Menopause Bootcamp: Optimize Your Health, Empower Your Self, and Flourish as You Age

by Suzanne Gilberg-Lenz

“I feel a thousand times smarter after reading Menopause Bootcamp. Why does no one tell us?? As a woman approaching a certain age, I'm so grateful to Dr. Suzanne for demystifying and educating on this very natural process with her compassion and humor and experience. This book is so rich with important information that I can return to it for years to come.” — Rashida Jones

The doctor known for her “Menopause Bootcamp” gatherings, shares her 360-degree holistic approach to this natural life stage in this empowering and joyful guide to help women not just survive this physiological and psychological transition, but thrive.

Over the course of her twenty-year medical career, Dr. Suzanne Gilberg-Lenz noticed a shocking dearth of information and support for women beginning and experiencing menopause. For too long, this crucial stage in women’s lives has been given perfunctory notice in medical schools and is often either a hidden secret or the punchline to a joke—denying women the information and support they need. This disregard, coupled with the unconscious misogyny and ageism that run rampant in our culture, portrays menopause as something to be afraid of, and worse, adds a patina of shame around the blessing of aging and the beginnings of a new, normal, and enriching phase in a woman’s life.

Dr. Suzanne, as her patients call her, believes that the 27 million women entering menopause each year deserve thoughtful, candid, modern, holistic information about the physical and psychological issues that arise in this transitional stage, including changes in libido, metabolism, body image, and fears over genetic age-related illnesses. She contends that menopause is a whole life condition and deserves a wide-ranging approach that combines meditation, yoga, therapy, herbal supplements, along with the most-up-to-date science and conventional medical solutions. 

Packed with answers to common questions and helpful insights, infused with Dr. Suzanne’s expert, but warm, and sometimes, laugh-out-loud honesty, Menopause Bootcamp is a welcome invitation to embrace and even celebrate this remarkable developmental phase in the lives of women. It’s a welcome reminder that life doesn’t end at menopause—it’s the start of something new and wonderful.

Genres: Health, Nonfiction, Audiobook, Self Help

299 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 11, 2022

Reviews

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I may be somewhat biased as the author is my doctor, but i thought this book was well written, easily laid out, and chock full of helpful information for women of a certain age.

[Ramona · Rating 1 out of 5]

What a huge disappointment. Menopause and peri-menopause feel like crazy town. Women like me are ready for good discussions and tools to meet the change head on. That’s why I was looking forward to reading this, but it just made me so annoyed.

First off, the author lets you know she is writing with a mind aware of inclusion. Ok….. head scratch….. what does that mean? Then she wants her trans audience to know they are safe with her. What does that mean? Is this book for men who want to try have a menopausal experience? Or is it for women who are going through menopause? I have serious questions. I pushed on- thinking surely that was just a strange intro.

No. It’s all catered to woke speak and the injustice of menopause to minorities (what the actual heck?) and the trans community needing to talk about it. She goes on a literal diatribe about she has no longer deemed the term “perimenopause “ worthy of being used. Ok, I’m sorry- then what is it when you have every symptom and sporadic periods but you’re not menstruation free for 12 months? What is it?????

A few tips she gives (in between all the accolades she gives herself for daring to use the words uterus and vagina) keep a handheld fan nearby. Drink ice water. Work with your doctor. Try supplements.ummmmmm what? A teenager could give you that advice.

Thank heavens my GP has worked hand and hand with me over the last few years and has given me more advice than that (shock: he’s a MAN! Oh the nerve!). If you follow any Instagram accounts on menopause you will get so much more information and a much better community than anything the book has to offer. Sorry. Not for me.

[Cris · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had high expectations for a book written by a woman doctor on menopause then what I received. I was very disappointed.

[Lyne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Audio Book narrated by Samara Naeymi.

Good book, very informative. Dr. Gilberg-Lenz is decisive. There are no gray areas as she describes menopause.

This self-help book provides good guidance. Not all situations will apply to all women. It also provides comfort knowing that what you are experiencing is normal and a part of aging. There is an end to it.

I suspect most women will enjoy knowing what to expect. Potentially something for your partner to read too?

[Cecilia D'Antonio · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is incredibly informative and beautifully written. It feels like you are talking to a friend who also happens to be a menopause expert. I would highly recommend!

[Lisa Hofle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really 3.5 stars. This is a good starting point and there is a lot of common sense information.

[Joanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent resource for approaching menopause in a holistic way.

[Angie Schlater · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great material, informative, and a must read for all humans.

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an excellent resource for women. The book contains frank talk about some symptoms related to menopause that you might not have realized were related and practical advice. There is a lot of profanity in the book. If you can sift through it, this book is a gem of information.

[Elizabeth Randall · Rating 1 out of 5]

I had such high hopes for this book and was quickly disappointed. I am admitting I did not finish it…it was that bad. Ok I’ll back up if you are looking for actionable information on menopause….keep looking. If you’re looking for a doctor’s woke progressive political opinions….this maybe the book for you.

This is so awful I’m tossing in the garbage can…I cannot bear to pass it on and waste another person’s time.

[Christine McCloud · Rating 3 out of 5]

The medical information in the first part of the book was pretty informative. The rest seemed like a mix of opinion & woo, which I’ll take with a grain of salt.

[Zibby Owens · Rating 5 out of 5]

Women spend a 1/3 to 1/2 of their lives postmenopausal. This author is known for her Menopause retreats. She talks about how the 27 million women entering menopause deserve thoughtful, candid, modern, holistic information about the physical and psychological issues that arise in this transitional stage. These include libido, metabolism, body image changes, and fears over age-related genetic illnesses. She discusses the most challenging part is the loneliness and the isolation compounded by not finding doctors who can support them in their journey.

I like hearing that the problems women face are shared. If you or someone you know will go through or has gone through menopause, do yourself a favor and read this book! It will help you understand the process in an honest and relatable way. This book outlines information and tools we can use to help control symptoms and hopes for a better future as a middle age woman.

To listen to my interview with the author, go to my podcast at:
https://www.momsdonthavetimetoreadboo...

[Sara Budarz · Rating 4 out of 5]

I listened to a podcast interview with Gilberg-Lenz and everything she had to say sounded interesting, so I picked up her book. And it is a hard one to rate, because there are many things I loved about it, most of all her very compassionate view of bodies, which comes through on each page. I also liked her emphasis both on treating symptoms using medication and acknowledging how lifestyle modifications (especially exercise) help in each stage of life and aging.
But perhaps I expected a more robust section of medication (because I know so much less about them) or perhaps I just know enough that there weren't a lot of new things to be learned here. But then again, perhaps if I were in menopause, I would have read this more slowly and found more nuance than it had when reading through quickly. So overall, this is somewhere between a 3 and 4 star book.

[Mary · Rating 3 out of 5]

I heard about this book and author on Laura Termaine's podcast. There is so little medical information or teaching about menopause out there - we get all this stuff about puberty in high school, but then flail around later in life. And, the sad reality is the medical community doesn't know much either - there's no money in "treatment" so there's no money for research.

This book is definitely written by a California-based doc. She shares her own life and experience, and approaches things from a holistic perspective, but there's not a ton of new information or facts or actionable content.

I started out reading it but ended up skimming by about halfway through. It's not terrible, it's just not great.

3.5 stars rounded down

[RWAR_Rani · Rating 3 out of 5]

Menopause Bootcamp takes a more personal and conversational approach to the topic of menopause. The author, an OB-GYN, shares not only her professional insights but also her own experience with menopause and a cancer diagnosis, which adds depth and relatability to the narrative.

The book emphasizes holistic lifestyle changes and offers straightforward advice for managing common symptoms. It’s especially helpful for readers seeking practical, no-nonsense guidance without the clinical tone of more academic resources. Major symptoms are addressed in detail, and the tone is supportive and encouraging throughout.

If you’re looking for an accessible, less scholarly introduction to menopause that blends personal experience with medical knowledge, this book may be a good fit.

[Jenny · Rating 3 out of 5]

I listened to the audiobook. Several swear words and not Christian based. I appreciate the information that was presented in this book. I’m inspired to start a menopause boot camp. I like the way she addressed the topics of diet and exercise. Some quotes—

“We should not apologize or try to atone for our bodies.”

“We should not apologize or atone for the natural changes our bodies go through.”

“Until we decouple what we weigh from our feelings of self worth, the scale will always have too much power over us.”

I like the topics of meditation and whole foods. I hope to find and print the handouts for this book.

[Julie Scott · Rating 1 out of 5]

Very disappointed. Just sort of skimmed on topics. I am by no stretch of the imagination a conservative cable news watching person, but I thought this book went too far in talking in certain topics. Seem to be written for a person that lives in California and spends their time doing Pilates and meditating. I wish doctors would really spend time with you instead of just the usual 10 minute appointment and you’re out the door. The sum it up, I learned nothing new from this book.

[Missy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Chapter 6: "Capitalism is built on the free labor of women and people of color...rest is resistance, and removing yourself from a system that demands that you sacrifice your energy to keep it going is a way to dismantle capitalism and the patriarchy and aid the social justice movement."

Part 4: "Meditate for 90 seconds before you hop into the shower. Write 3 sentences of gratitude before you go to bed. Spend 10 minutes before dinner doing something in nature, such as walking in grass without your shoes on or sitting on a bench looking at water...if you do that consistently for 30 days, then increase the goals a little, you will create little wins and reinforce healthy habits, finding the ones that are right for you...rest is a form of social justice."

[Lacey · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this as part of a book club, and I’m grateful for my friend who chose this book in order to be more educated on this upcoming phase of our lives. I like the author’s whole body, inclusive approach, although I thought her frequent profanity took away from her professionalism. This is a good reference book as she lists supplements and practical things to do to ease menopausal symptoms.

[Suetr · Rating 4 out of 5]

I heard about this book on the “10 things to tell you” podcast and ordered it that day. I have struggled mightily w the transition and I wish I had had this book 10 years ago, it would have been so helpful and made me feel less alone. Lots of good solid information and explanations and I appreciated her whole body approach.

[Amy Mallison-austin · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are in your 40s or 50s, pre- or postmenopause, READ THIS BOOK! Not all of it will apply to you, or be feasible, but it’s definitely worth seeing what’s available. Menopause happens. We can all deal with it better.

[Denisek · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is absolutely a must read for all women of any age. Dr. Gilberg Lenz is smart, funny and speaks in a way that you can absolutely understand. So informative, hopeful and a way to get the conversation out in the open.

[Amy · Rating 1 out of 5]

Unhelpful. No information I haven't already come across. Piss-poor indexing, which makes researching specific questions/issues tough and not worth the effort. Jen Gunter's Menopause Manifesto is far more useful and thorough.

[Adelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Menopause Bootcamp's focus is not only to provide information, but also to promote community and normalize the menopause experience. The book includes non-traditional therapies that Dr. Gilberg-Lenz found to be helpful for some of her patients as well as traditional therapies.

[Sunnie Gallagher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super informative, gives u alternatives to dealing with peri/meno than mainstream medicine, and does not push anything down your throat. Straight-forward MD that cares for women and humans. Not looking to monetize on her platform.

[Awjtf · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good information!

[Simonew · Rating 4 out of 5]

Frank and informative conversation about Menopause.

[Toni]

If you’ve done research on menopause, skip this. It’s like a 050 level course.

[Lauren · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really liked the first half but the second half wasn’t as good.

[Kay Gee · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked it … but got political, went into unnecessary tangents.