A compilation of the best books to read about the symptoms of perimenopause and how to alleviate them.
Perimenopause is the time in a woman’s life before entering into menopause.
Many people believe that when all the symptoms start is when menopause begins, but that is not the case. Perimenopause is actually when the symptoms start. This usually occurs 3 – 4 years ahead of menopause, although it can be as much as 10 years beforehand.
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Lots of women coast through this time in their lives with little to no struggle, while others have difficulty with the changes they are experiencing.
Understanding and knowing what symptoms to look for, how to adapt your diet and exercise accordingly, and knowing when to seek help from a medical professional, plus much more is discussed in the following books.
Being well informed is your best strategy when midlife takes over.
3 Must-Read Books on Perimenopause
Before the Change: Taking Charge of Your Perimenopause
By Ann Louise Gittleman, PhD, CNS
This recently updated book is a fantastic starting point for anyone just entering the perimenopausal stage of life. With it, you will learn how to head off depression and mood swings, shifting weight, sleep issues, and memory loss in a way that is simple, safe, and natural.
Ann Louise Gittleman is a nutritionist with years of research behind her. She doesn’t simply speak of ways to mask symptoms, but rather relieve them. She will walk you through combating the symptoms step by step and does so without the need for hormone replacement therapy.
It’s Not you, It’s Your Hormones: The essential guide for women over 40 to fight fat, fatigue, and hormone havoc
By Nicki Williams
If your hormones are misbehaving and leaving you tired, overweight, and bloated, this book is a definite must-read.
Nicki Williams delivers everything you need to know about your changing hormones in a straightforward and entertaining way. After failing to find any medical help for her symptoms of exhaustion, weight gain, and hormone issues in her early 40’s, she discovered that she could turn things around using diet, lifestyle, and natural supplements.
The advice she offers will leave you feeling empowered with information to help you understand what is happening to your mind and body. Most importantly, she explains how you can make the madness stop.
A Strange Period: Insights into the Bizarre Experiences of Perimenopausal Women
By Sheryl Gurrentz & Cindy Singer
This book is a bit different than the others. I recommend reading it after you have an understanding of the medical reasons for the symptoms you are dealing with.
What you will find here is a book filled with real-life experiences with perimenopausal women. It is a tumultuous time of life, with so many changes, that is extremely comforting to know it is not just happening to you. And the humorous tone this book has makes it a pleasurable read.
Sheryl Gurrentz and Cindy deliver a funny, insightful, and oftentimes blunt look at the journey into menopause.
Check out my other posts for more menopause-related information:
Tips for Better Sleep During Menopause
Best Foods to Control Menopause
Rosacea and Menopause Acne
Why it’s Important to Track Your Menopause Symptoms
Hot Flashes: What Causes Them & How to Get Relief
If you are looking for a book to help you take a closer look at menopause, please check out the book I authored, Understanding Menopause.
It’s a 60 page in-depth look at:
Hormones
Irregular periods
Hot flashes
Itchy skin
Weight gain
Headaches
Vaginal dryness
Sex drive
Blood pressure
Gut issues
Colon health
Gum disease
Get your copy of Understanding Menopause here.
