1. The Natural Menopause Method - Karen Newby
Let’s start with nutrition and good food. Those of you who have been following me for a number of years will know how much importance I place on eating well.
Karen Newby is a registered nutritionist who has been practising for many years, and I love this book because it’s so simple and accessible.
I know that when you’re going through perimenopause or menopause, the thought of changing your diet can feel quite frightening. It can seem like such a monumental task, but this book makes it feel much more manageable.
Simple changes to help you eat well
There are straightforward instructions, little plans you can follow and practical suggestions for things to include in your diet.
One of my favourite parts is where you’re encouraged to write down all the new vegetables you introduce into your diet each day. It gives you a really good idea of what you’re eating – and what you might not be eating enough of.
It’s also one of those books you can simply dip into whenever you need a bit of inspiration.
Karen looks at the main symptoms of perimenopause and menopause and explores how some really simple dietary changes may help you support yourself through this time.
The lovely thing, too, is that Karen is bringing out a new book in October, focusing on post-menopause, so that will certainly be worth a read!
The Natural Menopause Method is available in hardback, and there’s also a Kindle edition.
2. Thriving Beyond Fifty - Will Harlow
Book number two is by Will Harlow, a physiotherapist who specialises in working with the over-50s.
I love this book because it’s full of really easy exercises to help you keep fit and healthy as you get older – which is exactly what I want to do!
When I discovered it, I was like, “Hooray!” Finally, something simple that I could follow.
Easy exercises for strength, balance and mobility
One of the things I started to notice was that I was losing strength in my grip. I was finding it really difficult to open bottle tops and jars.
There are some really simple exercises in this book to help improve your grip and build strength.
And you know how much I go on about the importance of avoiding sarcopenia (muscle loss), maintaining our balance and doing what we can to reduce the risk of falling.
Well, all of these things are covered in this book!
For me, it’s a really useful resource if you want to keep moving, maintain your strength and look after your body as you get older.
Thriving Beyond Fifty is available in paperback, and there’s also a Kindle and Audiobook edition.
3. Menopausal Years the Wise Woman Way - Susun S. Weed
This was actually the first book I bought when I started looking into menopause, well over 20 years ago.
It was something I knew I was approaching, but I knew absolutely nothing about it at the time.
When I came across this book, I just literally fell in love with it!
If you’re interested in natural remedies, natural health and earth wisdom, this is one you might enjoy exploring.
A different approach to menopause symptoms
Susun looks at a whole range of menopause symptoms, including crying, rage and feeling unhappy, as well as the physical symptoms.
What I particularly love is how she approaches each symptom in different ways, starting with simple steps and building from there.
Let’s say you’re experiencing hot flushes. You might begin by looking at why they’re happening and observing yourself and what’s going on in your life.
Are there things that might be triggering your hot flushes or sweats?
From there, the book takes you through different approaches, with each step offering something a little more involved. And if nothing helps, you can always explore the medical route.
Recipes, remedies and plenty to dip into
It’s a really lovely book, with lots of recipes and ideas for making your own herbal teas, creams and other simple things.
I still love dipping into it today. It’s always on my desk because there’s always something new to learn.
One of the things Susun wrote about that really stayed with me was the idea that when women are approaching menopause, they should go away and find themselves for a year.
When I first read that, I just thought, “Oh, that would be the most wonderful thing!”
And I know there are probably lots of you out there who would agree!
Menopausal Years the Wise Woman Way is available in paperback, and there’s also a Kindle and Audiobook edition.
Have you found a book that’s helped you through menopause?
I hope you’ve found these recommendations helpful.
Just so you know, this isn’t an advert. I haven’t been paid to talk about these books. They’re books I’ve followed faithfully over the years and have personally found really helpful.
I’d love to hear from you, too.
Have you read any books that have really changed things for you during perimenopause or menopause?
If you have, please share them with me! I absolutely love it when someone recommends something I haven’t heard of before. It means I can discover more information and explore new avenues, too.
Other articles you might find helpful:
10 self-care tips for perimenopause, menopause & postmenopause
