You've Got to Be Kidding Me!: Perimenopause Symptoms, Stages & Strategies

by Jen Sweeney

"You've Got to Be Kidding Me!: Perimenopause Symptoms, Stages Strategies" is the go-to, take-anywhere guide that helps women survive (and thrive!) in perimenopause. Comprehensive, concise and easy-to-read, the guide combines personal anecdotes with research to demystify a significant stage in women's lives. This guide is for every woman who wants to be prepared for perimenopause, hear from other women about their experiences and know they aren't alone in this journey. Everyone deserves a guide for challenging times, and this is your ticket to thrive.

Learn how

Recognize the strong and weird symptoms of perimenopause, including those affecting your personal life, career, and family dynamic. (Like getting baby fever at 47. Where did that come from?)

Have informed conversations with your providers—and talk about symptoms with clarity (and data!).

Create more self-awareness, self-worth, and self-confidence so you can become a fearless advocate for your own care and support, as well as a fierce fighter for your dreams, your impact, and the rest (and best) of your life.

Find your Perimenopause Dream Team and the support you need in this often complicated stage of life.

Laugh about it—because they don't always make a better medicine for perimenopause. And things are dry enough around here.

188 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 14, 2022

Reviews

[Katherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another title for this book could be 'What to Expect When You're Blindsided by Perimenopause'. The fact that spell-check doesn't recognize the word and the author's own GP dismissed her when she asked about this issue in her late 30s is proof enough that there isn't enough information out there on this stage of females' lives (that can last up to 15 years) and that general health care providers are woefully underprepared to help address this issue. Why are we NOT talking about this?! Ms Sweeney provides a plethora of information resources and support networks. So glad I found this resource when I did. Ms Sweeney lays out what symptoms to look for as well as a game-plan to make sure you are ready when perimnopause strikes. I finally feel like I have some answers about what I've been experiencing. A must-read for any woman 25-35 years of age.

[May · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is so detailed and informative. I like how it describes different symptoms for different people. The writing style is easy to read. A great book to read for all women. Women really should know more about their body. A terrific way to woman to learn the basics and discuss with physicians.

Thanks to the publisher for the arc.

[Louise Gray · Rating 3 out of 5]

There is a lot of useful information in this book and it is good to see recognition of different impacts on different races. The book offers an open conversation starter about a subject which is often ignored or only whispered about, I found the book quite repetitive and there was a lot of promotional content, whether to the author’s own products/site or others.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great information and advice!

This book is really easy to power through whole bookmarking pages to reference over and over. The author gives enough information to get you started on finding a Perimenopause Dream Team of healthcare professionals - meaning she doesn’t give medical advice, but gives everything you need to start those conversations and advocate for yourself. A must read for women entering or in this stage of life!

[Diana · Rating 5 out of 5]

I attended an informational webinar by my mom’s group where Jen presented on the topic of peri menopause and answered questions. It was so helpful! The book covers a lot more than she could address in just one hour. I highly recommend this as a resource to anyone needing to learn more - as one reviewer said, no matter your age or gender!

[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very approachable book about perimenopause. Every woman will go through it, but it’s so rarely talked about. It feels like the book has two main goals 1) to give you the highlights in easy to digest information and 2) to create a community for women going through this.

[Susie Pettit · Rating 5 out of 5]

Must have resource!! This book is a must have for any library- no matter your age or gender. The author provides knowledge and information that we all need as we grow and become our healthiest, most vibrant selves. Thanks for the great resource Jen!

[Ember L Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Informative and helpful

I really appreciated how much information was shared in a positive and approachable way. It helped me understand what I may be experiencing and how to talk to my providers and partner about it.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

A straightforward and helpful guide. Jen’s advice felt like spending time with a kind and encouraging older sister.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well worth the read

A good, basic primer on perimenopause. Easy to read, easy to process. Thanks to the author for sharing her time and research!

[Crystal Fry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a great book. I read it in one day and realized that it would benefit me greatly to get a test done that measures my hormones.

[Kelly Paradis · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have to admit that I am really struggling with trying not to let this review by impacted by my personal biases. I think perimenopause, menopause, and hormonal health are critically important topics and agree that many women do not receive the care that the need regarding women's health beyond reproduction. However, this book is not written by someone with someone with any kind of medical training, and that worries me. A physician is mentioned twice, once at the beginning and once at the end, as having read the book to ensure it is "clinically accurate".

Whenever I see the phrase "do your own research", I kind of freak out a little bit. This is not to say that all physicians and/or scientists know what they are talking about and anyone without an advanced degree doesn't. However, we can't ignore the importance of training in how to conduct, understand, and relay science. There is a lot of random stuff in this book like herbal remedies and vitamin supplements that don't have scientific evidence behind them. To her credit, the author repeats many times that all supplements and medications should be checked with a person's care team.

The author also mentions, with more frequency toward the end of the book, that she "interviewed people" and they all said this or that. Online forums are mentioned as well. This is not scientific and I'm worried it is a recipe for misinformation.

After having read this I still feel fairly fuzzy about where to go. I wish the author's story had been more clearly laid out. Her struggles are explained in the introduction but there is not much about the resolution except for sprinkles here and there about various supplements and hormone replacements she is taking. That said, I do feel better prepared for my next discussion with my doctor.

Thank you to Book Baby and NetGalley for the opportunity to access this free e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

[Jason · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was suggested by a friend and I found it so informative and hopeful! I wish I had it a few years ago when a dear friend was in the bouts of depression, anxiety and brain fog (I felt like this book was retelling but explaining her experience!). Thank you Jen for building this awareness and supportive community at Periwinkle!

[Christine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good primer on what to expect and how to prepare for the changes in your body during perimenopause and menopause