The Hot Topic: A Life-Changing Look at the Change of Life

by Christa D'Souza

This humorous, candid, and well-researched book is a refreshing and accessible guide to menopause for today’s modern woman.

There has never been a better time to be a menopausal woman. After all, technology is such that sixty really is the new forty…

But, for Christa D’Souza, menopause created more questions than she had answers for: How can I get through menopause? How long does it last? Is hormone replacement therapy safe? What is the point of us now that we are officially biologically irrelevant? Is there a cut-off age for wearing braids?

In this fabulously confessional romp through the struggles of menopause, D’Souza shares her own insights on this phase of every woman’s life and the research that has brought her to some unexpected places—from meeting menopausal nuns in San Francisco to hunter-gathering with the Hadza tribe in Tanzania in her search for the answers to her menopause questions. She also delves into the latest science with experts around the world, discovering some surprising silver linings to this key milestone of maturity.

An insightful, empowering, no-holds-barred guide through the mysteries of menopause, The Hot Topic is a treat of a book that will demystify this phase of life and have you laughing the whole way through!

Genres: Nonfiction, Health, Feminism

192 pages, Paperback

Published December 27, 2016

Reviews

[Lauren Harper · Rating 2 out of 5]

A real navel-gazer, full of anecdotes and pseudo-science. None of the questions proffered were answered. Disorganised, repetative and lacking focus. Two stars for writing something (anything!) on the much-overlooked topic of menopause.

[Britt DGx · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was seething most of the book: it's imperialist and ethnocentric, obsessed with shallow value judgements (re: money, brands, looks, being skinny) and frustratingly pessimistic about menopause. The last few chapters looked up a bit and I have a bit better an understanding of the hormones and chemicals available for the 'treatment' of the menopause, but bottom line: this certainly shouldn't be the only book a person reads to learn about the menopause. It certainly won't be the only one I do to educate myself more fully.

[Lydia · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not scientific enough to advise, too anecdotal to educate, silly enough to trivialize the topic, but not funny enough to make me feel good.

[Gemini · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well hot damn, this book really makes you open your eyes to what is happening to your body, both mentally & physically. Like seriously, what a rude awakening to have to go through menopause. Yet there is not enough research or info that really makes sense over the decades. Why would there be if men have ruled the sciences for such a long time & it doesn't really affect them. The biggest thing of course, is whether or not to take HRT to help w/ the symptoms. Well thank goodness there have been developments over the years as well as doctors & scientists doing actual work to help women go through this devious process. I am so glad the author wrote this book as things make more sense & the book helps you feel a little bit less alone in this change women go through. Since every woman goes through this at a different age, length of time, & symptoms; it's still really hard to know what to expect. You have to do your homework & read books such as this.

[Bee · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good read for the 40-something year old woman in 2024! Loved the narrators voice. Menopause nothing by to fear but rather get ready to embrace a new chapter. But as you’ll hear .. no more rosè (would make a great menopausal Bridget Jones style series on Netflix)

[Tracy Birrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant. Having gone through the Menopause and out the other side I wish I had been given this book at 45.I think it should be given to every woman on at least their 50th birthday rthday.

[Jenny Taylor · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wouldn't call it "life-changing", but The Hot Topic includes some interesting factual tidbits about menopause.

[Joni · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought this would just be a humorous book or the trials and tribulations of perimenopause and menopause, which it was, but it also have me so much to think about thatch choices to make as I try to navigate this journey. Worth the read.

[Jill · Rating 3 out of 5]

The author poses an interesting question - what is the point of us now that we are no longer biologically relevant? D'Souza describes her experience of menopause and let's us know what we can look forward to. There's not a lot of new information here - there has been a lot written about menopause and the nightmare of hot flushes etc., over the years so it feels a bit the same ole, same ole. However the author does talk about the importance of the older woman in society and the role she can play within the family. But really it's all about accepting everything that's thrown at us with grace and the book concludes with my favourite poem by Rumi - "The Guest House"

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Engaging and fascinating look at the menopause. A good starting point for every woman, no matter what your age!l

[Tracy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Repetitive and boring.

[Pandora · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 - subject deserves a lot more attention.