beth Krasemann · Rating 2 out of 5]

This woman said she had 2 hotflashes and wrote about them for pages and pages like she knew what they were. Try 8-10 a day.

[Kelley - rva_reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book! I am not to perimenopause or menopause yet but I know it’s on the horizon. I hate how women’s health is not studied or talked about more so I appreciate this book. I didn’t know much about periods when I first got mine so it’s nice to have a little knowledge about the next step for me. There was a very big chunk on MHT which I didn’t know anything about. She is very pro-MHT. I also really enjoyed when there were blurbs from random people sharing their experiences. It was a tad depressing reading it though and knowing that women in their 50’s probably aren’t taken as seriously because doctors just want to blame menopause for everything but a good reminder to be your best advocate!

Thank you to the publisher for a free copy. Opinions are my own.

[Annie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read the arc of this book thinking I would just skim through. I ended up reading it cover to cover, no skimming. In fact, I highlighted many passages. I found out at my last physical that my estrogen dropped to pretty much zero, my doctor said, "I guess you're in menopause now. It's kinda early, for you at 48/49." I asked if I should start taking hormones and she was like, "No? Do you feel like you want to take them? You don't have too." That's not a good enough answer!!! Both my GP and OBGYN said, "Nah, you're good." I say, f**k that.

Here I am, about a year later having joint pain, weight gain, hot flashes, mild depression, heart palpitations....all of which would be remedied with Menopause Hormone Therapy (MHT)!

The author basically covers how menopausal women are dismissed, their symptoms are glossed over, and doctors really have no idea how to treat menopause. At the end of each chapter there are testimonials from women about their experience with menopause, PCOS, hysterectomy, endometriosis, and other ailments that affect hormone levels.

This book is for any woman at any age who has ever been dismissed by a medical professional just for being a woman. You need that estrogen back. You need it for brain and heart function, your body wants it back to regulate your weight. Don't let doctors talk you out of it.