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Cracking the Menopause: While Keeping Yourself Together
t’s time for us to start talking about the menopause. Cracking the Menopause, from straight-talking broadcaster Mariella Frostrup and award-winning health journalist Alice Smellie, has all the information you need - with a generous side order of humour. Designed to equip you with the knowledge you need to manage your symptoms from perimenopause onwards, this essential book separates the myths from the reality and offers expertise, hope and advice.
Featuring case studies from women in every walk of life and all stages of their menopause journey, Cracking the Menopause opens up the conversation about an urgent topic that half the population will experience, but barely anyone is talking about.
Why has the menopause been overlooked in medical research?
Why is it ignored by society (except as the butt of bad jokes)?
What are the symptoms, when will it happen, and what does it really mean?
Answering all these questions and more, Mariella shares her own journey through the menopause – along with the latest science and funny illustrations – to provide an informative source of wisdom, humour and enlightenment.
Drawing on cutting-edge research and featuring interviews with a wide range of experts, from leading gynaecologists to psychologists, sleep specialists, nutritionists and more, this book provides advice and recommendations you can trust.
Featuring case studies from women in every walk of life and all stages of their menopause journey, Cracking the Menopause opens up the conversation about an urgent topic that half the population will experience, but barely anyone is talking about.
Why has the menopause been overlooked in medical research?
Why is it ignored by society (except as the butt of bad jokes)?
What are the symptoms, when will it happen, and what does it really mean?
Answering all these questions and more, Mariella shares her own journey through the menopause – along with the latest science and funny illustrations – to provide an informative source of wisdom, humour and enlightenment.
Drawing on cutting-edge research and featuring interviews with a wide range of experts, from leading gynaecologists to psychologists, sleep specialists, nutritionists and more, this book provides advice and recommendations you can trust.
352 pages, Paperback
First published September 16, 2021
102 people are currently reading
444 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
July 26, 2021
A brilliant and insightful read into the menopause which, in my opinion, should be issued to every woman in their late 30’s so they can recognise the symptoms and get some help rather than suffer in silence or be fobbed off by a GP. Written in Mariella Frostrup’s distinctive voice, it’s like having a chat with a familiar female friend who has been there, got the t shirt and SURVIVED! I’m delighted that the menopause is at last being talked about openly and in a positive way…… highly recommended reading for both women and men.
August 8, 2021
Mariella Frostrup has done much over recent years to try and bust some myths around the perimenopause and the menopause. This book brings together what her quest (so far) has found. I thought it was an interesting and straightforward read, with Mariella's usual style and flair.
The book explains the potential symptoms of the peri-menopause but also the uniqueness of each person's experience. Mariella also focusses on the importance of seeking help to address the symptoms, including sometimes having to persuade GPs of the seriousness and also tackling head-on the damaging myths around HRT.
I suspect this book might work slightly better for those looking back and realising those things they experienced were in fact the menopause. I think those seeking to understand what the menopause might be like might well still be slightly mystified about what to expect. But that perhaps reflects more the medial world's lack of research and focus on this subject, which is one of the things this book is trying to tackle and is a helpful and informative stepping stone to opening up that conversation more.
The book explains the potential symptoms of the peri-menopause but also the uniqueness of each person's experience. Mariella also focusses on the importance of seeking help to address the symptoms, including sometimes having to persuade GPs of the seriousness and also tackling head-on the damaging myths around HRT.
I suspect this book might work slightly better for those looking back and realising those things they experienced were in fact the menopause. I think those seeking to understand what the menopause might be like might well still be slightly mystified about what to expect. But that perhaps reflects more the medial world's lack of research and focus on this subject, which is one of the things this book is trying to tackle and is a helpful and informative stepping stone to opening up that conversation more.
April 11, 2022
This meticulously researched book looking at all aspects of the stages of the menopause (before, during and after) is told in a frank and often very sarcastic manner, which took a bit of getting used to, but I enjoyed by the end. Mariella Frostup gives her personal experience in each chapter, but they also include the voices of lots of different women, and some men, and this helped to show how diverse an experience it can be. There is so much information here, that it can be a lot to take in, but I plan to get a hard copy (having enjoyed the audiobook) so that I can use it as a reference book too.
Menopause is spoken about so little, even between women of a relevant age, although this is beginning to change, but yet it affects half the population. This book should be read by everyone, to help us all understand what women go through in the peri-menopause, menopause & post-menopause years. It's a lot! But if everyone understood what was going on, it would ease the situation, for everyone.
Menopause is spoken about so little, even between women of a relevant age, although this is beginning to change, but yet it affects half the population. This book should be read by everyone, to help us all understand what women go through in the peri-menopause, menopause & post-menopause years. It's a lot! But if everyone understood what was going on, it would ease the situation, for everyone.
August 28, 2024
Some solid info/opnions here but I was not appreciative of the parts covering ‘keeping up appearances’. Too much importance put on Botox, hair care, skin treatments, makeup for my liking.
July 7, 2025
I wish this book had been around earlier as I'm well into my perimenopause era now. It's a mix of science, history and memoir and I cannot recommend this enough. It will make you feel seen.
September 1, 2021
My quest for inclusive information about the menopause continues. This book started well, as you might expect from a journalist Mariella Frostrup opens with a thorough and detailed description of what menopause actually is, including the difference between peri-menopause and post menopause, as well as detailing the hormones whet they do for us and how their changes affect us. It then began to lose its way a little and became much more of her own particular experience of the menopause and whilst that was helpful in understanding more about her particular issues insomnia, hot flushes and brain fog, there was less space for understanding the other numerous symptoms although some are mentioned, I would have welcomed an equally deep exploration of the full range of symptoms.
In terms of finding what helped her, she is very much based in the medical model, there is an interesting and much needed defence of HRT, although again I would have liked some balance of the natural alternatives. I also disagree with her approach to the changes in her weight, where she said that diets don't work 'because women don't stick to them' as if women are the problem when there is vast evidence to show that diets don't work because they are designed to fail. Perhaps she could read The Body is not an apology by Sonya Renee Taylor, which would also help her with the changes in the way she is having sex. I know she is heterosexual, (she tells you enough times), that doesn't mean accepting a limited view of what is possible sexually.
My other disagreement is her insistence in several places of equating gender with genitals, which was just unnecessary and hugely problematic. Off course she can write from her own perspective but when writing about others in this way it is exclusionary and off-putting.
Overall I would say the beginning of this book is a helpful exploration of menopause but for details of the full range of symptoms and an inclusive way of managing them, I would suggest you look elsewhere, although our search for that may be continuing.
With thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC
In terms of finding what helped her, she is very much based in the medical model, there is an interesting and much needed defence of HRT, although again I would have liked some balance of the natural alternatives. I also disagree with her approach to the changes in her weight, where she said that diets don't work 'because women don't stick to them' as if women are the problem when there is vast evidence to show that diets don't work because they are designed to fail. Perhaps she could read The Body is not an apology by Sonya Renee Taylor, which would also help her with the changes in the way she is having sex. I know she is heterosexual, (she tells you enough times), that doesn't mean accepting a limited view of what is possible sexually.
My other disagreement is her insistence in several places of equating gender with genitals, which was just unnecessary and hugely problematic. Off course she can write from her own perspective but when writing about others in this way it is exclusionary and off-putting.
Overall I would say the beginning of this book is a helpful exploration of menopause but for details of the full range of symptoms and an inclusive way of managing them, I would suggest you look elsewhere, although our search for that may be continuing.
With thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC
May 3, 2023
So grateful for this book. Read it. Whoever you are, whatever age/gender, just read it. Should have been part of the sexual education curriculum.
How I wish it had at least been around when I was nearing 40 and perimenopause slowly began.
Experiencing all the weird, varied and surprisingly on/off/gradual bodily changes no one had ever talked about would have been SO much less lonely and confusing.
Makes me sad how confidence boosting and cheerleading - here and there bordering on condescending and us-vs-them-y - the tone needs to be. But I do appreciate feeling supported tbh.
Hard to believe how dumb we still are about women’s bodies in 2023.
How I wish it had at least been around when I was nearing 40 and perimenopause slowly began.
Experiencing all the weird, varied and surprisingly on/off/gradual bodily changes no one had ever talked about would have been SO much less lonely and confusing.
Makes me sad how confidence boosting and cheerleading - here and there bordering on condescending and us-vs-them-y - the tone needs to be. But I do appreciate feeling supported tbh.
Hard to believe how dumb we still are about women’s bodies in 2023.
May 2, 2024
I am so sorry! My review doesn't count, as I co-wrote the book, but I can't remove either of them. I've contacted Goodreads to sort it!
October 8, 2022
Informative, helpful and full of great insights.
One of my favourite quotes from the book
‘Men’s midlife crises involve a motorbike, a tattoo or remarrying. Women get PhDs.’
One of my favourite quotes from the book
‘Men’s midlife crises involve a motorbike, a tattoo or remarrying. Women get PhDs.’
February 28, 2022
My fear of the M word is now sorted. This book gives great ideas, great recs on podcast too. Thank you Mariella & Alice!
July 31, 2022
Easy to read and understand. A blend of research-backed information and anecdotes.
After all, knowledge is power.
After all, knowledge is power.
September 18, 2021
With thanks to NetGally.co.uk, the publisher and Mariella Frostrup and Alice Smellie for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This is an intelligent, well-researched and comprehensive book that will get you rethinking what the menopause it and what life looks like during and after it. Starting with a fascinating account of how our views about the menopause have been formed over centuries (largely by men), we start to understand why there are so many preconceptions and misinformed views in society.
But this is no dry thesis on the topic; with facts, analysis, humour and observation, Mariella Frostrup finds ways to relate to every woman's experience. She doesn't lecture us on what to do or provide checklists or plans, but instead gives us a combination of scientifically sound information and real life stories from a host of women so that we can make our own mind up about what might work for us. One message that comes through loud and clear is that every woman's experience through menopause is unique.
More importantly, she challenges those misconceptions and repositions menopause as a stage of life with new possibilities that we should embrace with confidence and optimism. We just need to convince the rest of society to rethink the menopause; menopause should be a celebration of ageing, life experience and the wisdom it brings, and a chance to support, respect and value women at this stage of their lives.
This is an intelligent, well-researched and comprehensive book that will get you rethinking what the menopause it and what life looks like during and after it. Starting with a fascinating account of how our views about the menopause have been formed over centuries (largely by men), we start to understand why there are so many preconceptions and misinformed views in society.
But this is no dry thesis on the topic; with facts, analysis, humour and observation, Mariella Frostrup finds ways to relate to every woman's experience. She doesn't lecture us on what to do or provide checklists or plans, but instead gives us a combination of scientifically sound information and real life stories from a host of women so that we can make our own mind up about what might work for us. One message that comes through loud and clear is that every woman's experience through menopause is unique.
More importantly, she challenges those misconceptions and repositions menopause as a stage of life with new possibilities that we should embrace with confidence and optimism. We just need to convince the rest of society to rethink the menopause; menopause should be a celebration of ageing, life experience and the wisdom it brings, and a chance to support, respect and value women at this stage of their lives.
December 15, 2021
Normally I avoid books about health written by journalists where they share their personal experiences. Here though we have a decently researched on the subject book, coherently written, warm, empathetic, hopeful and useful.
November 12, 2021
This is a very timely book, both personally and politically. And, as we know, the personal IS political.
The book opens with a history of how menopause has been understood or misunderstood over time. This was written in such an engaging style that I found myself by turns infuriated and amused.
I very much enjoyed the way this book blended historic and current perspectives with personal experiences. It brought to life the idea that our experiences of menopause vary greatly, adding to the complexity and importance of this topic.
Our world must improve our understanding and support for everyone affected by the menopause — directly or indirectly— which is, quite frankly, ALL of us! Onward!
The book opens with a history of how menopause has been understood or misunderstood over time. This was written in such an engaging style that I found myself by turns infuriated and amused.
I very much enjoyed the way this book blended historic and current perspectives with personal experiences. It brought to life the idea that our experiences of menopause vary greatly, adding to the complexity and importance of this topic.
Our world must improve our understanding and support for everyone affected by the menopause — directly or indirectly— which is, quite frankly, ALL of us! Onward!
August 4, 2022
The best menopause book I have read. Lots of womens stories, which were really relatable and helpful. But I most enjoyed the cultural/social history of the menopause and the legacy that impacts womens experience today. It’s honest but also hopeful and I would recommend this book to anyone!
September 27, 2021
Because knowledge is power 🙂
April 10, 2023
First my tips for perimenopause.
supplements Primrose oil, Angus Castus, vit d (because I always wear factor 5 sunscreen)
free apps-fat secret (good for ensuring you get enough protein and fibre), Duolingo & fit on.
And if the authors are right about magnesium spray for calf pain. They will get another 2 stars. (when I went to the doctor her 'helpful' advice was, "we all get aches and pains as we get older"!!!)
I appreciate what the authors are trying to do, raise awareness of the menopause, so rating this is problematic because it was so boring, it could have been way shorter with bullet points, my eyes kept slipping ahead; significantly.
Another problem is we are such different people, for me botox is the toxin from the bacterium that killed of all the ducks at my university. For Mariella it is the thing she gets injected into her face.
maybe because of this it reads like an anxiety inducing gloom, gloom, gloom another way you age and have to overcome it with products. Although she does cheer up in the epilogue.
assuming this is meant to be funny, we don't have the same sense of humour either
p224 "post thirty, men are biologically redundant... you have no idea how cheerful it makes me feel to write this sentence." !!
supplements Primrose oil, Angus Castus, vit d (because I always wear factor 5 sunscreen)
free apps-fat secret (good for ensuring you get enough protein and fibre), Duolingo & fit on.
And if the authors are right about magnesium spray for calf pain. They will get another 2 stars. (when I went to the doctor her 'helpful' advice was, "we all get aches and pains as we get older"!!!)
I appreciate what the authors are trying to do, raise awareness of the menopause, so rating this is problematic because it was so boring, it could have been way shorter with bullet points, my eyes kept slipping ahead; significantly.
Another problem is we are such different people, for me botox is the toxin from the bacterium that killed of all the ducks at my university. For Mariella it is the thing she gets injected into her face.
maybe because of this it reads like an anxiety inducing gloom, gloom, gloom another way you age and have to overcome it with products. Although she does cheer up in the epilogue.
assuming this is meant to be funny, we don't have the same sense of humour either
p224 "post thirty, men are biologically redundant... you have no idea how cheerful it makes me feel to write this sentence." !!
September 26, 2023
Covering all ( well, at least very many) of the sypmtoms of menopause and trying to separate the myths from the facts. This book does a cracking job and is written in an easy to understand manner with Mariella's usual forthrightness and sense of humour. I hadn't realised that there were so many different types of HRT or that you could mix them in different combinations.
Anyway, essential reading for all women .... and if you can encourage a few men to read it to, then that would be fantastic.
It took months for me to eventually get through to my husband that I didn't want a thick, heavy cover over me in bed due to night sweats - it was far easier if I had lots of thin layers and then I could just adjust them depending upon how hot or cold I was feeling at any given hour of the night.
Anyway, essential reading for all women .... and if you can encourage a few men to read it to, then that would be fantastic.
It took months for me to eventually get through to my husband that I didn't want a thick, heavy cover over me in bed due to night sweats - it was far easier if I had lots of thin layers and then I could just adjust them depending upon how hot or cold I was feeling at any given hour of the night.
May 8, 2025
I have always admired Mariella's presenting style and love how informative, interesting and necessary this book is. Reading it makes you feel like you are part of the Sisterhood, sharing a latté walking around the park. I love this book's honesty, rawness and humour. Quite a feat to combine all of that and to have done so much excellent research.
It is important to have information about the Menopause before it begins. Friends and family should be talking about it. Schools should be teaching all of us about it.
It is important to have information about the Menopause before it begins. Friends and family should be talking about it. Schools should be teaching all of us about it.
August 21, 2021
A fabulously informative book on a subject that is far too often brushed over or completely ignored. It felt great to read this and realise odd symptoms I've been experiencing are actually totally normal, and shared by thousands of others - perimenopause and menopause need to be spoken about, learned about, and Mariella Frostrup begins to tackle this in the book in a forthright and readable manner. Definitely one I'll dip into over the years to come!
October 29, 2024
Excellent read, very informative. Probably most comprehensive discussion of HRT that I’ve read in a book so far; short take away is go see a menopause doctor (scarce but more than there used to be) as HRT is not one size fits all. But I definitely think it’s a good idea as osteoporosis runs in my family ; plus helps with heart issues. I read the book mainly for this bit but the other chapters are also interesting - CBT is something I did not know about before and reassuring to know that everything passes in time and the brain fog is not permanent or irreversible. She also writes in a very entertaining and funny way which makes it fun to read even though the subject matter is heavy.
April 30, 2025
Informative and engaging
As someone who didn’t see the menopause coming and thought that it would be hot flushes, because thats the only thing thats ever talked about, its refreshing to read a book that goes into the myriad of challenges that women face when going though it. Going through a really tough time with it I feel a lot more positive that there is light at the end of the tunnel after reading this.
As someone who didn’t see the menopause coming and thought that it would be hot flushes, because thats the only thing thats ever talked about, its refreshing to read a book that goes into the myriad of challenges that women face when going though it. Going through a really tough time with it I feel a lot more positive that there is light at the end of the tunnel after reading this.
June 21, 2023
This is a brilliant, honest, comprehensive book. The final chapter particularly reframed my perception around menopause. As a woman currently beginning to experience peri menopausal symptoms it was a gift to read and to find that in many cultures it is seen as a new spring and is welcomed! Highly recommended.
August 22, 2021
BySo much information about the menopause and of course the peri menopause.
I found this a helpful read. I enjoyed reading other people's experiences along with the explanations of what is happening to our bodies.
My conclusion is women's bodies are amazing.
I found this a helpful read. I enjoyed reading other people's experiences along with the explanations of what is happening to our bodies.
My conclusion is women's bodies are amazing.
October 4, 2021
Cracking the Menopause by Mariella Frostrup was just brilliant just what I needed; as I am one of many thousands of women going through this. I found it very helpful throughout and very informative!
Plus, a great read for men!!!
Plus, a great read for men!!!
June 27, 2022
It was well written but a bit depressing! This is meant to be a positive look at menopause and I felt like it just listed loads of stuff that will go wrong with my body that I had never even thought about!
November 25, 2022
A fantastically insightful view of the menopause. Including lots of information from people's actual experiences as well as studies from the medical profession. I'd recommend reading this book to everyone
May 3, 2023
Well, that was a rather inspiring and insightful read. Borrowed on e book from the library on a whim, this was informative, empowering and positive and I felt armed with information at the end. Thanks Mariella for such a forthright, frank and helpful book.
May 14, 2023
I did not agree with every word of this but it's readable, informative and contains a lot of positivity and practical advice. Definitely advise all women 40 and up to read it, and it would be useful for employers and significant others of perimenopausal women as well.
October 9, 2023
Had some useful info but too many of the anecdotes were from women who coped with their symptoms by jetting off to Barbados, or checking in to a luxury spa or relaxing in their cottage in the Cotswolds...not really relatable but maybe I'm just grumpy!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews