From two leading physicians and perimenopause experts, a comprehensive guide to a critically misunderstood and under-researched phase of women’s lives
After years of being overlooked by mainstream medicine and culture, menopause is finally receiving the attention it’s due. But one major reproductive health cycle in every woman’s life is still hiding in the perimenopause.
It’s generally assumed that women suffer the worst symptoms during menopause, but perimenopause is actually the time when women most struggle with an onslaught of invasive bodily changes, from weight gain, hair loss, and brain fog to low libido, depression, and trouble sleeping. The arrival and intensity of perimenopausal symptoms are often not only unexpected but met with a collective shrug by the medical community, leaving women adrift when it comes to understanding the complexity of this biological chapter and how best to address its many challenges.
In Estrogen, Interrupted, ob-gyns, medical researchers, and perimenopause experts Rebecca Dunsmoor-Su and Amy Voedisch demystify the changes women experience during perimenopause, explaining what is happening in their bodies and empowering them with evidence-based treatments. While hormones play a decisive role in perimenopausal symptoms, Drs. Dunsmoor-Su and Voedisch emphasize that lifestyle factors such as nutrition, stress levels, mental health, exercise, and physical health also directly impact their severity.
Estrogen, Interrupted is a book for the millions of women who want to understand the constellation of symptoms they may begin to experience as early as their mid-thirties—and that can persist for a decade or more. Weaving research and practical takeaways alongside moving stories from the doctors’ own lives and clinical practices, Drs. Dunsmoor-Su and Voedisch provide women with a roadmap for reclaiming control of their bodies and lives during this transformative chapter.
"Where are the soothing Judy Blume stories for grownups?"
The docs had me with this opener!
I am 50, so this book was a perfect choice for me to read and review. I have experienced many of the off-putting comments and "diagnoses" from my own doctors throughout the years related to my hormones and cycle changes. I think many women will see themselves in this book. It is refreshing to read solid medical information in a non-condescending manner from two women who just want to help the reader be informed, and feel better.
I especially appreciate the emphasis on inclusion from the beginning of the book. Transgender men and women, you are part of the conversation here, and the writers make sure you know that!
There is a plethora of good scientific info presented in manageable language, from discussing microplastics and forever chemicals, to HRT, brain fog, weight changes, and heart, bone and breast health. Honestly, a volume for the shelf of every person facing or about to face perimenopause.
Thank you, Dr's Dunsmoor-Su and Voedisch, Flatiron Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review in advance of publication on 6.16.2026.
After reading a few books on this topic, saturation has been reached. I think there is great information here, if you’re new to this phase of life and beginning to learn. For me I feel like I get the gist. Anatomy and hormones check, hasn’t been studied until recently due to systemic sexism check, symptoms and vague recommendations to help check.
I get it no one size fits all but the this and that approach feels like a let down. Hopefully future generations of women have better solutions and resources for this period of life.
Estrogen Interrupted is exactly my favorite type of health book.
Written by physicians with deep expertise in their fields (including endocrinology), this book is grounded in science, packed with up-to-date cited research, and refreshingly free from the endless supplements, programs, and products that seem to dominate so much of the hormone and menopause space. Honestly, it is shocking how difficult it is to find a book about perimenopause and menopause that isn’t trying to sell you something.
What I appreciated most is that the authors clearly understand both the science and the realities of navigating healthcare as a patient. They acknowledge the limitations and blind spots within our medical system without getting lost in ideology or losing sight of the book’s purpose: helping readers understand what is happening in their bodies and what evidence-based options exist to support them.
The tone strikes a great balance between informative and approachable. The authors are knowledgeable, funny, and refreshingly transparent about what we know, what we don’t know, and where the research is still evolving. while not the best example of an inclusive text, I do appreciated that they did not peave out trans experiences within the conversation around hormones and perimenopause.
One of the strongest sections for me was how thoroughly they walk through treatment options. Rather than simply saying “talk to your doctor,” they explain the why behind different approaches, including specific treatment options/medications, risks, benefits, and reasons one option might be a better starting point than another. Really they put into print the pro/con and “why” conversations your doctors should be having with you (but often dont!). As someone who works with real women navigating these transitions, I found this incredibly valuable.
This is the kind of resource that helps people walk into medical appointments feeling informed, empowered, and better equipped to advocate for themselves. In a field where patients are so often dismissed, minimized, or told their symptoms are simply something they have to endure, that kind of education is invaluable.
I’m genuinely delighted to add this book to my list of trusted resources alongside some of my other favorite evidence-based women’s health books. I’ll absolutely be purchasing a copy for my office and recommending it to clients.
If you’re looking for a perimenopause book that is science-based, practical, nuanced, and not trying to sell you anything, I highly recommend this one.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the advance copy in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
A step-by-step guide to perimenopause and menopause written by two gynecologists who specialize in menopause treatment.
This is SO good. Honestly. Very clear and broken down by the most common symptoms and then treatments specifically for each symptom and then also general treatment. All with data and studies to back it up. (There’s lots of misinformation out there in Facebook groups! Ask me how I know 😅).
Symptoms discussed but not an exhaustive list: hot flashes, insomnia, libido changes, skin and hair changes, period changes, weight gain (discussed in a way that won’t give you an eating disorder or body dysmorphia, but if you aren’t happy, here’s some ideas) etc. Treatments such as hormone therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, birth control (I rolled my eyes and was skeptical of this at first, but after their explanations, it makes sense), and others. As medical or holistic as the individual wants. No one way is touted as the only way and no way is vilified.
They also discuss things such as heart health and breast cancer in the end and how it relates to hormone therapy. Which risks outweigh others as well as their own personal experiences with health and menopause problems.
The book is written in an engaging, succinct way. I listened to the audiobook and quite enjoyed the narration. Excellent narrator.
Thanks to NetGalley and MacMillan Audio for the ARC.
Thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the ALC of Estrogen, Interrupted: A Guide to Surviving and Thriving in Perimenopause by Rebecca Dunsmoor-Su, MD, and Amy Voedisch, MD, narrated by Kelli Tager.
I am forever grateful to the authors for putting this book together and the publishers for making it available to everyone. While I am incredibly grateful for all of the recently published books on the market covering the topic of menopause, I do think there is a shortage in the coverage of perimenopause. This book fills that void most wonderfully. This book, while written by two incredibly intelligent doctors, is written in a way where readers of all levels will not only be able to read, but confidently understand what they just read. This book does cover the science regarding hormonal changes and other biological elements of what women may experience before menopause, during perimenopause, but in a way that feels as it you were having a conversation with a friend that simply knew more than you and didn’t want to gatekeep the information you need.
The authors speak to how there is so much information regarding starting your period and when you stop having your period (menopause), but there just isn’t enough information available on bookshelves or in doctor’s offices on perimenopause. As someone who is trying to navigate this portion of my life, I couldn’t agree more. They were able to explain to me the potential causes of me waking up in the middle of the night, being excessively hot, weight gain despite calorie deficit, and so many other wonderful things. I like how I can explore the information on my own time, and if questions arise, it gives me a point to start the conversation with my general practitioner.
As for the audiobook experience, it was a top-quality production, as I always find with Macmillan Audiobooks. The sound quality was excellent, and that narrator’s tone was perfect for the comforting and “friend-like” conversation style the authors wrote the book in. I believe the narrator will allow readers to feel a level of comfort they may not feel if the narrator had been someone very stiff or overly serious. With that said, it is clear the narrator understood the topics covered in the book were important and used her voice to express as much.
I would highly recommend this book and audiobook to every woman turning 40 so they aren’t completely blindsided by what her future holds. With that said, the book also covers women who experience menopause due to medical conditions, so I would not limit this book to a specific age group, actually. Either way, if you are interested in learning what is potentially in your future, or learning more about what you are currently experiencing, or just want to make sure your crappy doctor doesn’t gaslight you into thinking nothing is happening in your body because you haven’t hit menopause yet… pick up this book. And if you are busy like me, grab the audiobook; you won’t regret it.
Thank you to NetGalley and Flatiron Books for the ARC of Drs. Dunsmoor-Su and Voedisch's book "Estrogen, Interrupted."
Let me begin this review by stating that if you do not like that I speak about "people that menstruate" and "people with female reproductive systems" instead of "women," feel free to never read my reviews again. Not everyone that experiences menstruation, perimenopause, and menopause are women. That being said, all thoughts in this review are my own and not influenced by anything other than common decency.
I think everyone should read this book: people approaching perimenopause, people experiencing it (that would be me), the men in their lives, men that know people that menstruate… This book is so informative. I had some idea of what to expect when I reached my late 40s, but I was not aware of how severely debilitating perimenopausal symptoms could be. I am very thankful that my current symptoms are mild, especially when reading of the severity of health issues the patients that Dr. Dunsmoor-Su and Dr. Voedisch have treated. Currently brain fog is the biggest issue I'm struggling with, and I don't know if I can actually blame that on perimenopause or my own natural-born flakiness.
On a more serious note, Drs. Dunsmoor-Su and Voedisch have taken the time to thoroughly explain every stage of female biology and reproductive health and how the whole body, not just the reproductive system, reacts to it. They discuss the brain's function in the production of hormones, explain what causes hormones to fluctuate and the physiological symptoms this presents, and offer advice on reliable treatments as opposed to all of the ones that are thrown around online, most of which don't work, and many of which are actually harmful. Some treatments are basic, every-doctor-will-tell-you-this advice, such as maintaining a regular sleep schedule and maintaining a healthy diet and getting plenty of exercise. And by exercise, they just mean movement. If all you are up to doing is a slow walk down the street and back, perfect. Some people have much more severe symptoms and may need hormone management therapy during perimenopause. Drs. Dunsmoor-Su and Voedisch discuss this treatment in detail, explaining the types of hormones used and what they do.
This book holds a wealth of information that all people with female reproductive systems should know. Perimenopause can last a long time (up to ten years!) and people experiencing it need to know that they do not have to sit back and suffer. Yes, it is a part of life, but it doesn't have to be a nightmare.
Estrogen, Interrupted is an exceptional, compassionate, and deeply clarifying guide for anyone navigating the complexities of perimenopause, menopause, and hormonal health. Dr. Rebecca Dunsmoor‑Su and Dr. Amy Voedisch bring together medical expertise, empathy, and clear communication to create a resource that feels both authoritative and accessible.
What sets this book apart is its balance of science and support. The authors demystify the hormonal transitions that many women experience but rarely feel fully educated about. The explanations are thorough without being overwhelming, empowering readers with the knowledge needed to make informed decisions about their bodies. Their approach never talks down to the reader; instead, it feels like two trusted clinicians walking alongside you with honesty and care.
The book also shines in its practicality. From symptom management and treatment options to lifestyle considerations and emotional well‑being, the authors cover a wide spectrum of topics with a refreshing level of clarity. They address common frustrations and misconceptions, providing reassurance while offering realistic strategies for navigating change.
Equally powerful is the tone of validation woven throughout. Dunsmoor‑Su and Voedisch remind readers that their experiences are real, important, and deserving of attention—something far too often overlooked in conversations about women’s health. Their encouragement feels genuine, grounded, and deeply needed.
Estrogen, Interrupted is not just informative—it’s affirming, empowering, and transformative. Whether you’re beginning to notice hormonal shifts, in the thick of menopausal changes, or supporting someone who is, this book offers comfort and clarity in equal measure.
A must‑read guide that combines medical insight with heartfelt understanding—an easy and enthusiastic five stars.
As an aging millennial with a (mostly) functional uterus & ovaries, Estrogen Interrupted is both informative and timely. Perimenopause was a health topic that I only had a minimally surface level understanding of prior to reading, but now I have a stronger footing when the times comes to addressing changes with my physician. Estrogen Interrupted is structured into sections covering perimenopausal symptoms and treatments, with chapters dedicated to diving deep into each.
While this is intended to be a comprehensive guide for everyday readers, it does occasionally veer into scientific/academic tones and portions can be a bit dry. However, I think that speaks to the authors' dedication to providing adequate medical and scientific context for changes in the female body system. This is a good book to read through once and revisit to when specific symptoms begin to rear their ugly heads - looking at you sleep disruption and mood swings. I found the discussions of blood work and hormone level tests to be especially interesting, as the authors note that both of these diagnostic responses can lead to patient frustration (and unfortunately physician dismissal) when testing results in "all systems normal," when things are DECIDEDLY NOT. Both authors continuously emphasize patient self-advocacy and seeking additional medical opinions when symptoms are shrugged off as "it's just normal" / "this is something that you just have to deal with." Women's health is woefully under researched and under funded, aging women's health even more so! Dunsmoor-Su and Voedisch thankfully provide a valuable toolkit of questions and supplemental resources so that you are armed with information for your next doctor's visit.
This book, in combination with Karen Tang's It's Not Hysteria, is a must for female reproductive education.
Written by two female gynecological physicians, this book was well researched and documented. My favorite moments in this book were the anecdotes provided by their patients. I commiserated with those women as I myself am experiencing similar perimenopausal effects.
After reading several other books on perimenopause, I would say that the topic of this book is more directed at the overall health of woman in their late 30s to 50s versus purely perimenopause (even though that is a large part of this stage of life).
While the authors do validate these experiences as perimenopausal, they also remind us that aging also causes these things we experience, which in my opinion felt a little pedantic. Minus brain fog because apparently that is only a perimenopausal experience.
If men experienced things like hot flashes, heart palpitations, brain fog, sleeplessness, anxiety, etc, there would be billions of dollars put towards research and solutions to fix these symptoms.
However, I’m so happy that more and more research and books are being centered around this stage of life, therefore, I am hopeful that our future generations of women will get the support they need.
Physicians and researchers better hurry up and figure out this issue before many women drop out of the workforce due to these complications during this stage of life.
This book contains tons of information about the physiological changes that take place during perimenopause, which some women may begin to experience as early as their mid-thirties and can persist for a decade or more. The authors are ob-gyns, medical researchers, and perimenopause experts who not only talk about these changes that women experience during this time, but also share stories of their own experiences and those of patients they have seen and treated over the years. They also provide information about lifestyle changes, treatments and resources that can help mitigate the disruptive and life altering symptoms that come along with these changes, and guide you in getting the help needed to find answers and relief. A good resource for any woman entering into or struggling through symptoms of perimenopause, including weight gain, hair loss, brain fog, low libido, depression, trouble sleeping, and more.
This review is of an ARC I won in a Goodreads giveaway.
I won this book through a Goodreads giveaway, and it turned out to be a very helpful and informative read.
What I appreciated most was how approachable it felt. The authors explain the physical and emotional changes that can come with perimenopause in a way that is easy to understand without talking down to the reader. The mix of medical information, practical advice, and humor kept the book engaging throughout.
I also liked that it acknowledges how different everyone's experience can be. Rather than offering one-size-fits-all answers, it provides information and options that help readers make informed decisions about their health.
If you're navigating perimenopause or want a better understanding of what to expect, this is a useful resource and a great place to start.
This was so informative! I follow the doctors’ podcast and I know that their information and advice is informed by research - so I trust them. Personally, I found so much of this validating. I found myself rewinding the audiobook a number of times so that I could really absorb the information. I’m going to purchasing this book in print to reread sections that were particularly applicable to me, and I’m certain I’ll be referring to this in the future. I highly highly recommend this to all women who’s age starts with a “4” - it’s an excellent trustworthy source and I’m certain you’ll see yourself somewhere in here and will feel a bit more informed about this wacky part of life!
Thank you to Libro.fm and Macmillan Audio for the Audiobook Listening Copy.
Thank you Goodreads for my free copy of Estrogen, Interrupted.
I am almost 42 and I think I have been in perimenopause for at least a year, if not longer. This book did a great job of explaining all of the symptoms and struggles women go through when they enter peri. It's terrible that there is still not enough research and solutions for all of these problems.
Thanks to this book I have some key talking points to bring up with my doctor. I like that there were multiple medications or supplements listed that can help women. It's a shame that many aren't covered by insurance yet. This was a very helpful book.
There has been a lot of releases around menopause lately, but Estrogen, Interrupted focuses on the piece of the puzzle that often gets ignored: perimenopause. Drs. Dunsmoor-Su and Voedisch break down the actual science behind the years leading up to menopause, explaining why estrogen spikes and crashes cause everything from insomnia to brain fog.
The book reads like a straightforward, honest conversation with two knowledgeable OB-GYNs. I appreciated that they don't push a single agenda. Instead, they give you the facts on hormone therapies alongside practical, everyday advice for nutrition, exercise, and stress management.
I'd like to thank NetGalley, Flatiron Books, and Macmillan Audio for this advanced listener copy! This was one of the more all encompassing books about perimenopause, and a female's body all around. The authors gave a background and a reason for various symptoms of perimenopause while also giving advice on what to do (and, again, why). I especially appreciated to-do lists given throughout the book! If you are in your 30's, I'd highly suggest reading this book and knowing what is going to happen before it happens. A lot of this book had anecdotes of women being surprised and having to react. I wish I had known this information beforehand so that I could have better prepared.
Thank you, NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for this ARC audiobook for review. This book was a wealth of knowledge. I love that there are more data and information coming out recently about perimenopause and menopause, so women know what they are going through is normal and what to look for. This stage of life was just what you have to get through and now there are providers (you may have to search a bit for them) that are educated more in this important life stage and how to assist with all the things that go along with it. Thank you for writing this book and providing more information on how to survive this perimenopausal stage without hurting anyone around you :)
This is seriously so informative. It's chockful of all things perimenopause. Night sweats, hot flashes, anxiety, weight gain, hormonal changes, eating, sleeping, breast cancer,, family health history, and things that can help you with all of the symptoms you're having.. I'm so happy I found this book. I highly recommend it to all the women out there who are approaching the age of perimenopause. I'm definitely going to buy some copies for a few of my family and friends.
Thank you to the publisher and netgalley for the gifted copy. All opinions are my own.
4.5 stars I love that we’re getting so many books on perimenopause. Bless the elder millennial women and the demographic push to be taken seriously. So many of these issues have plagued me over the past decade. I felt isolated and alone. Doctors either didn’t believe me or didn’t know what was happening. It’s wild to me that itchy ears is now a well known symptom of perimenopause when I spent years going to ENTs trying to figure out what was going on. It’s wild to me that I’ve had recurrent UTIs for years and my gynecologist and family doctor never once mentioned that estrogen therapy could help. The information in this book was affirming and I’m so glad we’ve got more options and answers! *Thanks to Macmillan audio & NetGalley for the free copy
This was informative and I found it relatively helpful. I did listen to this on audio and I’m wishing I had read a physical copy instead because it would have been nice to reference some of the info after the fact.
As a perimenopause woman, I appreciate this book sharing more about the range of experiences we face and how we can advocate for better medical care to get through 2nd puberty.