Unlock Your Menopause Type: Personalized Treatments, the Last Word on Hormones, and Remedies that Work

by Heather Hirsch, Stacey Colino (With)

Given that millions of women have entered menopause each year since the dawn of time, it’s crazy that menopause still feels like uncharted territory for the women who are going through it. Dr. Heather Hirsch is committed to changing that. Unlocking Your Menopause Type helps women cut through the informational noise and learn how to manage their symptoms most effectively by identifying their personal Menopause Type(s).

This is not a one-size fits all solution. Unlocking Your Menopause Type features a helpful quiz to identify women's individual Menopause Type(s) such
–Premature
–Sudden
–Full-Throttle
–Mind-Altering
–Seemingly Never-ending
–Silent

Each type gets a full prescription for exercises, diet and strategies to regain mental focus and make menopause a regulation part of maturity rather than a rollercoaster ride of unexpected symptoms and discomfort.

The book also
–The last word on whether to replace declining hormones (the answer is custom-built)
–What to do if you’re a combination of types
–How to get on top of (as it were) changes in your sex life
–Crowd-sourced tips and tricks from Dr. Hirsch’s friend group and patients

Dr. Hirsch addresses the physical and emotional challenges of menopause and provides solutions from her years of practice. With knowledge, priorities, and a plan, you can feel great through midlife and beyond.

Genres: Health, Nonfiction, Science, Medical, Womens, Self Help, Counselling

374 pages, Hardcover

Published June 6, 2023

Reviews

[Val (pagespoursandpups) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Let’s talk about Menopause🤓

I’m not in Menopause yet(I know- it’s surprising at my age) -but I have struggled with Peri-menopause symptoms for several years now.

I’m so glad that we are finally bringing these discussions to the table and taking away the stigma of talking about this change that will occur in EVERY woman!!

This book is helping me prepare. I will actually be having surgery soon, so I am able to refer to the section in this book titled, “The Sudden Menopause Type.” It gives information and strategies for managing symptoms and changes. There are 5 other types of menopause- Premature, Full-Throttle,Mind-Altering, Seemingly Never-Ending and Silent. This book walks through each different type to help the reader determine which one they are mostly aligned with.

The purpose of this book is to offer information, advice, suggestions for managing symptoms and give the reader a picture of what they can expect.

My frustration with each phase of menopause has been not being prepared for the way my body feels like it is suddenly rebelling against me. It started with anger for me. All of a sudden I was mad about everything. I was mad at everyone and every situation. We joke now that I was mean Val (and I definitely was!). But that’s not who I am normally so I talked with my gynecologist and discovered that anger is a common symptom of peri-menopause. I was able to get on anxiety medicine which helped raise my serotonin and me greatly. There are others who can handle their symptoms naturally- but for me, the medicine was a game-changer. There have been other bumps along this journey. (Iron loss and weight gain included).

I’m thankful for the resources out there now, like this book, to help me navigate this next stage in life. I enjoyed my youth, my growing my family days and now I’m ready for this one. Thank you to @ NetGalley @stmartinspress for the ARC of this book to read and review.

Pub date 6-6-23. Grab your copy now.

[Beyond the Pages with Eva K · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick Summary: An educational resource for women

My Review: Unlock Your Menopause Type: A Personalized Guide to Managing Your Menopausal Symptoms and Enhancing Your Health by Dr. Heather Hirsch with Stacey Colino was an aha resource for women. It was informative, humorous, and spot on, regarding its revelations about peri, meno, and post menopausal scenarios.

Although the content in this book is not foreign to the woman who is experiencing the tumultuous cycles of menopause, it served as an enlightening validation and a steadying guide. It offered numerous suggestions related to resources, lifestyle recommendations, pharmacological and natural remedies, and wellness plans. Additionally, it provided details on countless associated references in the bibliography and notes sections.

My Final Say: As a reader who is very familiar with this subject matter, I found this book to be both educational and entertaining. I was, indeed, able to recognize my menopause type, although in truth, I have been unlocking it for a while now. This book should prove to be and will very likely be a good go-to aid for those seeking answers...no matter what part of the menopause journey they are on.

Other: More books about the topic of menopause should be made available to women and to their families, particularly their partners. Menopause, essentially, is something that not only affects the one enduring it, but it also affects those who are surviving beyond the woman who is impacted by it and those who serve as a support system to her.

Lastly, I wish I could say that all medical professionals know how to properly care for and intervene with women dealing with menopause types, but I cannot. Still, books like this one will do much to help women pinpoint their menopause type and enable them to begin advocating for a physician and/or care team that can individualize a care plan that works, that brings about peace of mind, and that nourishes the heart, mind, and body.

Rating: 4/5
Recommend: Yes
Audience: Women and their families, Medical professionals

Sincere appreciation is extended to the authors, the publisher, and to NetGalley, who provided access to this title in exchange for an honest review. The words I have shared are my own and were voluntarily submitted without any influence by the aforementioned parties.

[Trisha]

I'm intrigued. We need to know more before we get here. Medical knowledge is power in knowing how to stay healthy and feel better!

A huge thank you to the author and publisher for providing an e-ARC via Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion regarding the book.

[Kimberley · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received an advance copy of the audiobook for review (thanks St Martins Press & Netgalley). I’m giving it 3 stars because it didn’t really work in this format for two reasons. First, there are sections and lists that don’t necessarily apply to each person listening to the book but there’s no easy way to navigate or fast forward to the next item on the list, etc. Second, the narration didn’t work at all. Sorry, Dr Hirsch. I don’t want to sound harsh, but the exaggerated inflections made the book disconcerting at times. It’s a serious medical issue but the tone of the narration often made it sound like it was some kind of upbeat buzzfeed listicle.
I definitely think this should be read in ebook format. I would have given at least 4 stars if I’d been reviewing the ebook.

[Marne - Reader By the Water · Rating 5 out of 5]

This approachable book should be required reading for anyone trying to understand the science behind what happens to women’s bodies during menopause. I had countless “Aha!” moments learning the impact of reduced estrogen on almost everything - not just your mood, weight, and hair, but also your bones, joints, and susceptibility to higher blood pressure and cholesterol.

The audiobook is an easy listen. Dr. Hirsch narrates it herself, and her cheerful intelligence and experience are loud and clear. I switched to the e-book because I learn and retain better that way. However, if you enjoy non-fiction via audiobooks, I can recommend it.

While I wasn’t able to narrow in on my specific “Type,” detailed information about every symptom and possible treatment (from hormonal and non-hormonal meds and lifestyle adjustments) definitely helped me “cut through the informational noise” to take charge of managing my symptoms.

This is a well-researched and credible resource! (The last 40% of the book is definitions and references.) Stop trying to piece together information via random “experts” online and read this. I want to press the book into the hands of every woman I know.

[Tia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I won an advanced copy of "Unlock Your Menopause Type" from a Goodreads Giveaway but the following words and opinions are all my own.

Finally, a book that helps a woman understand all the things we go through during menopause!!! Yay!! Backed with scientific facts and research we are given a way to approach our particular version of menopause and not treated like we're stupid and have no clue what our body is going through. I highly recommend this book for any biological woman starting to go through hormonal changes leading to the end of her reproductive years.

[Meg · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this greatly beneficial in learning about the pre-mature/early menopausal type. The narration was okay, but I've pre-ordered the book so I can highlight and take notes. I now feel more confident going into my doctor to talk about my symptoms, and to advocate for myself. Thank you libro.fm for the early release audiobook!

[Ursula · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great resource even if you have read a lot about menopause.

[Kim · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good information, some repetition... skimmed the ending & parts that really didn't apply.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every woman 30 and older needs to read Unlock Your Menopause by Heather Hirsch, MD, MS, NCMP. Or younger women, if you start perimenopause or menopause. Seriously! Moms, buy a copy for yourself and one for each of your adult daughters.

I had a total hysterectomy about a month ago, it was sudden, and I’ve been doing research since. After reading Unlock Your Menopause, I realized I’ve been in perimenopause for some time now, most likely due to the radiation for my cancer treatments. The symptoms that I attributed to my cancer, while may be the case, were also because of my body starting another life cycle. After reading the book, besides knowing I was in Sudden Menopause, I also realized I was in Mind Altering Menopause. I thought the radiation and cancer was causing my brain fog, but since starting hormone replacement, my symptoms are so much better… along with me being super hot when I sleep, not sleeping well, and my crying jags that seem to happen all the time.

Hirsch breaks down each of the six different types of menopause; Premature, Sudden, Full-Throttle, Mind Altering, Seemingly Never Ending, and Silent. She gives you different ways to help with them even if you don’t want to do hormone replacement, including looking at your diet, sleep, exercise, herbs, alternative therapies, and more.

There are so many good ideas that she’s picked up from her patients, as well as examples from her patients as to what they are experiencing, so there’s a good chance you’ll see yourself in some of the women. And it was nice to just know you’re not alone.
There are also lots of resources for you to explore, and the main symptoms are all broken down at the end so you can get a quick reference to what you can do to help… or if your symptoms change over the years.

I highly recommend you read all of the different types even if you think you know which type of menopause you are experiencing. There’s a good chance you will still pick up some information or find a condition or two in the other menopauses that may not be discussed in your particular one.

If you are a woman, you need this book. If you are in a book club, I highly suggest you read this one. If you give gifts, this would be a great book to give by itself or add it to a gift basket.

[SueCanaan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Aw, it pains me to leave a so-so review on a non-fiction book affecting half the population, but Unlock Your Menopause Type as an audio book just does not work.

I am 58 and have been in perimenopause for 11 years. I have still not reached menopause and want to shout from the rooftop to all women that you are not alone. Our society should do better to normalize this life changing, health challenging passage for women. There should be no shame. There should be greater information available. Doctors should take seriously the complaints we raise. Honest books should be written. I eagerly requested Unlock Your Menopause Type hoping to gain some insight into my own situation, but, audio is wrong for this one. It is too hard to navigate to the parts of the book which would have been helpful. You cannot peruse and jump to info you need, which is always a plus with non-fiction.

Having earned my hard knocks PhD in this subject as I navigate the journey in year 11, I found much of the information to be repetitious and introductory. That said, this is a great book if you are at the beginning of your transition. If you have no foundational life experience, start here and learn from Dr. Hirsch as she explains what's coming down the pike.

Finally, as a 40 year listener to audio books, allow me to paraphrase Supreme Court Justice Potter Stewart - I cannot describe what makes someone a good audio narrator, but I know a bad one when I hear it. The author read this book and it was not good. I found the delivery to be annoying and distracting from the important material. Frequently the tone and cadence were jarring, and I had to work to stay invested. A good narrator does not get in the way of the story and while Dr. Hirsch is likely very talented in many fields, audio narration is not one of them.

[Talie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great information that are easily added and applicable to most.

Exercise is important in a few different formats: walking for at least 30mins daily, 3-4 times a week aerobic even HiiT will make a world of difference for reducing the brain fog and whole body inflammation, and strength training at least 30 minutes 2-3 times weekly.

Some guidelines are at least 150minutes of activity a week, 95 minutes of that intense (meaning good effort aerobically or strength wise). Many of the minutes can be walking or yoga or gentle rhythmic cycling. These are only minimums! Add about 10% each week to reach better goals.

Consistency is key. Many benefits are significantly more recognized after 12 weeks of consecutively reaching these goals. Like adding the strength mins or HiiT mins.

Some advice to take B6, Cq10, adaptogens, eat Mediterranean diet - lots of vegetables, 20 grams of protein each meal, with a couple of snack with good protein and fiber combination twice daily. Drink lots of water - 9 cups daily. Avoid caffeine in the afternoon. Get your omega 3s! Reduce fat, alcohol, salt and sugar!

Mindset is valuable - accepting that this is happening so it's spiraling dooms dread when things are surprises or unwanted sidekicks to life. Gratitude and unpacking (diarizing without judging), social support, meditative time outs (like knitting or focused exercise or baking or meditation), good breathing (oxygen is so restorative and great to help deeper longer sleep)

Sleep loss can dominoes other symptoms; like brain fog, inflammation, pain, loss of energy, bad choices eating (control compulsion control shot when tired). Take Valerian tea an hour before bed. Take magnesium before bed. Yoga in the evening. Temperature right = cool is down if you waking in sweats.

[Bethany Mock (bethanyburiedinbooks) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you @stmartinspress @netgalley for the #gifted copy of this book and audiobook!

Even though I am 23 (eh hmm) I found this to be very helpful information! No one wants to live their life miserable for 10+ years 🫠

I am so thankful to know there are doctors out there trying to help other women find their menopause type. It seems after reading this book that it’s such a blip on most doctors training radars and not anything that is truly focused on. 🤯 This book helps guide women to find their menopause type (because we are all certainly way different) and helps give more guidance and suggestions to help them with their symptoms which include lifestyle changes. In addition, this book will arm you with more resources and ideas to talk further with your own doctors about.

Most women know the idea of menopause, but after reading this book it seems way more information and support are needed for women. I understand now that you may not even be remotely close to how your mothers symptoms are and to be quite frank I am thankful for people like Dr. Hirsch so that if this book helps just 1 person not suffer silently it will have been worth it. This isn’t a glamorous topic by any means but thankful I now know more!

Last thought: I did have an audio copy of this book and I would suggest a physical copy or for you to pair a physical copy with the audiobook. There is so much information in it I found myself wanting and needing to refer to the hard copy. Plus, I would like to refer back to it visually in the future when I’m not 23 any longer. 😂

[Jodi · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was better than the other Menopause book I read. I was interested in learning about the different types of menopause and different symptoms and treatments that they have. The different types of menopause were interesting to learn about and knowing people can have a hybrid of the different types. I found the book very repetitive. I was looking for different ways to approach the different types of menopause but I found all the treatment suggestions the same, similar diet recommendations, similar exercise recommendations, supplement options. I didn't find much variety in treatment suggestions despite saying there are different types of menopause. I listened to the audiobook and it was very very off putting, so much so that I almost stopped listening within the first 30 minutes. It sounded like it was narrated by a 22 year old valley girl. I have no other way to describe her voice. I pictured her popping her bubble gum as she read and having no idea at all what women actually go through. She sounded cheerful and upbeat when describing terrible night sweats, hot flashes, weight gain, anxiety. She often sounded like she was asking questions as the end of her sentences because of her tone. It was very distracting and made it hard to take the book seriously, which is sad because it is an important and serious topic that women are trying to learn about.

[Michelle Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

This title totally reminded me of the “Choose Your Own Adventure” books that were popular during my childhood, and perimenopause is certainly an adventure. Growing up, my mother was not a forthcoming sort - I didn’t learn about sex, outside of my public high school’s (not exactly comprehensive or in-depth) phys ed, reproductive health, or anything. It probably makes sense therefore that this same woman never said a word about menopause. I knew about hot flashes and heavy periods from articles I’d read - that’s it. Everything else that I’ve gone through has been a serious (and often very un-fun) surprise.

I started this one, never having heard of menopause types - but hopeful about learning more of which type I might be, and after starting this one, well, I was stunned to see my own perimenopause symptoms written out as a ‘type’.

I found this a worthwhile read for that alone.


** There is a heavy reliance on suggestions of prescription medication, so if you prefer more holistic approaches to health care, this probably won’t be the answer to your concerns.



Thank you to St. Martin’s Essentials and NetGalley for the DRC!

[RWAR_Rani · Rating 3 out of 5]

The title of this book initially gave me the impression it might be light or gimmicky—something along the lines of an internet quiz to determine your Harry Potter house. But it’s actually written by an experienced OB-GYN who offers a structured approach to understanding menopause, categorizing it into types like Premature, Sudden, Full-Throttle, Mind-Altering, Seemingly Never-Ending, and Silent.

The author introduces the idea of a “personal constellation of symptoms” and provides two comprehensive paths for management: Plan A, which focuses on hormone therapy, and Plan B, which emphasizes lifestyle interventions. The book offers sound medical guidance, outlines recommended health screenings, and helps readers create a personalized strategy.

While I appreciated the detailed approach, I didn’t find myself fitting neatly into any of the defined menopause types, so it didn’t resonate with me as much as some broader, more general resources have. That said, Chapter 12—which organizes advice by specific symptom—was particularly practical and may be useful for readers looking to address individual concerns.

[Stacy]

This book is what every woman needs to help her navigate the craziness of menopause. The information is easy to follow and laid out in a way that you can find what you want.

The first part of the book breaks down the many symptoms, how there's no one size fits all, and some myths and misconceptions. The final chapter is a quiz to help you figure out what menopause type (or hybrid) to help you thrive.
The second part discusses the different menopause type and breaks them down with things that will help.
Full disclosure - in this part of the book I really only focused on my menopause type and breezed through the others. Before writing this review I put several of the recommendations into practice and have to say they were very helpful and really helped me. In every menopause type you can find what will help in an easy to follow layout under Lifestyle Interventions.

Unlock Your Menopause Type was a lifesaver for me. I felt that FINALLY someone was listening and gave me useful information to help.

[S · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won this book via Goodreads giveaway
If you haven’t read many medical or health related texts before, this is going to be…a lot. This book is chock full of so much information that it might seem overwhelming, especially if some of the terms or medical topics are unfamiliar.
However, it is extremely thorough with regard to how much variation there is in menopause experiences and symptoms. There are symptom checklists, guidelines for SMART goals, information on different kinds of hormone therapies and when they may be appropriate, recommendations for food, exercise, and mental wellness (including meal and exercise examples), even addressing some homeopathic treatments and what may or may not be worth trying.
Though this was wordy and I felt like the anecdotes weren’t really necessary, the authors really did a lot of legwork to cover all of the bases, which is why this gets 4 stars. I also appreciate the inclusion of menopause induced by surgery or chemotherapy, because that isn’t always considered in many women’s wellness texts.

[zasou.reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a great guide to taming the tumult of menopause, written by a doctor whose recognition of types is at the core of her work at the Menopause and Midlife Clinic at Brigham and Women’s Hospital.
This is chock full of amazing information, from helping you to identify your menopause type ( Premature, Sudden, Full-Throttle, Mind Altering, Seemingly Never Ending, and Silent; you can get one or multiple types), what the different types mean, how to manage the onset and the symptoms. It was super interesting, but after listening to the audio book, I think I will get a physical copy (I'm not sure the audio format is appropriate for such an information heavy topic, I will want to reference back to it at a later date and maybe take notes). Also, on the narration side, I felt like the tone used by the narrator may have been too much on the upbeat side for such a serious subject, but at the same time, I think it made it more palatable.
I received an advance review copy of this book for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a really useful book on the different types of menopause types. However, if you don't want to read the whole thing, you can just look at the symptoms and figure out your type and read more about the advice there as some of the chapters do overlap informationally. Her main message is that unfortunately, women need to be more vigilante and watchful (i.e. get regular physicals and bloodwork around the time of perimenopause and menopause as many things can change during that time and the blood will tell. Also, if possible, find a doctor who is a NCMP (North American Menopause Society) qualified doctor as most MDs barely learn anything about menopause in medical school. Reading this book will give women some idea of the tests to ask for and the numbers to be wary of if having to resort to regular bloodwork to monitor health.

[Joan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book!!! I wish I had had this information fifteen years ago. I highly recommend this book for any woman going through, or about to go through, menopause. I especially recommend it to all women in their late 40s who may not be there or realize they are there yet. There are a few typos but overall the book is well written and well organized. I chose to read the book cover to cover and would recommend that approach. Although there is a lot of repetition on things to do or not do for each type, there is the occasional nugget that is not repeated elsewhere. Best example, the possibility of red wine being worse for hot flashes is only mentioned once and it wasn't in the chapter on my menopause type. Again: Highly Recommend.

[El En · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you, Dr. Hirsch! Great, organized information here. I read all of part 1 and then in Part 2, I read the types sections that apply to me right now.

Her advice in Part 3 on pages 214-216 is excellent. We've got to do our own research and advocate for ourselves. If it's true that most PCPs don't receive training in peri and menopause care, we need to take charge and not suffer in silence!

I will recommend this book to friends, for sure. I also expect to return to it over time as my symptoms change.

Hirsch has a great podcast, too! Check it out: Health by Heather Hirsch. Dr. Louise Newsom's podcast is also helpful.

I follow Dr. Hirsch on Instagram as well as Dr. Rachel Rubin.

[Jen · Rating 3 out of 5]

IMHO it is angled more towards those post menopausal vs perimenopausal. It has a choppy design and that’s intended per se as each chapter focuses on a different menopause type that the author has defined. I, however, would have liked all the nutrition grouped together by itself, the exercise, the mental habits together etc etc. vs each menopause type having the same repeated sections (though different info). It just wasn’t linear from front to back (as it was intended) and that is a style that I personally don’t like. I’ve read multiple menopause books and perhaps those who have never read one might like it better than myself.

[Amber · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent educational resource here! This book helps you figure out what type of menopause you may be dealing with but that’s not even the best part…that comes down to the many varied treatment plans that the author(s) discuss including lifestyle changes, prescription medications, herbal remedies, and over-the-counter supplements, etc. that you may find helpful in managing your specific peri/pre/post-menopausal symptoms.

Either way, this book is a valuable resource to turn to if you are looking to educate yourself so that you can have an open and productive discussion with your gynecologist.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has some great information but, as the author acknowledges, every body is different and each of us will need personalized care from a physician who may or may not have any training in this area. To further complicate the information presented, Dr Hirsch begins the book by pointing out how very little medical research has been done into women's care and even less into menopause. That said she does offer options for several different ways this time of life generally goes, complete with things to discuss with your doctor and self-care options.

[BookBec · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall worthwhile information. But very repetitive between the types.

Sometimes frustrating that the author would say, "Well, we know this symptom comes from lack of estrogen ... but it's not accepted practice to give estrogen to fix it. Just eat well, exercise, and practice good sleep hygiene." Menopause has been atrociously under-researched, and each woman is different in her suffering, her needs, and her responses to treatment. This book sometimes struck a "doctor knows best" tone that doesn't reflect the many unknowns of menopause.

[Cat · Rating 2 out of 5]

Format: Audiobook on Libby
Out of the three menopause topic books I read recently, I engaged with this one the least. I didn't see the point of dividing women into different menopause types, wasn't helpful, wasn't informative enough. We're all a collection of different symptoms that can vary from one season to the next. I sped listened all the way through, felt like a chore and I didn't feel like I learnt anything new or inspired to face these new challenges.

If you read one Menopause book I'd suggest 'Menopausing', by Davina McCall. More informative, practical and uplifting.

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am on a quest to gain a lot more knowledge about menopause, effective menopause treatments, and increasing my longevity by making good choices now. I checked out many books from the library, and this was a great introductory book. I’d recommend this for someone starting their information gathering process to understand the basic concepts. The menopause types are also very helpful in understanding how different women experience completely different symptoms.

[Sugarpuss O'Shea · Rating 4 out of 5]

For women, there is no escape from menopause. The question lies in what types of symptoms you are having due to your diminishing estrogen levels. This book helps you figure out what kind of menopause you are having and how to go about treating it. I found this book both helpful and informative. Even though you may have read other books about menopause, this book will be a welcome addition to your library.

[May · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very descriptive and informative book on menopause. I like how it individualizes a plan for each type of body. It offers lots of great advice on how to manage symptoms. There is something for every woman here. A wonderful book on menopause... A must-read for every woman.

Thanks to the publisher for the arc.