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Hormone Repair Manual: Every Woman's Guide to Healthy Hormones After 40
Hormone Repair Manual is a practical guide to feeling better in your 40s, 50s, and beyond. It explains how to navigate the change of perimenopause and relieve symptoms with natural treatments such as diet, nutritional supplements, and bioidentical hormone therapy.
Topics
Why everything is different after second puberty.
How perimenopause can be a tipping point for long-term health.
The four phases of perimenopause.
The role of testosterone and insulin in weight gain.
How to speak with your doctor about hormone therapy including natural progesterone.
Treatment protocols for all common perimenopause symptoms including night sweats, insomnia, migraines, and heavy periods.
Risk reduction for osteoporosis, heart disease, and dementia.
Written by best-selling author and naturopathic doctor, Lara Briden, the book is backed by evidence-based research and real-world patient stories.
Topics
Why everything is different after second puberty.
How perimenopause can be a tipping point for long-term health.
The four phases of perimenopause.
The role of testosterone and insulin in weight gain.
How to speak with your doctor about hormone therapy including natural progesterone.
Treatment protocols for all common perimenopause symptoms including night sweats, insomnia, migraines, and heavy periods.
Risk reduction for osteoporosis, heart disease, and dementia.
Written by best-selling author and naturopathic doctor, Lara Briden, the book is backed by evidence-based research and real-world patient stories.
432 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 22, 2021
635 people are currently reading
2326 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 138 reviews
February 22, 2021
I am a big fan of the author's previous book "Period Repair Manual" which I would recommend to all menstruating women so as soon as I saw Lara Briden had a book aimed at the over 40s, I pre-ordered straight away and have read from cover to cover over a lockdown weekend!
Briden clearly describes what happens in the perimenopause and menopause - what is going on with hormones and what can be expected. She gives general lifestyle advice to ease the transition and specific holistic advice with regards to any symptoms you might have. I was particularly pleased that she also has a chapter on the psychological effects including feelings of shame or grief that you might go through.
There is a lot that overlaps with her previous book and also plenty of advice specific to those of this age.
Highly recommend for women entering the perimenopause.
Briden clearly describes what happens in the perimenopause and menopause - what is going on with hormones and what can be expected. She gives general lifestyle advice to ease the transition and specific holistic advice with regards to any symptoms you might have. I was particularly pleased that she also has a chapter on the psychological effects including feelings of shame or grief that you might go through.
There is a lot that overlaps with her previous book and also plenty of advice specific to those of this age.
Highly recommend for women entering the perimenopause.
July 15, 2021
I have been dealing with hives since December 2020. My allergist can not find a reason and now I take a load of pills in addition to monthly injections to subdue the hives. One side effect of hives is having difficulty sleeping due to the insane itching. One night when I couldn’t sleep, I stumbled upon this book. I soon discovered what peri menopausal allergies were and it sure sounded like me! I have highlighted, dog eared, and taken copious notes from this book. I now have a plan that includes supplements and how to talk to my gynecologist about how to help me with my hives. I highly recommend this book to any woman over 40 as it is a guidebook to how to manage our changing bodies from peri menopause to menopause. I am so grateful for this book and highly recommend!!!
April 24, 2021
This is a brilliant resource. I feel informed, equipped and ready to take action. At 44, I think this was the perfect time for me to read this book and take control of my health. Bring it on!
August 1, 2023
I saw someone on instagram talking about being in their late 30's and having noticed changes in their body, but having no idea what to expect regarding aging and menopause and I thought "huh, I also have no idea what to expect" so I picked this up. It's a pretty quick and easy read and it did shed a lot of light on aging regarding menopause. I think it was most useful for dispelling myths and destigmatizing what menopause is and is not, and explaining perimenopause- honestly did not know anything about this. I also had some specific questions about symptoms with an IUD and with endometriosis and this book answered that. It's not a replacement for seeing a doctor, although it does give a lot of nutrition advice so proceed with caution, but it is also helpful in giving you scripts to use to talk to your doctor if you want to learn more about what was brought up in the book. I appreciated just getting this introduction and learning about this as it's something that carries a lot of stigma and is not often talked about positively- this definitely made me less anxious for the future and more positive about aging. This will probably not be the only book I read on the topic, but it was a fairly good introduction.
There are definitely some issues with the book- the non inclusive title and language throughout the book, it is written by a cis woman talking to other cis-women and the language and topics focus on them- I think there could have easily been some more inclusive language and topics. And there is a section on nutrition with some info about certain nutrients to pay attention to, I generally approach this with a healthy dose of skepticism given a lot of science is all over the place about nutrition and is often just super anti-fat or anti-science- and this book does lean into diet culture in some moments, but given there's a whole section on nutrition I do think it does a fairly good job of not focusing on body size, weight, and dieting, (always good to see health professionals saying throw out your scale, don't count calories, and focus on movement that fees good) but it's not completely neutral in that so definitely read with caution if that is triggering.
There are definitely some issues with the book- the non inclusive title and language throughout the book, it is written by a cis woman talking to other cis-women and the language and topics focus on them- I think there could have easily been some more inclusive language and topics. And there is a section on nutrition with some info about certain nutrients to pay attention to, I generally approach this with a healthy dose of skepticism given a lot of science is all over the place about nutrition and is often just super anti-fat or anti-science- and this book does lean into diet culture in some moments, but given there's a whole section on nutrition I do think it does a fairly good job of not focusing on body size, weight, and dieting, (always good to see health professionals saying throw out your scale, don't count calories, and focus on movement that fees good) but it's not completely neutral in that so definitely read with caution if that is triggering.
November 19, 2022
This is a great read for your years beyond 40, as you get into perimenopause. Almost a year after turning 40, my body started going crazy pants. I had a lot of clarity moments while reading this. So that’s why that’s happening! And I can fix it!!
I appreciate that medicines are given but also healthy living lifestyles are given as well - which is a big deal to me. I also appreciate her very specific supplement recommendations so you actually buy the right things.
I have hope that my migraines are actually controllable now. Wahoo!
Thanks for the recommendation, Erin.
The first part of the book is a basic understanding of perimenopause and menopause & what happens. The second part is all about treatment for issues you might have. It’s a book that you’ll keep and reference through the years as you have different issues.
I appreciate that medicines are given but also healthy living lifestyles are given as well - which is a big deal to me. I also appreciate her very specific supplement recommendations so you actually buy the right things.
I have hope that my migraines are actually controllable now. Wahoo!
Thanks for the recommendation, Erin.
The first part of the book is a basic understanding of perimenopause and menopause & what happens. The second part is all about treatment for issues you might have. It’s a book that you’ll keep and reference through the years as you have different issues.
April 25, 2022
FINALLY a book about menopause that is only about the medical stuff! i have read several others that focus way too much on "the change" and "feeling free" and "no longer being a woman" and none of that is anything that i care about.
this book was about what is happening to your body/mind, things that may help, things that may make it worse. no woo, no fluffy "this is YOUR time" stuff.
this book was about what is happening to your body/mind, things that may help, things that may make it worse. no woo, no fluffy "this is YOUR time" stuff.
February 25, 2021
Like another reviewer, I am also a big fan of the other book by the author "Period Repair manual" which I also read recently. So, I also preordered and read the book as it came out.
This book I enjoyed even more than period repair manual. It is more personal as the author is currently in Perimenopause and shares personal insight and experience. Also, it is very up to date and profound and very interesting. It touches all different symptoms, how the hormones change and the body adapts. She calls the process second puberty and the path towards girlhood. This is a very interesting view and - in fact - has inspired me to understand things from own first puberty in a new light.
The author also touches the taboo on Menopause as well. It is shocking how little we still know about the process and how few books are on the market. I recently researched and I am sure this book is the best and most comprehensive on the topic. So this book is very necessary and important to make progress with lifting the taboo and helping women affected (and every woman surviving her 50s is affected - the author even researched that 9 of 10 women live long enough to experience it). She also reminds us several times that it is not a sign of age, but a normal biological process occurring while also ageing happens. However, we shouldn't see it as ageing!
Every woman should read this book as every woman will be affected sooner or later. I really wish the two books by this author were published years ago and that I had read them years ago as I would have benefited from reading them earlier. Ideally already in my teens! :)
This book I enjoyed even more than period repair manual. It is more personal as the author is currently in Perimenopause and shares personal insight and experience. Also, it is very up to date and profound and very interesting. It touches all different symptoms, how the hormones change and the body adapts. She calls the process second puberty and the path towards girlhood. This is a very interesting view and - in fact - has inspired me to understand things from own first puberty in a new light.
The author also touches the taboo on Menopause as well. It is shocking how little we still know about the process and how few books are on the market. I recently researched and I am sure this book is the best and most comprehensive on the topic. So this book is very necessary and important to make progress with lifting the taboo and helping women affected (and every woman surviving her 50s is affected - the author even researched that 9 of 10 women live long enough to experience it). She also reminds us several times that it is not a sign of age, but a normal biological process occurring while also ageing happens. However, we shouldn't see it as ageing!
Every woman should read this book as every woman will be affected sooner or later. I really wish the two books by this author were published years ago and that I had read them years ago as I would have benefited from reading them earlier. Ideally already in my teens! :)
January 27, 2024
Useful book if you’re a woman in forties!
August 19, 2022
Superb reading for anyone approaching their 40's with only a vague sense of trepidation and ignorance. Lara Briden explains things I have never heard explained before, oftentimes on a cellular or molecular level, with a balance of both conventional and natural approaches laid out in a real powerhouse of a toolbox for the next decades of life.
I highly recommend reading her first book for the under-40 crowd first.
I highly recommend reading her first book for the under-40 crowd first.
March 27, 2023
Exhausting. After reading this book, I think you will be more tempted to feel more symptomatic than when you started reading.
May 29, 2025
Solide 4,5 Sterne.
April 26, 2024
An interesting insight into the next phase of life. Some real focus points and some clear recommendations. Good conversation starters for your primary care doctors are provided in this book, with practical advice for treatment options.
December 11, 2022
Buy all your friends one for their 40th & let’s destigmatise womens health, periods & menopause for good! Thank you so much Lara for writing this. I have underlined & saved pages in my kindle app for further reading & follow up.
I am lucky enough to have a great GP who was already on to the hormones & a lot of this advice & I have a nutritionist who I’m working with to incorporate some other advice (including the increase in protein) I am vegan & wish to remain so for ethical & values based reasons so it would have been great to have more advice on this but I also get that we can take what we learn here & seek out specific advice & suggestions.
I am lucky enough to have a great GP who was already on to the hormones & a lot of this advice & I have a nutritionist who I’m working with to incorporate some other advice (including the increase in protein) I am vegan & wish to remain so for ethical & values based reasons so it would have been great to have more advice on this but I also get that we can take what we learn here & seek out specific advice & suggestions.
August 23, 2022
I was 2 years younger when I first heard of the word "perimenopause." Now being an age that starts with a "4" I thought I should learn more about this word. I saw this book displayed at a local independent bookstore and instead of picking it up like a normal adult, I took a photo and stealthily requested it from my library so no one saw me holding the book. LOL
Now I could care less who sees me with this book. Briden has made information about the upcoming stages of my life very accessible. She uses mostly plain language to help me understand what is going to happen to my body, what kind of symptoms - mental and physical - I may experience, why it happens, and provides natural and medical ways to address. Makes this knowledge usable by being specific and providing dialogue on how to talk to your doctor.
Briden talks about all this in such a way where it resonated that these are not unique experiences. That there is no real cause for shame about these life stages. All women of a certain age go through this and any symptoms or changes I experience are not shameful. There's nothing wrong with aging or going through these stages - we all do it.
I will be purchasing this book (from the indie I first saw it at) and hurrying this copy back to the library so other women can tap into this resource.
Now I could care less who sees me with this book. Briden has made information about the upcoming stages of my life very accessible. She uses mostly plain language to help me understand what is going to happen to my body, what kind of symptoms - mental and physical - I may experience, why it happens, and provides natural and medical ways to address. Makes this knowledge usable by being specific and providing dialogue on how to talk to your doctor.
Briden talks about all this in such a way where it resonated that these are not unique experiences. That there is no real cause for shame about these life stages. All women of a certain age go through this and any symptoms or changes I experience are not shameful. There's nothing wrong with aging or going through these stages - we all do it.
I will be purchasing this book (from the indie I first saw it at) and hurrying this copy back to the library so other women can tap into this resource.
April 29, 2024
This book as well as The Perimenopause Solution have been helpful guides as I navigate all of the issues that I have been having for the past three years or so. What I thought were separate issues I now realize are just symptoms of one huge issue and that is I am losing estrogen and my histamine levels are increasing as a result. I went from never needing allergy medicine to relying on taking Zyrtec twice a day for going on two years now. If I go one day without Zyrtec then I have head to toe itching and it is the worst kind of itch that I have ever experienced and after just a light scratching my skin is streaked with red for several minutes. That is just one issue and the rest are just too personal to put into a book review. These two books have given me help and peace of mind and now I feel like I can move forward with perimenopause with a bit of confidence.
June 4, 2021
As I'm most likely entering peri-menopause I found this very useful. I kept in mind that the author is a naturopath, so I was wary of the possibility of given information being non-factual. I was pleasantly surprised not to find anything about homeopathy which was a relief. There was a lot of information about supplements so I will need to find out more to corroborate that advice.
My mother who died from dementia aged 78 went through a terrible time during menopause around the age of 51, so I wanted to find out more before I too enter this stage of life. It was reassuring to learn about how hormone replacement therapy has competely changed since the 1990s and that there are now much safer options. Much of the book wasn't yet relevant to me as I haven't experienced any symptoms as yet, but I will definitely refer back to it if/when the time comes.
I recommend this for any perimenopausal or menopausal women.
My mother who died from dementia aged 78 went through a terrible time during menopause around the age of 51, so I wanted to find out more before I too enter this stage of life. It was reassuring to learn about how hormone replacement therapy has competely changed since the 1990s and that there are now much safer options. Much of the book wasn't yet relevant to me as I haven't experienced any symptoms as yet, but I will definitely refer back to it if/when the time comes.
I recommend this for any perimenopausal or menopausal women.
January 16, 2023
Must read for anyone over 35. It always baffles me how much incorrect information we continue to receive even from medical providers, as well as the lack of information on the topics of perimenopause/menopause that there is. This book has excellent up to date information. My only complain are 1) that it is repetitive which helps in sinking in concepts but becomes a little to much by the end of the book; and 2) that it does not go in depth into the testosterone pellets treatment that has become so popular nowadays.
September 2, 2025
FINALLY!! A book about perimenopause and menopause that is both real, yet not depressing. This book is packed full of information, but it explains everything in a linear and understandable manner. It’s not weighed down by opinions, or a bad attitude, like many other books about hormones seem to be either. There’s nothing but facts and helpful tips here, which a touch of humor even. It was a refreshing read. ❤️
April 12, 2025
This is a fire hose of info and I had to take a few breaks to get through it. Health books are not my favorite and there were a few things I could have done without (like the ending 🙄). But it’s a good book to have on hand and has already given me the knowledge and vocabulary to talk to my doctor about my perimenopausal symptoms.
March 3, 2022
Very sensible reference with a good balance of both allopathic and naturopathic philosophies. Planning to purchase her book for teenagers as well.
December 19, 2022
Really enjoyed this book. As a woman in my early 40s, I am trying to prepare myself for what comes next and ensure my body has what it needs. It is quite technical in parts, and for me it really helped to listen as an audiobook, I find it personally much easier to take that medical jargon in audibly. However I will buy a copy, as I imagine it will be something I pick up and read sections of, refer to, over the coming decades.
March 27, 2023
I'm 35 and getting this book make me sure that it was the best decision to have it before my 40 th. Real treasure!
May 29, 2023
Game changer! Such great information.
October 9, 2023
This book is wonderful (probably closer to 4.5 stars), and I know I will continue to refer to it and all the notes I made in it in the future. It covers a large number of topics and offers great advice on speaking to your doctor on issues you’re having. I wish it went into greater detail on some topics, but I know one book can’t cover everything related to women’s health. I read it with a couple of my friends, and we’ve already recommended it to others.
June 1, 2024
This book is like the bible of all things perimenopause. Easy to digest, practical and supremely helpful. It's like every woman aged 40-60 has been seen and heard and someone finally gives a shit enough to lend a hand. Bravo.
April 1, 2024
This book was so good and full of helpful information. I just went off hormonal birth control pill and this helped me learn more about what to expect.
I love her writing style and it’s very easy to digest. Highly recommend for all women!
I love her writing style and it’s very easy to digest. Highly recommend for all women!
August 24, 2025
Very helpful and user-friendly
February 7, 2025
This was my first comprehensive read about this topic, so it may not actually be a five star book, it is just that I learnt so much!
February 13, 2022
This is a really informative and easy to read book. Not all chapters will be relevant at any one time but I found it helpful to read through it all and make notes as I went. Will return to it as go through perimenopause and into menopause.
March 10, 2024
Quick read. Easy to understand. Best Permimenopause book I have read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 138 reviews