Lifestyle
Talking of Menopause: Our Favourite Books, Podcasts & Feeds on Midlife & Hormones
Once a hushed-up subject shrouded in mystery and shame, the menopause conversation is now everywhere. Ahead of World Menopause Day, here’s where to turn when the hot flushes hit?
Menopause information and support can be startlingly difficult to access. With World Menopause Day on 18 October 2023 in mind, we are sharing the most popular books, podcasts and Instagram feeds that both break the stigma and show you the options out there.
Hormone deficiencies and fluctuations are notorious for influencing everything from self-esteem to sex life and sleep patterns. From oestrogen patches, homeopathy and gingko to lifestyle changes and progesterone pills, there is so much to take on board before knowing which route might suit you best.
The scaremongering behind HRT is real, a misdiagnosis not unlikely and differing opinions frighteningly common. After all, the menopause is complex, even for GPs, so do your own research prompting you to make an informed choice about your hormones.
Baffled or debilitated by this once taboo topic? Read, listen and follow others to understand your changing hormone system.
Davina McCall and Dr Naomi Potter
If you only buy one book on the menopause, make it this. At 44, Davina McCall felt like she was losing it with mental fog, depression and hot flushes. Her bestselling and brutally honest book is a guide to life in menopause with real-life stories and evidence based science. You’ll find no holds barred advice on topics from dry vaginas and hair loss to zero sex drive and the perimenopause.
Mariella Frostrup and Alice Smelli
Dubbed one of the most important books of the year, this balanced guide separates the menopause myths from the reality and offers expertise, hope and advice; all with Frostrup’s trademark wry humour. Scientifically accurate and extremely funny, this is a must-read for women of all ages. Gift it to your friends.
Davina Taylor
Often it’s the simple life hacks that can make all the difference as they’re the easiest to implement. If weight loss, insomnia and a lack of energy are getting the better of you, look at Davina Taylor’s small but mighty clever tips. A number one Sunday Times bestseller, this book brims with shortcuts and advice on how supplements can balance our cortisol, adrenaline, dopamine and vitamin D.
From OCD and depression to hormones and HRT, no subject is too gritty in Dr Louise Newson’s raw and frank podcast about hormonal changes. With so much misinformation out there, listen up to podcasts like this one.
Each month, Jackie Lynch speaks to guests about the menopause. Together, they’ll dissect graphic worries from intimate health and hot flushes to strong bones and dealing with anxiety. Worth a listen.
This weekly interview-style podcast delves beneath the niceties to share true stories about how to increase your libido, sleep better, control hot flushes and anything else that midlife may chuck your way.
The struggle is real. And it’s ok to laugh. Scroll through this feed to feel seen, validated and celebrated in midlife and menopause. You’ve got this. Follow.
This is the feed to follow for light-hearted news about all things middle aged, menstrual and menopausal, rather than for medical advice. It is created by the bestselling author of The Vagina Bible and The Menopause Manifesto. Follow.
Have you been told you can’t take HRT? Dr Naomi Potter, who co-wrote Davina McCall’s book Menopausing, tackles such complex issues in her feed which boasts over 170k followers. Follow.
By Annabel Jack
October 2023
Hormone deficiencies and fluctuations are notorious for influencing everything from self-esteem to sex life and sleep patterns. From oestrogen patches, homeopathy and gingko to lifestyle changes and progesterone pills, there is so much to take on board before knowing which route might suit you best.
The scaremongering behind HRT is real, a misdiagnosis not unlikely and differing opinions frighteningly common. After all, the menopause is complex, even for GPs, so do your own research prompting you to make an informed choice about your hormones.
Baffled or debilitated by this once taboo topic? Read, listen and follow others to understand your changing hormone system.
Top 3 Books On Menopause
Menopausing
Davina McCall and Dr Naomi Potter
If you only buy one book on the menopause, make it this. At 44, Davina McCall felt like she was losing it with mental fog, depression and hot flushes. Her bestselling and brutally honest book is a guide to life in menopause with real-life stories and evidence based science. You’ll find no holds barred advice on topics from dry vaginas and hair loss to zero sex drive and the perimenopause.
Cracking the Menopause: While Keeping Yourself Together
Mariella Frostrup and Alice Smelli
Dubbed one of the most important books of the year, this balanced guide separates the menopause myths from the reality and offers expertise, hope and advice; all with Frostrup’s trademark wry humour. Scientifically accurate and extremely funny, this is a must-read for women of all ages. Gift it to your friends.
Hack Your Hormones
Davina Taylor
Often it’s the simple life hacks that can make all the difference as they’re the easiest to implement. If weight loss, insomnia and a lack of energy are getting the better of you, look at Davina Taylor’s small but mighty clever tips. A number one Sunday Times bestseller, this book brims with shortcuts and advice on how supplements can balance our cortisol, adrenaline, dopamine and vitamin D.
Top 3 Podcasts On Menopause
The Dr Louise Newson Podcast
From OCD and depression to hormones and HRT, no subject is too gritty in Dr Louise Newson’s raw and frank podcast about hormonal changes. With so much misinformation out there, listen up to podcasts like this one.
The Happy Menopause
Each month, Jackie Lynch speaks to guests about the menopause. Together, they’ll dissect graphic worries from intimate health and hot flushes to strong bones and dealing with anxiety. Worth a listen.
Hello, Hot Flash
This weekly interview-style podcast delves beneath the niceties to share true stories about how to increase your libido, sleep better, control hot flushes and anything else that midlife may chuck your way.
Top Instagrammers on Menopause
What The Menopause?
The struggle is real. And it’s ok to laugh. Scroll through this feed to feel seen, validated and celebrated in midlife and menopause. You’ve got this. Follow.
Dr Jen Gunter
This is the feed to follow for light-hearted news about all things middle aged, menstrual and menopausal, rather than for medical advice. It is created by the bestselling author of The Vagina Bible and The Menopause Manifesto. Follow.
Dr Naomi Potter
Have you been told you can’t take HRT? Dr Naomi Potter, who co-wrote Davina McCall’s book Menopausing, tackles such complex issues in her feed which boasts over 170k followers. Follow.
By Annabel Jack
October 2023
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Annabel Jack
Contributing Editor
Annabel is a regular contributor to The Guide, with a taste for the finest in food, fashion and interiors.
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