Red Hot Mamas In Charge of Change.
By: Red Hot Mamas
Published: June 25, 2010
Just the other day I was in a fairly large bookstore perusing the Women’s Health section to see what was new on the shelves this holiday season. I noticed there were quite a number of recently published books on menopause. Many were titles I haven’t heard of before. Others, I quickly recognized as the staples I always refer back to when I have a question.
Every year, I reassess my bookshelf to see what has made the cut and what hasn’t. This year’s Hot List of Top 10 Books to Get You Through Menopause includes many favorites that have reappeared through the years as well as new ones I have added to the list of must-reads. There’s no reason to be overwhelmed at the bookstore anymore. Yes, there are tons of books to choose from to help you through menopause but which ones are THE best? Here they are! Happy shopping!!
Is It Hot in Here? Or Is It Me?: The Complete Guide to Menopause, 2006, by: Barbara Kantrowitz and Kelly Wingert: Workman Publishing. Menopausal woman have other health concerns that are sometimes overlooked. This book offers information on such topics like the “danger signs in pigmented lesions of the skin”, as well as other changes that occur that may affect women’s health and well-being. The authors provide a broad spectrum of health information which is certainly very useful. In a question and answer format, the authors try to satisfy the needs of those with individualized medical problems.
Hot Flashes, Hormones & Your Health, 2007, by: JoAnn E. Manson, M.D. and Shari S. Bassuk: McGraw- Hill. If you are considering hormone therapy, read this book. It will guide you through the often confusing process of weighing the benefits and risks of the different types of hormone therapy. The authors clearly explain the most recent findings from the Women’s Health Initiative and Nurse’s Health Study. The truth about bioidentical hormones is revealed along with alternative options to managing your menopause without the use of hormone therapy.
A Woman’s Guide to Menopause & Perimenopause, 2005, by: Mary Jane Minkin. This book is always by my side (or close by). Co-authored by Red Hot Mamas health advisor and national medical expert, Dr. Mary Jane Minkin, this book will tell you everything you need to know about menopause and more. Information is presented in an easy to read, well-organized format. It is essential reading for anyone looking for answers to the many different aspects of women’s health during menopause and beyond.
The Wisdom of Menopause, 2006, by: Christiane Northrup, M.D.: Bantam Books. After reading this book, you will want to hug Christiane Northrup. She is the brain child behind “feminine intelligence”. She really delves into the mind/body connection that revolutionized her first book, Women’s Bodies Women’s Wisdom. She brings you through her personal journey as she reveals the secrets behind making the most of these often tumultuous years at menopause.
The Wisdom of Menopause Journal, 2007, by: Christiane Northrup, M.D.,: Hay House Inc. Keeping a journal at menopause is a great way to be in touch with yourself and monitor the physical and emotional changes you are going through at this time in your life. By logging daily or weekly, you or your doctor may find patterns that are triggering certain menopause symptoms (i.e., hot flashes, sex challenges, etc.). After looking back at your entries, it will be clearer which interventions or therapies work (and most importantly don’t work) for you.
Your Perfectly Pampered Menopause, 2005, by: Colette Bouchez, Broadway Books. There is so much seriousness surrounding menopause, this book offers some good comic relief to the sometimes overly-serious subject. Take Chapter 9 for example, “Your Brain On Menopause”. Or, “Why you Cry When the Bakery is Out of Rye Bread”. It truly is a breath of fresh air to read hilarious stories you can relate to. Don’t be fooled by the fluffy title or the foofy cover. This book is fil led with great, up-to-date information for living well and coping with the sometimes dreary symptoms of menopause.
Our Bodies, Ourselves: Menopause, 2006, by: The Boston Women’s Health Book Collective, Simon & Schuster. Wow! This book has a ton of information! This is a wonderful source of comprehensive information not only for menopause but for women’s health in general. What this book touches on that most other menopause books leave out is the social, cultural and political aspects of menopause. This book succeeds in many ways including empowering women to make their own healthcare decisions.
Menopause for Dummies, 2 nd Edition, 2006, by: Marcia L. Jones, Ph.D., Theresa Eichenwald, M.D., Nancy W. Wall; Wiley Publishing. This book continues to be on our favorites list year after year. Like all “Dummies” books, it presents information in an easy to read format that is not too text-heavy. The icons make it easy to locate specific information (i.e. tips, remember, see an expert, etc). It tackles all the important aspects of menopause and offers sound advice from top experts with some humor, which we can all appreciate.
The Essential Guide to Hysterectomy, 2004, by: Lauren F. Streicher, M. Evans and Company. Looking for fast information about hysterectomy? Look no further. This book has the answers to all of your questions. There are many physical and emotional aspects of having a hysterectomy that this book covers in detail. Educate yourself fully before and after your hysterectomy and your recovery will be much smoother. Share the information with your doctor and even bring the “walk-through” to the day of surgery.
Fit and Sexy for Life, 2007, by: Kathy Kaehler, Broadway Books. Let’s face it. A whole slew of physical and emotional changes are associated with growing older. In her new book, Kathy Kaehler encourages her readers to meet these challenges head on. “I won’t be pausing for menopause and neither should you.” This book sends a strong message to perimenopausal and menopausal women- bring them on!
We are in no way financially tied or compensated by any of these authors or publishers. We simply think they’re the most helpful and medically sound ones currently available.
