The Menopause Manifesto

June 7, 2021
Gynecologist Gunter (The Vagina Bible) helps women navigate the ins and outs of menopause in this delightfully conversational and strongly feminist guide. “My manifesto,” she writes, “is for every woman to have the knowledge that I had to help them with their own menopause,” and she begins with a thorough and fascinating survey of a woman’s reproductive stages, explaining menopause as “an evolutionary adaptation that is part of the survival of the species.” She offers advice for dealing with hot flashes (covering both pharmaceutical and nonmedication options), postmenopausal weight gain (genetics, poor sleep, and stress can contribute), and osteoporosis (exercise helps hugely), and breaks down the science behind menopausal hormone therapy. Gunter isn’t shy about revealing ineffective and possibly dangerous menopause remedies she sees celebrities hawking, such as much-touted bioidentical hormones, and in so doing provides a great service to readers having trouble sorting through their choices. Plain talk and valuable information abound: “The liver isn’t weak or diseased because it doesn’t beat like the heart, and women aren’t diseased because the ovaries stop making estrogen.” Readers looking to separate menopausal fact from fiction should take note. Agent: Jill Marr, Sandra Dijkstra Literary.

Starred review from June 1, 2021

Gunter, a specialist in obstetrics and gynecology, follows-up the bestselling The Vagina Bible with another essential book on women's health. It begins with historical background on menopause and the stigma surrounding it, from ancient Greece to the present day. Moving beyond the stereotypical hot flashes, Gunter describes what happens to the body, physically and emotionally, during the menopausal years. Sections on abnormal bleeding and missed periods are especially noteworthy and help demystify medical terminology. In addition to acknowledging gender disparities in health care, Gunter takes care to note the misdiagnosis and mistreatment that Black women face, especially when it comes to gynecology. Each chapter ends with a stand-out "Bottom Line" section that recaps the chapter's major points and might inspire further study. Gunter isn't shy about admitting when a subject is outside the realm of her expertise. Her book is a helpful starting point that will allow readers to feel more confident advocating for themselves. VERDICT Like her previous guide, Gunter's latest book will find a wide audience, with its clear writing and up-to-date research.--Margaret Henderson, Ramona, CA

Copyright 2021 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

April 15, 2021
Gunter, author of the best-selling The Vagina Bible (2019), an OB/GYN and a forthright champion of women's health and rights, mixes sound medical information with a bit of humor and a lot of candor. She writes, "If menopause were on Yelp, it would have one star." Gunter survived what she calls ""puberty in reverse" because she knew what was up. Her goal here is to empower premenopausal women and "Team Menopause" members by providing readers with accurate information about what happens around age 50, when there are dramatic drops in estrogen levels. Gunter covers everything from hot flashes to moodiness to sleep loss and changes in weight, appearance, and libido. She dispels misinformation and shares her preferences, admitting to a serious espresso habit, explaining that she takes estrogen because she feels that the risks of such negative events as blood clots and breast cancer are overemphasized and expressing skepticism about "menoceuticals," supplements that supposedly help with menopause symptoms. Overall, Gunter's frank and expert guide provides an informative and reassuring look at a long, often baffling and infuriating phase of life.

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