Jennifer 
Let me guess—you’re standing in the health section of your favorite bookstore (or scrolling through Amazon at 2 AM during yet another bout of insomnia), overwhelmed by the sheer number of menopause resources out there. Trust me, I’ve been there. Between the hot flashes, brain fog, and the feeling that your body has suddenly become a science experiment gone rogue, the last thing you need is more confusion about where to find solid, trustworthy information.
Here’s the good news: navigating perimenopause and menopause doesn’t have to feel like stumbling through a dark room. The right books and podcasts can be your flashlight, your roadmap, and your reassuring best friend all rolled into one. I’ve done the heavy lifting for you, sifting through countless resources to bring you the absolute best books and podcasts for menopause that actually deliver on their promises.
Whether you’re newly perimenopause and confused about what’s happening to your body, researching hormone replacement therapy, or just need someone to tell you that yes, forgetting why you walked into a room again is totally normal—this guide has you covered.
What Are the Best Books and Podcasts to Start With If I’m Newly in Perimenopause?
Starting your perimenopause journey can feel like you’ve been dropped into the middle of a movie with no context. You need resources that meet you exactly where you are—confused, maybe a little scared, and definitely ready for some answers.
For absolute beginners, I recommend:
Perimenopause For Dummies by Rebecca Levy-Gantt, DO, is your new best friend. Despite the somewhat dated title, this book delivers exactly what you need: plain-language explanations without medical jargon, covering everything from irregular periods to mood swings. Think of it as your “Perimenopause 101” crash course. The perimenopause for dummies book review consensus? It’s the go-to resource for women who are just starting to connect the dots between their symptoms and hormonal changes.
The New Menopause by Mary Claire Haver, MD, is another anchor book that’s earned its reputation. Dr. Haver’s approach is comprehensive yet accessible, covering symptoms, HRT options, and lifestyle changes with the kind of no-nonsense clarity you crave when you’re feeling overwhelmed. The Mary Claire Haver New Menopause book review feedback consistently praises its modern, evidence-based approach that doesn’t talk down to readers.
On the podcast front, start with “This Is Perimenopause.” This conversational show feels like chatting with a knowledgeable friend over coffee. It covers symptoms, life changes, and features expert interviews without making you feel like you need a medical degree to follow along.
Which Menopause Books Are the Most Evidence-Based and Doctor-Recommended?
When your body is going through massive hormonal shifts, you deserve information that’s backed by science, not just someone’s opinion or outdated advice from the 1990s.
Doctor recommended menopause books include:
Menopause Solution by Stephanie Faubion, MD, from the Mayo Clinic, brings the weight of one of the world’s most respected medical institutions to your bedside table. This evidence-based overview covers hormones, treatment options, and over-the-counter strategies with the kind of rigorous medical backing that helps you feel confident in your decisions. Looking for menopause books from Mayo Clinic experts? This is your starting point.
The Menopause Brain by Lisa Mosconi, PhD, takes a deep dive into the neuroscience of menopause. If you’ve been frantically googling “menopause brain fog books and podcasts” at 3 AM, this is your answer. Dr. Mosconi focuses specifically on brain changes, cognition, and long-term brain health during menopause—perfect for women worried about memory issues and cognitive function.
Grown Woman Talk by Sharon Malone, MD, offers a holistic health framework that blends rigorous medical insight with practical everyday recommendations. Dr. Malone doesn’t just tell you what’s happening; she gives you actionable strategies to feel better.
Are There Menopause Podcasts Hosted by Doctors or Medical Organizations?
Absolutely! If you prefer listening to reading (especially when brain fog makes focusing on the page feel impossible), there are excellent medically-vetted podcast options.
Women’s Health: menopause: unmuted is a Pfizer-sponsored podcast hosted by Dr. Mary Jane Minkin. While it’s branded, the content is evidence-heavy and features real stories alongside expert insights. Don’t let the corporate backing fool you—this podcast delivers solid medical information in an accessible format.
The beauty of doctor-hosted podcasts is that you’re getting information filtered through years of medical training and clinical experience. They can translate complex hormonal concepts into language that makes sense without oversimplifying to the point of uselessness.
What Are the Top Books Specifically About Perimenopause, Not Just Menopause?
Perimenopause—that wild, unpredictable phase that can last anywhere from a few months to over a decade—deserves its own spotlight. It’s not just “pre-menopause”; it’s a distinct phase with its own challenges.
Beyond Perimenopause For Dummies (already mentioned above), Generation M: Living Well in Perimenopause and Menopause by Jessica Shepherd, MD, offers a broad, accessible guide that emphasizes holistic wellness and symptom management specifically for the “Generation M” cohort navigating these transitions.
These books acknowledge that perimenopause symptoms—irregular periods, sudden anxiety, sleep disruptions, and unexpected rage spirals—can feel completely different from what you’ll experience in full menopause. They meet you in that messy middle ground.
Which Books or Podcasts Explain HRT (Hormone Therapy) in a Balanced, Up-to-Date Way?
Hormone replacement therapy is one of the most confusing and controversial topics in women’s health. You need resources that present the current evidence without fear-mongering or pushing an agenda.
Estrogen Matters by Avrum Bluming, MD, and Carol Tavris, PhD, offers a deep dive into estrogen, breast cancer risk debates, and makes a compelling case for HRT based on recent research. This book is particularly popular among women researching therapy decisions who want to understand the nuanced risk-benefit analysis.
The New Menopause also provides excellent, balanced coverage of HRT options, helping you understand what’s available and how to have productive conversations with your healthcare provider.
The key is finding resources that present HRT as one option among many, backed by current research rather than the outdated studies that scared a generation of women away from treatment.
| Resource | Focus | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Estrogen Matters | Deep dive into HRT science | Research-minded women |
| The New Menopause | Comprehensive HRT overview | General understanding |
| Menopause Solution (Mayo Clinic) | Evidence-based treatment options | Medical authority seekers |
Are There Menopause Podcasts or Books Focused on Brain Health, Brain Fog, or Memory?
If you’ve found yourself standing in front of an open refrigerator with absolutely no memory of why you’re there, or calling your child by the dog’s name for the third time today, you’re not alone—and you’re not losing your mind.
The Menopause Brain by Lisa Mosconi, PhD, is the definitive resource on this topic. Dr. Mosconi’s research focuses specifically on how hormonal changes affect cognition, memory, and long-term brain health. This book is reassuring, scientifically rigorous, and offers practical strategies to support your brain through the transition.
For menopause and women’s brain health audiobooks, The Menopause Brain is available in audio format, perfect for listening during your morning walk or commute when reading feels like too much mental effort.
Understanding that brain fog is a real, hormonal symptom—not a personal failing—can be incredibly liberating.
What Are the Best Menopause Books and Podcasts for Weight Management and Fitness in Midlife?
Let’s talk about the elephant in the room: that stubborn midlife weight that seems to appear overnight and refuses to budge no matter how many salads you eat.
Food for Menopause by Linia Patel, PhD RD, is a nutrition-focused resource that links diet to symptom relief, weight management, and overall wellbeing. Dr. Patel’s approach acknowledges that your metabolism has changed, but that doesn’t mean you’re powerless.
For podcasts, “With All Due Respect!” by Amanda Thebe (who also wrote the book “Menopocalypse”) blends fitness, menopause education, and myth-busting with an irreverent tone. It’s perfect for active midlife women who refuse to accept that hormonal changes mean giving up the activities they love.
“Hit Play Not Pause” by Feisty Menopause takes a performance-oriented approach, ideal for athletic women navigating menopause who want to maintain their fitness levels and competitive edge.
These resources acknowledge that menopause weight gain books and podcasts need to address the why behind metabolic changes, not just offer generic diet advice that ignores hormonal realities.
Are There Humorous or Lighthearted Menopause Memoirs or Podcasts?
Sometimes you don’t need more medical information—you just need to laugh at the absurdity of it all.
“With All Due Respect!” (mentioned above) delivers menopause education with humor and irreverence. Amanda Thebe doesn’t sugarcoat the experience, but she finds the comedy in the chaos.
For funny or humorous menopause books, look for memoirs and personal narratives that balance education with entertainment. While the resources I’ve highlighted here are primarily educational, many incorporate personal stories and wit that make them genuinely enjoyable to read, not just informative.
The podcast “This Is Perimenopause” also brings warmth and relatability to the conversation, creating a space where you can feel less alone in your experiences.
Which Resources Center Women of Color or Diverse Perspectives on Menopause?
Grown Woman Talk by Dr. Sharon Malone, an African American OB-GYN, brings important perspectives that are often missing from mainstream menopause conversations. Dr. Malone addresses health disparities, cultural considerations, and provides a framework that acknowledges diverse experiences.
This is an area where menopause literature still has room to grow. When searching for resources, look for authors who explicitly discuss how menopause experiences and healthcare access can differ based on race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and other factors.
What Audiobooks or Podcasts Are Best If I’m Too Tired to Read But Want Solid Menopause Education?
Brain fog and exhaustion are real menopause symptoms, and sometimes holding a book or focusing on the page feels impossible. That’s where audio resources shine.
Audiobook options include:
- The New Menopause by Mary Claire Haver, MD
- The Menopause Brain by Lisa Mosconi, PhD
- Grown Woman Talk by Sharon Malone, MD
All are available through major audiobook platforms and perfect for multitasking—listen while cooking, walking, driving, or even during those sleepless nights.
For podcasts, explore:
- “This Is Perimenopause” for conversational, expert-backed content
- “The Simplicity Sessions” by Jenn Pike for holistic approaches to hormones and self-care
- “Women’s Health: menopause: unmuted“ for doctor-hosted, evidence-based discussions
The beauty of audio formats is that you can absorb information even when your energy and concentration are at their lowest.
Special Mentions: Resources Worth Your Attention
Making Menopause Matter by Diane Danzebrink combines advocacy with education, focusing on informed care and patient empowerment. It’s perfect if you’re feeling frustrated with healthcare providers who dismiss your symptoms.
You Are Not Broken by Kelly Casperson, MD, addresses sex, intimacy, desire, anatomy, and mindset—crucial topics that often get glossed over in other menopause resources.
For best books on surgical menopause, look for resources that specifically address the unique challenges of surgical menopause, which can trigger more sudden and severe symptoms than natural menopause.
Your Next Steps: Creating Your Personal Menopause Resource Library
Here’s my advice: don’t try to read everything at once. Start with one book that addresses your most pressing concern—whether that’s understanding what’s happening to your body, researching HRT options, or tackling brain fog. Add one podcast to your rotation that you can listen to during your daily activities.
Think of building your menopause knowledge base like assembling a personalized toolkit. You wouldn’t use a hammer for every job, and similarly, different resources will serve different needs at different times in your journey.
Quick action plan:
- Choose one beginner-friendly book (like The New Menopause or Perimenopause For Dummies)
- Subscribe to one podcast that matches your learning style
- Bookmark specialist resources for deeper dives into specific symptoms
- Join online communities where you can discuss what you’re learning
Remember, knowledge truly is power when it comes to menopause. The more you understand what’s happening in your body, the better equipped you’ll be to advocate for yourself, make informed decisions, and navigate this transition with confidence instead of confusion.
You’ve got this. And now you’ve got the resources to back you up.
Affiliate Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links to books and resources mentioned. If you make a purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. I only recommend resources I genuinely believe will be helpful based on thorough research and community feedback. Your support helps me continue creating valuable content for women navigating menopause.
