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What's Going On In My Body? All About the Female Cycle, Periods and Fertility
This is a handbook to accompany young girls during the exciting years in which they develop from being a girl to becoming a woman!
In a natural, entertaining and comprehensible way Dr. Elisabeth Raith-Paula describes what a woman should know about her female body, her cycle and her fertility.
The information within this book eases young girls' concerns about the changes that take place during puberty. It also provides vital information for older girls and young women, answering questions like "when am I fertile?" and "how do different contraceptive methods interact with the female body?" in order to dispel risky myths and misunderstandings due to incomplete knowledge about the fertile phase in a woman's cycle. This book provides a clear and science-based source of information for school teachers, youth workers and clinicians. It supports mothers in preparing their daughters for their first menstruation in a loving way – a unique approach in sexual education literature!
In a natural, entertaining and comprehensible way Dr. Elisabeth Raith-Paula describes what a woman should know about her female body, her cycle and her fertility.
The information within this book eases young girls' concerns about the changes that take place during puberty. It also provides vital information for older girls and young women, answering questions like "when am I fertile?" and "how do different contraceptive methods interact with the female body?" in order to dispel risky myths and misunderstandings due to incomplete knowledge about the fertile phase in a woman's cycle. This book provides a clear and science-based source of information for school teachers, youth workers and clinicians. It supports mothers in preparing their daughters for their first menstruation in a loving way – a unique approach in sexual education literature!
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Published January 1, 2018
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
October 22, 2020
I read this book with the intention of evaluating its suitability as a resource for teaching my 3 daughters to chart their monthly cycle and grow in holistic health awareness. I learned to chart my cycle when I was 24 years old; at the time I was astonished that I had previously learned nothing about the functioning of my reproductive system, with the exception of menstruation. Additionally, I was astonished at how simple it was to comprehend the functioning of this system. Not a single person - parent, teacher, doctor, friend - had ever suggested that there was anything else I could or should know beyond stocking up on pads, tampons, and Tylenol. The functioning of my body had been, until then, totally shrouded in mystery. Understanding my reproductive system has been one of the most - if not THE most - empowering experiences in my life.
Overall, I think this book is a helpful resource for mothers who wish to teach their daughters about fertility awareness. I believe the intended audience is girls between the ages of 9 and 13 and is addressed directly to the reader (“your body”). However, I personally would not just hand this book to a girl to read independently, even if she is a strong reader, because that would result in a lost opportunity for great conversations. I plan to use it as a guide, reviewing specific sections with my 13 year old daughter over a series of time, and then handing it over to her at the end if she wants to look at it in more detail.
A few observations:
It was originally written in German and the translation is imperfect - there are some run-on sentences and minor errors.
The content is accurate and educational. Medical terminology is used but also assigned simplified metaphors for young girls. For example, follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) is referred to as the “herald of spring.” This is all presented in the context of a theatre performance - and is referred to as the Cycle Show, with all the participating actors etc. Personally, I think the context of the theatre performance and some of the metaphors are best suited to the younger side of the intended audience. I’m fairly certain my 13 year old daughter would cringe at this aspect of the book; she is mature and intelligent enough to absorb the concepts directly, without metaphors. However, I can see the Cycle Show being engaging for a 9 year old.
I greatly appreciated the positive tone of the book regarding menstruation, all aspects of the cycle, and reproductive health. The book does refer to “vaginal discharge,” which is common terminology, but I have heard elsewhere and prefer the term “white flow” (as opposed to “red flow”). Language is important. Even something as subtle as this type of wording - “discharge” - can leave women (not to mention young girls) with the impression that ordinary, healthy bodily functions are somehow embarrassing if not burdensome. It is important to me to pass on to my daughters not only scientific facts about their fertility, but more importantly an admiration and appreciation for the way their bodies are created, and respect for their incredible power to create new life.
The book is morally neutral on the subject of contraception. One of the final chapters is titled “The Effect of Different Contraceptive Methods on a Woman’s Body.” It lists the various hormonal contraceptive methods, how they work, and their potential side effects. One sentence near the end of the book reads, “Maybe you already have a boyfriend and, like a lot of girls around you, you wish to opt for hormonal contraception,” and goes on to encourage them to consider all the information that has been presented in the book in order to make the right decision for themselves.
Overall, I think this book is a helpful resource for mothers who wish to teach their daughters about fertility awareness. I believe the intended audience is girls between the ages of 9 and 13 and is addressed directly to the reader (“your body”). However, I personally would not just hand this book to a girl to read independently, even if she is a strong reader, because that would result in a lost opportunity for great conversations. I plan to use it as a guide, reviewing specific sections with my 13 year old daughter over a series of time, and then handing it over to her at the end if she wants to look at it in more detail.
A few observations:
It was originally written in German and the translation is imperfect - there are some run-on sentences and minor errors.
The content is accurate and educational. Medical terminology is used but also assigned simplified metaphors for young girls. For example, follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) is referred to as the “herald of spring.” This is all presented in the context of a theatre performance - and is referred to as the Cycle Show, with all the participating actors etc. Personally, I think the context of the theatre performance and some of the metaphors are best suited to the younger side of the intended audience. I’m fairly certain my 13 year old daughter would cringe at this aspect of the book; she is mature and intelligent enough to absorb the concepts directly, without metaphors. However, I can see the Cycle Show being engaging for a 9 year old.
I greatly appreciated the positive tone of the book regarding menstruation, all aspects of the cycle, and reproductive health. The book does refer to “vaginal discharge,” which is common terminology, but I have heard elsewhere and prefer the term “white flow” (as opposed to “red flow”). Language is important. Even something as subtle as this type of wording - “discharge” - can leave women (not to mention young girls) with the impression that ordinary, healthy bodily functions are somehow embarrassing if not burdensome. It is important to me to pass on to my daughters not only scientific facts about their fertility, but more importantly an admiration and appreciation for the way their bodies are created, and respect for their incredible power to create new life.
The book is morally neutral on the subject of contraception. One of the final chapters is titled “The Effect of Different Contraceptive Methods on a Woman’s Body.” It lists the various hormonal contraceptive methods, how they work, and their potential side effects. One sentence near the end of the book reads, “Maybe you already have a boyfriend and, like a lot of girls around you, you wish to opt for hormonal contraception,” and goes on to encourage them to consider all the information that has been presented in the book in order to make the right decision for themselves.
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March 2, 2026A little corny, but covers a LOT. Will be saving the last couple of chapters on charting and fertility for the future, but I plan to let my 10yo read some of the others for us to discuss. Does not present anything in. faith-based light. (Explanation of contraceptives is "neutral," no moral guidance, but assumes the reader will be making the decision of what to use at some point.)
September 24, 2020
Frauenkörper und Zyklus super erklärt! Schade dass es so was in meiner Jugend nicht gab.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews