Women's hormonal health, from the menstrual cycle to perimenopause to menopause, was under-researched and dismissed for far too long. These seven books finally give it the serious, evidence-based treatment it deserves, all by OB-GYNs, physicians and women scientists. They cover hormone therapy, the menopausal brain, training for the female body and understanding your cycle. For your own hormonal health, use these to get informed, then talk with your doctor.
Quick picks:
- Best on menopause: The Menopause Manifesto by Jen Gunter. View on Amazon
- Best on fitness: Roar by Stacy Sims. View on Amazon
- Best on your cycle: Period Repair Manual by Lara Briden. View on Amazon
Menopause and hormone therapy
The Menopause Manifesto by Jen Gunter
Jen Gunter is an OB-GYN (MD). The essential, myth-busting guide to menopause, covering hormones, symptoms and treatments with evidence and zero shame. The one to own.
Best for: The essential menopause reference.
→ View on AmazonThe New Menopause by Mary Claire Haver
Mary Claire Haver is an OB-GYN (MD). The bestselling, practical action plan for menopause: symptoms, treatments and how to advocate for the care you deserve. The game plan.
Best for: A menopause action plan.
→ View on AmazonEstrogen Matters by Avrum Bluming, Carol Tavris
Avrum Bluming is a medical oncologist (MD) and a social psychologist (PhD). A careful re-examination of the fear around hormone therapy after a widely misinterpreted study. Important context for HRT decisions.
Best for: Rethinking hormone therapy.
→ View on AmazonThe Menopause Brain by Lisa Mosconi
Lisa Mosconi is a neuroscientist (PhD). The real neuroscience behind brain fog, mood and memory shifts in menopause and why they are not imaginary. Reassuring and validating.
Best for: The menopausal brain, explained.
→ View on AmazonCycle, fitness and wellbeing
Period Repair Manual by Lara Briden
Lara Briden is a naturopathic doctor (ND). A widely read guide to understanding and improving menstrual and hormonal health naturally. Popular, from a naturopathic (not MD) clinician.
Best for: Understanding your cycle.
→ View on AmazonRoar by Stacy Sims
Stacy Sims is an exercise physiologist (PhD). The influential guide to training and fueling built specifically for female physiology. The book that said women are not small men.
Best for: Training for the female body.
→ View on AmazonNext Level by Stacy Sims
Stacy Sims is an exercise physiologist (PhD). Applies female-physiology research specifically to training, eating and recovery through the menopause transition. The perimenopause fitness companion.
Best for: Fitness through menopause.
→ View on AmazonCome As You Are by Emily Nagoski
Emily Nagoski is a health educator (PhD). The research-based, shame-free guide to women's sexuality and desire that countless readers call liberating. A vital, overlooked piece of health.
Best for: The science of women's wellbeing.
→ View on AmazonHow we chose these
We hold to a simple rule: if we cannot verify an author's credential (MD, PhD, RD, DPT, PsyD, or licensed clinician) from a publisher or university bio in about two minutes, the book does not make the list, with clearly labeled exceptions for a few excellent journalist-authored titles. No cure-all claims, no anti-science, no wellness influencers. We describe and compare these books to help you choose; we do not reproduce their contents.
Please note: these are books, not medical advice. Everyone's health is different. For your specific situation, talk to your doctor before acting on anything you read.
