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The Definitive Guide to the Perimenopause and Menopause
'Louise is a voice you can really trust. I've learnt so much from her and now you can too.' - Holly Willoughby
'Dr Louise is a miracle worker' - Lorraine Kelly
'Louise is my No. 1 go-to when it comes to anything menopause and this book is perfect for when I'm worried about anything.'- Alison Hammond
'Louise Newson is wonderful... a real expert in her field.' - Joe Wicks
Your complete, expert, evidence-based guide to the perimenopause and menopause.
Dr Louise Newson is fast becoming the leading medical expert on hormone health. This revised and expanded edition of her bestselling book has all the information and advice you need to understand the impact of low hormone levels on your perimenopause symptoms as well as on your future health post-menopause. There's an up-to-date guide to HRT doses, how to deal with HRT availability fluctuations, new research on testosterone and its benefits beyond libido boosting and startling findings on how low hormones can increase our propensity towards addictive behaviours, including intake of alcohol. New interviews with experts including Dr Lisa Mosconi discuss pertinent questions such as whether HRT can reduce the risk of dementia, and new case studies from Newson Health reveal essential research on how hormone imbalance can impact the neurodivergent brain.
With the gender pay gap highlighting inequality in the workplace and women's pension pots diminished, it is vitally important that the frightening stats showing almost 60% of women have taken time off work or reduced their hours due to menopause symptoms are broadcast far and wide. This book will empower and inform you to improve your own menopause care as well as understand the bigger societal issues that have been ignored for far too long.
- GenresNonfictionHealth
415 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 16, 2023
283 people are currently reading
432 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
July 9, 2023
'Every woman, regardless of background, deserves a good and healthy menopause' and 'This is a life event that every woman will go through.'
Menopause is a female hormone deficiency with health risks that urgently needs addressing, and this book is written by a medical specialist in an accessible, yet comprehensive and empathetic way, is the perfect guide to understand and find the right tools to live a healthy second spring. Newson elaborates on the panoply of things women can do to experience the transition positively but also how to prevent the serious health risks in the future (osteoporosis, dementia and heat disease) : HRT treatments, nutrition advice, exercise and mental health tips. The author has a done a fabulous job in providing this manual!
Read it, share it with your mothers, sisters, friends, and partners, so that women all over the world stop suffering in silence!
Menopause is a female hormone deficiency with health risks that urgently needs addressing, and this book is written by a medical specialist in an accessible, yet comprehensive and empathetic way, is the perfect guide to understand and find the right tools to live a healthy second spring. Newson elaborates on the panoply of things women can do to experience the transition positively but also how to prevent the serious health risks in the future (osteoporosis, dementia and heat disease) : HRT treatments, nutrition advice, exercise and mental health tips. The author has a done a fabulous job in providing this manual!
Read it, share it with your mothers, sisters, friends, and partners, so that women all over the world stop suffering in silence!
April 30, 2024
What a brilliant book. I have learnt so much and know this is a book I will return to over and over.
This should be a must read.
This should be a must read.
February 27, 2025
Very clear and informative, by an incredible woman on a mission to educate us all to better menopauses.
April 26, 2025
The best book I’ve read on perimenopause (yet!). Will be passing this around to friends and family.
January 6, 2024
There needs to be a book like this....but much better. Great idea and structure and some useful facts, but way too dumbed down. Dubious statistics, far too much reliance on very basic case studies, strange choice of focus (a whole chapter on skincare but only 1 short paragraph on vaginal prolapse?) And just because we're women, it really doesn't mean we need pretty leaves and patterns printed through the pages - it's like a tampon ad from the 90s.
August 21, 2023
A very useful guide, much improved on Newson's previous book. This contains sufficient information on HRT, the pro/cons of taking it and other alternatives. It also answered a number of questions specific to my situation, that other books had not. I have lots of highlighted pages!
August 19, 2025
A must-read for everyone. Even if you don't experience it yourself, you most likely will be close to someone who will; the effect that it has on them, will most likely impact you too.
A colleague of mine is currently going through the perimenopause; that combined with the fact that it most likely will be coming for me in 5 years time, prompted me to look more into it and I found this book online and in my library. (I didn't actually even know about the perimenopause prior to this, I assumed that symptoms came with the menopause at around 50.)
Newson is a doctor in the UK and has set her up her own specialist menopause clinic. Thus, all the info in here is thoroughly researched and backed by evidence. And even if you live in another country, the facts are universal.
It is very well written and accessible to everyone. As expected, there are medical explanations, from symptoms to treatment, and practical advice on how to manage the conditions is given. The personal stories and the case studies keep it interesting and really hit home how the perimenopause and menopause can affect every part of a person's life. It's crazy how many people's lives have been needlessly, significantly, detrimentally affected by it.
Most of this book had me exclaiming "FFS" for a lot of it and here's a taste of why:
The range of symptoms you could possibly get include; abdominal and other gastrointestinal symptoms, an altered sense of smell and taste, bleeding (akin to a period), brain fog, breast tenderness, brittle nails, difficulty breathing, dizziness, dry eyes, dry and itchy skin, gum disease and other oral health symptoms, hearing issues, heart palpitations, heartburn, hot flushes and night sweats, joint and muscle pain, low libido, low mood, anxiety and depression, fatigue, migraines, pelvic floor problems, UTIs, and vaginal dryness.
"The accelerated ageing that occurs with low oestradiol levels increases future risk of disease... The low grade inflammation that occurs increases the risk of inflammatory diseases- these include cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, Alzheimer's disease, clinical depression and even some types of cancer."
So, whilst I cannot wait to be rid of my periods, I am not so ecstatic about what the loss of hormones means for my long-term health. This book really serves to highlight their critical role in the functioning of the body and the numerous benefits (and safety) of HRT.
I'm massively grateful to Newson for raising more awareness of the perimenopause and menopause when it is so overlooked; I will definitely be buying a copy of this book and keeping it in readiness for when I need to refer to it. Newson is single-handedly ensuring the right to a quality of life post-menopause.
A colleague of mine is currently going through the perimenopause; that combined with the fact that it most likely will be coming for me in 5 years time, prompted me to look more into it and I found this book online and in my library. (I didn't actually even know about the perimenopause prior to this, I assumed that symptoms came with the menopause at around 50.)
Newson is a doctor in the UK and has set her up her own specialist menopause clinic. Thus, all the info in here is thoroughly researched and backed by evidence. And even if you live in another country, the facts are universal.
It is very well written and accessible to everyone. As expected, there are medical explanations, from symptoms to treatment, and practical advice on how to manage the conditions is given. The personal stories and the case studies keep it interesting and really hit home how the perimenopause and menopause can affect every part of a person's life. It's crazy how many people's lives have been needlessly, significantly, detrimentally affected by it.
Most of this book had me exclaiming "FFS" for a lot of it and here's a taste of why:
The range of symptoms you could possibly get include; abdominal and other gastrointestinal symptoms, an altered sense of smell and taste, bleeding (akin to a period), brain fog, breast tenderness, brittle nails, difficulty breathing, dizziness, dry eyes, dry and itchy skin, gum disease and other oral health symptoms, hearing issues, heart palpitations, heartburn, hot flushes and night sweats, joint and muscle pain, low libido, low mood, anxiety and depression, fatigue, migraines, pelvic floor problems, UTIs, and vaginal dryness.
"The accelerated ageing that occurs with low oestradiol levels increases future risk of disease... The low grade inflammation that occurs increases the risk of inflammatory diseases- these include cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, Alzheimer's disease, clinical depression and even some types of cancer."
So, whilst I cannot wait to be rid of my periods, I am not so ecstatic about what the loss of hormones means for my long-term health. This book really serves to highlight their critical role in the functioning of the body and the numerous benefits (and safety) of HRT.
I'm massively grateful to Newson for raising more awareness of the perimenopause and menopause when it is so overlooked; I will definitely be buying a copy of this book and keeping it in readiness for when I need to refer to it. Newson is single-handedly ensuring the right to a quality of life post-menopause.
Read
July 15, 2025If you’re in perimenopause or menopause, or quietly wondering if you might be, this book is a very steadying read.
I'm interested in this topic because of my Menstrual Cycle Awareness training and the clients I support who are in perimenopause and menopause. Knowledge is power, especially when change makes it feel like everything you knew about yourself and how you do things is shifting.
Reading this book felt like the puzzle pieces finally clicked into place around all the myths, stories and cliches you hear about menopause. Dr Louise Newson brings a clear, grounded voice to what can otherwise feel murky and overwhelming. She walks through symptoms, science, and support options with care and clarity.
What stood out most to me was how directly hormonal changes affect our capacity to manage time, protect our energy, and focus our attention. Brain fog. Motivation dips. Restless sleep. These aren’t signs of failure but signs of change.
The book doesn’t offer a single fix. Instead, it gives you language, tools, and a renewed sense of self-trust. You get to understand what’s happening and decide what support might serve you best.
I’ve started recommending it to clients who are noticing their usual systems aren’t working as well as they used to, or who feel like they’ve lost their rhythm. For anyone feeling out of sync, this could be the missing link.
I'm interested in this topic because of my Menstrual Cycle Awareness training and the clients I support who are in perimenopause and menopause. Knowledge is power, especially when change makes it feel like everything you knew about yourself and how you do things is shifting.
Reading this book felt like the puzzle pieces finally clicked into place around all the myths, stories and cliches you hear about menopause. Dr Louise Newson brings a clear, grounded voice to what can otherwise feel murky and overwhelming. She walks through symptoms, science, and support options with care and clarity.
What stood out most to me was how directly hormonal changes affect our capacity to manage time, protect our energy, and focus our attention. Brain fog. Motivation dips. Restless sleep. These aren’t signs of failure but signs of change.
The book doesn’t offer a single fix. Instead, it gives you language, tools, and a renewed sense of self-trust. You get to understand what’s happening and decide what support might serve you best.
I’ve started recommending it to clients who are noticing their usual systems aren’t working as well as they used to, or who feel like they’ve lost their rhythm. For anyone feeling out of sync, this could be the missing link.
January 21, 2024
This is evidence based book about understanding the hormones. I just wish I had this information years ago specially the periods of pregnancy and birth.
I am now in my 50s and thankfully due to the doctors like Dr Newson and sharing their knowledge I am feeling so good and empowered for my future. 3 years before I started hrt I had terrible symptoms on anxiety, migraines, irritability, fatigue, irregular periods… and my dear family doctor luckily put me on a mini pill (progesterone) and that elevated some of my symptoms. I then luckily was told by a freind about menopause and then have been doing lots of research.
I am a yoga and mindfulness teacher for over 20 years and I now realised how fearful woman are about hrt. They are confused about mixed messages in the press just the way I was. Meditation helped me calm myself down and think clearly and rationally rather letting fear take over. This is why I think it’s so important for all woman to read this book and only once you have correct information you can then make a choice for yourself.
Eva
I am now in my 50s and thankfully due to the doctors like Dr Newson and sharing their knowledge I am feeling so good and empowered for my future. 3 years before I started hrt I had terrible symptoms on anxiety, migraines, irritability, fatigue, irregular periods… and my dear family doctor luckily put me on a mini pill (progesterone) and that elevated some of my symptoms. I then luckily was told by a freind about menopause and then have been doing lots of research.
I am a yoga and mindfulness teacher for over 20 years and I now realised how fearful woman are about hrt. They are confused about mixed messages in the press just the way I was. Meditation helped me calm myself down and think clearly and rationally rather letting fear take over. This is why I think it’s so important for all woman to read this book and only once you have correct information you can then make a choice for yourself.
Eva
October 9, 2023
Life-changing
Who would not want another chance in their lives when the perimenopause, i.e. the complex female hormonal (oestrogen and testosterone) deficiency? The women in my family did not have this opportunity available for them then; though they were full of life, longing to live for longer. I was determined to make a change, being able to see my grandchildren born and grow up and since my children have grown to teenage years, to fulfill the career I have always dreamt of.
In this book you will be able to find relevant information about all aspects of perimenopause / menopause. Wholeheartedly recommended to everyone; whether male or female , regardless of which generation or ethnic background. Spread the news and stay connected to that secret network of women which is able overthrow all boundaries faced by women and their families together with their colleagues at work.
Who would not want another chance in their lives when the perimenopause, i.e. the complex female hormonal (oestrogen and testosterone) deficiency? The women in my family did not have this opportunity available for them then; though they were full of life, longing to live for longer. I was determined to make a change, being able to see my grandchildren born and grow up and since my children have grown to teenage years, to fulfill the career I have always dreamt of.
In this book you will be able to find relevant information about all aspects of perimenopause / menopause. Wholeheartedly recommended to everyone; whether male or female , regardless of which generation or ethnic background. Spread the news and stay connected to that secret network of women which is able overthrow all boundaries faced by women and their families together with their colleagues at work.
February 27, 2024
Over the years, to arm myself with the information needed for later life( which has now arrived) I have read two or three books about The Menopause.
Louise is incredibly knowledgeable in this area and also runs a Podcast. She explains very clearly what to expect and what role certain hormones play in the body/what happens when these hormones are depleted. She has a Medical background and the Menopause is her area of expertise.
I would say it is a very Pro- HRT book. I would have given five stars if the focus was equalled proportionally also towards herbal/natural supplements. Whether you are considering HRT or not, this book is up to date, scientifically backed and really interesting- there are small case studies included.
Louise is incredibly knowledgeable in this area and also runs a Podcast. She explains very clearly what to expect and what role certain hormones play in the body/what happens when these hormones are depleted. She has a Medical background and the Menopause is her area of expertise.
I would say it is a very Pro- HRT book. I would have given five stars if the focus was equalled proportionally also towards herbal/natural supplements. Whether you are considering HRT or not, this book is up to date, scientifically backed and really interesting- there are small case studies included.
September 13, 2023
I have listened to this as an audiobook on Audible and I can say what a fantastically insightful book.
Very informative, very well written, and in a way that is easy for anyone to understand what it is women and their families are going through.
Well worth a read for all women who are currently going through the menopause, women who are perimenopausal, healthcare professionals, anyone with an interest in menopause.
We have needed a book like this for so long, and it's time to break down those menopause barriers and not be afraid to talk about it!
This is a book, whether in paper format or audio, that you can keep going back to!
Very informative, very well written, and in a way that is easy for anyone to understand what it is women and their families are going through.
Well worth a read for all women who are currently going through the menopause, women who are perimenopausal, healthcare professionals, anyone with an interest in menopause.
We have needed a book like this for so long, and it's time to break down those menopause barriers and not be afraid to talk about it!
This is a book, whether in paper format or audio, that you can keep going back to!
July 18, 2023
A lot of really useful info. I wish something like this had been around when I started perimenopause about 19 years ago. Still useful if you have gone through the menopause but still having symptoms. Makes me realise how many symptoms I have and how a lot of things that make you less confident or make you think you have other health issues can all be linked to a change in your hormone levels.
It would have been good to have more info on nutrition and how to maximise benefits and the principles during the menopause rather than a few paragraphs and then recipes.
It would have been good to have more info on nutrition and how to maximise benefits and the principles during the menopause rather than a few paragraphs and then recipes.
May 8, 2024
I found the narrator very annoying, so much so I had to listen in short bursts. it’s as if she’s reading a children’s book in the library, story corner. Condescending. Not good at all. Also the content is quite repetitive and boring most of which I’ve already discovered for myself online and through social media.
I appreciate the effort and I feel mean leaving a 2 star review but c’mon, I know you’re busy but you’ve come this far to write a book. Read it yourself, you’re a passionate specialist, this would have translated very well with your own narration.
I appreciate the effort and I feel mean leaving a 2 star review but c’mon, I know you’re busy but you’ve come this far to write a book. Read it yourself, you’re a passionate specialist, this would have translated very well with your own narration.
July 13, 2023
A must-read for every woman over 35 (and their doctors)
Absolute essential read for all women and men, for that matter. Simple facts supported by studies and a really helpful holistic approach to perimenopause and menopause. If you only buy one book on the subject- let this one be it.
Absolute essential read for all women and men, for that matter. Simple facts supported by studies and a really helpful holistic approach to perimenopause and menopause. If you only buy one book on the subject- let this one be it.
November 30, 2024
An important, validating and empowering read for women of any age. Glad to have a thought leader and practitioner like Dr. Newson who is unafraid to say the word (and the truth about) menopause unabashedly and encourage others to do the same. It is not something to be endured. It is a time we can traverse with semi-ease given that we have the proper support.
February 5, 2025
Excellent resource about the menopause (American English doesn't use 'the' in front of it, it jiggled my brain in every sentence, but that's my hangup!). The sheer number of symptoms was mind boggling. I made sure to finish in time for my doctor's appointment tomorrow so I feel ready to discuss what's going on with me.
June 26, 2025
A must read for all women in the world. It is quite creepy to discover how little we know of the processes that take place in our own bodies. Especially if you consider that we live in what we call 'modern times'... modern for some, but definitely not (yet) for all.
August 13, 2025
The book contained some useful information and lots of stories from women who had been or are going through perimenopause and the menopause, but I had expected to learn more and had to search online to get answers to my questions on the subject.
October 4, 2025
This book shares many interesting facts about perimenopause and menopause. It gave me many valuable insights about the possible impacts of changing hormones. And more importantly, what you can try to mitigate them.
June 29, 2023
Very informative!
August 15, 2023
Well written, easy to digest guide to perimenopause & the menopause. Highly recommend.
November 1, 2023
Generally a very good overview of many elements around peri- and menopause. Useful to all audiences in different ways!
January 25, 2024
Excellent book, well written. Has helped me decide what options I have especially around using estrogen in menopause. Podcasts are also worth a listen.
January 26, 2024
So full of information that I will definitely read it again and again. Everyone should read this
February 11, 2024
Interesting overview of the perimenopause and the menopause. Informative.
February 11, 2024
Outstanding!!! Every house should have this as a resource. Thank you Dr Newsom!
April 9, 2024
Incredibly informative, I'm going to keep coming back to sections in this book I think. It's fired me up so much to do more in work to help raise awareness and help and support coworkers.
April 12, 2024
Very informative book written in an easy to understand format. It was good to dip in and out of different chapters that were relevant. Very helpful. Thanks
August 19, 2024
So informative. I wish I had this available a decade ago. Would have saved a lot of anguish
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews