This open access handbook, the first of its kind, provides a comprehensive and carefully curated multidisciplinary and genre-spanning view of the state of the field of Critical Menstruation Studies, opening up new directions in research and advocacy. It is animated by the central question: ‘“what new lines of inquiry are possible when we center our attention on menstrual health and politics across the life course?” The chapters—diverse in content, form and perspective—establish Critical Menstruation Studies as a potent lens that reveals, complicates and unpacks inequalities across biological, social, cultural and historical dimensions. This handbook is an unmatched resource for researchers, policy makers, practitioners, and activists new to and already familiar with the field as it rapidly develops and expands.

'A guide to counteract medical misogyny' New Scientist 'The world's most famous - and outspoken - gynaecologist' Guardian In The Menopause Manifesto internationally renowned, New York Times bestselling author Dr Jen Gunter brings you empowerment through knowledge by countering stubborn myths and misunderstandings about menopause with hard facts, real science, fascinating historical perspective and expert advice. The only thing predictable about menopause is its unpredictability. Factor in widespread misinformation, a lack of research, and the culture of shame around women's bodies, and it's no wonder women are unsure what to expect during the menopause transition and beyond. Menopause is not a disease - it's a planned change, like puberty. And just like puberty, we should be educated on what's to come years in advance, rather than the current practice of leaving people on their own with bothersome symptoms and too much conflicting information. Knowing what is happening, why and what to do about it is both empowering and reassuring. Frank and funny, Dr Jen debunks misogynistic attitudes and challenges the over-mystification of menopause to reveal everything you really need to know about: * Perimenopause * Hot flashes * Sleep disruption * Sex and libido * Depression and mood changes * Skin and hair issues * Outdated therapies * Breast health * Weight and muscle mass * Health maintenance screening * And much more Filled with practical, reassuring information, this essential guide will revolutionise how women experience menopause - including how their lives can be even better for it!

“Many days I believe menopause is the new (if long overdue) frontier for the most compelling and necessary philosophy; Darcey Steinke is already there, blazing the way. This elegant, wise, fascinating, deeply moving book is an instant classic. I’m about to buy it for everyone I know.” —Maggie Nelson, author of The Argonauts A brave, brilliant, and unprecedented examination of menopause Menopause hit Darcey Steinke hard. First came hot flashes. Then insomnia. Then depression. As she struggled to express what was happening to her, she came up against a culture of silence. Throughout history, the natural physical transition of menopause has been viewed as something to deny, fear, and eradicate. Menstruation signals fertility and life, and childbirth is revered as the ultimate expression of womanhood. Menopause is seen as a harbinger of death. Some books Steinke found promoted hormone replacement therapy. Others encouraged acceptance. But Steinke longed to understand menopause in a more complex, spiritual, and intellectually engaged way. In Flash Count Diary, Steinke writes frankly about aspects of Menopause that have rarely been written about before. She explores the changing gender landscape that comes with reduced hormone levels, and lays bare the transformation of female desire and the realities of prejudice against older women. Weaving together her personal story with philosophy, science, art, and literature, Steinke reveals that in the seventeenth century, women who had hot flashes in front of others could be accused of being witches; that the model for Duchamp's famous Étant donnés was a post-reproductive woman; and that killer whales—one of the only other species on earth to undergo menopause—live long post-reproductive lives. Flash Count Diary, with its deep research, open play of ideas, and reverence for the female body, will change the way you think about menopause. It's a deeply feminist book—honest about the intimations of mortality that menopause brings while also arguing for the ascendancy, beauty, and power of the post-reproductive years.

Provides valuable new information on menopause and how women should approach it in a handbook that offers sound guidance for women dealing with the physical and emotional health issues surrounding menopause, covering such topics as hormone relacement therapy, PMS, treatments for the symptoms of menopause, osteoporosis, cancer prevention, and sexuality. Original.

An authoritative guide to understanding and navigating the hormonal changes and health issues women experience in midlife and beyond, from one of the leading medical experts in the field. The physical changes that occur after women turn forty are unavoidable—and can be unnerving. Menopause affects every aspect of life—from sex and sleep to mood and mental clarity to weight and body temperature. While there are a number of resources available, many are confusing and contradictory. Now, Manhattan gynecologist Dr. Tara Allmen, an experienced, nationally board-certified menopause practitioner and the recipient of the 2015 Doctor’s Choice National Award for Obstetrics & Gynecology, shares her knowledge to help women be their happiest and healthiest, and turn this challenging time into an exciting one. Written in her effervescent yet assured voice, Menopause Confidential provides simple strategies and cutting-edge information on: hormonal changes and the symptoms of perimenopause and menopause; the health risks associated with midlife—from cutting through the conflicting opinions and advice about health screenings (Do I really need a colonoscopy? How often should I get a mammogram?) to common medical conditions, such as osteoporosis; various remedies, both allopathic and natural, to combat symptoms and empower women to make the best choices for their individual needs; practical tips and resources for mitigating the effects of menopause. Fifty-one-year-old Dr. Allmen knows firsthand what women are going through, and shares stories of her own personal travails and solutions. Women can’t turn back the clock, but they can take control of their health and flourish in midlife. Menopause Confidential encourages them to be informed, be proactive, and be their greatest selves.

In the first edition of this important bestselling book, praised by Newsday as “the bible for a whole generation of menopausal women,” renowned physician and pioneering women’s health advocate Dr. Susan Love warned about the potential dangers of the long-term prescription of hormone replacement therapy. Her insightful words of caution have been backed up by the stunning results of the recent studies on hormone replacement. In this revised edition, Dr. Love offers a remarkably clear set of guidelines as to what the studies have shown about the risks regarding heart disease, breast cancer, stroke, and other conditions, and what effect hormone therapy has on osteoporosis. She offers definitive expert advice about whether or not to go on hormone replacement therapy and, if so, for how long, as well as how to taper off hormones; and she introduces the alternative methods for treating the symptoms of menopause. Dr. Love stresses that menopause is not a disease that needs to be cured—it is a natural life stage, and every woman ought to choose her own mix of options for coping with symptoms. A questionnaire about your own health history and life preferences helps you develop a program that will best fit your unique needs. With clarity and compassion, she walks you through every option for both the short and the long term, including: • lifestyle changes (diet, exercise, and stress management) • alternative therapies (including herbs and homeopathic remedies) • available medications other than hormones

“A kick-ass book on menopause. Do yourself a favor and pick up this gem.”—Dr. Jen Gunter, bestselling author of The Vagina Bible and The Menopause Manifesto Menopause and perimenopause are no laughing matter―but that doesn't stop Amanda Thebe from approaching her 50s with a sense of humor. In this hilarious and personal account, the fitness trainer shares how she lost weight, dealt with her depression, improved her sleep, and overhauled her diet to survive―and thrive―during menopause. Now you can, too! Includes a Bonus Strength Training Guide for Women Over 40 At a time when menopause has become an urgent topic of public discussion, with the likes of Michelle Obama revealing their struggles for the first time, personal trainer Amanda Thebe shares her journey with bold and big-hearted writing that will be familiar to readers of Glennon Doyle. Readers will come away from the book with: A better understanding of your own hormones and how they factor in menopause and your overall health; Confidence to speak your truth about your menopause symptoms to your doctor, other health professionals, your family, and friends; Zero bull-sh*t tips for nutrition, fitness, vagina health, sex, and more. Amanda Thebe was working as a personal trainer and fitness coach when, at age 43, she started experiencing debilitating exhaustion, dizziness, and depression. The busy mother of two boys was used to traveling the world and climbing mountains. Now, she struggled to climb out of bed. After several failed doctor’s appointments, Thebe saw her gynaecologist, who finally named the source of her struggles: perimenopause, the period of 5-10 years before menopause, when a woman’s fluctuating estrogen levels put her at risk of depression, anxiety, headaches, and more ailments related to female hormone health. Empowered by information, Thebe began her journey back to her former self, overhauling her approach to diet, mental health, and exercise. In Menopocalypse, she explains how to deal with migraines, hot flashes, weight gain, exhaustion, poor sleep, vaginal dryness, and mood swings—offering tips that have worked for her and others. She shares information about hormone therapy. She even shares her own strength-training routine, complete with a suggested workout schedule, easy-to-follow instructions, and pictures of herself doing the exercises, so you can feel empowered, fit, and ready to tackle the day. Menopause isn’t fun, sexy, or cool, and a woman might spend one-third of her life in it—but that doesn’t mean women should suffer in silence without support. Let the outspoken and honest Amanda Thebe be your guide to surviving—and thriving—during menopocalypse.

Have you ever laughed so much you wet yourself - just a little bit? Or found yourself crossing your legs on the doorstep frantically searching for your keys? Do you get up at night to go to the toilet more than once? An estimated 200 million people around the world suffer from some form of urinary incontinence. It's an embarrassing problem that affects women disproportionately as a result of pregnancy and childbirth. In The Pelvic Floor Bible, Jane Simpson argues that it's time for us all to feel the squeeze and celebrate the wonder of our pelvic floor muscles. She shows you how to incorporate pelvic floor exercises as part of your daily routine in order to prevent issues in later life and cure existing problems now. Learn how to treat common problems such as stress incontinence, overactive bladder and prolapse, get back into shape post-pregnancy and enjoy a healthy sex life at every stage of your life. Incontinence is both preventable and curable through pelvic floor exercises and rehabilitation but too many people assume nothing can be done, follow incorrect advice or are ashamed to seek help. We need to end the taboo now.

A surprising look at the role of menopause in human history—and why we should change the ways we think about it Are the ways we look at menopause all wrong? Susan Mattern says yes and, in The Slow Moon Climbs, reveals just how wrong we have been. From the rainforests of Paraguay to the streets of Tokyo, Mattern draws on historical, scientific, and cultural research to show how perceptions of menopause developed from prehistory to today. Introducing new ways of understanding life beyond fertility, Mattern examines the fascinating “Grandmother Hypothesis,” looks at agricultural communities where households relied on postreproductive women for the family’s survival, and explores the emergence of menopause as a medical condition in the Western world. The Slow Moon Climbs casts menopause in the positive light it deserves—as an essential juncture and a key factor in human flourishing.