Rating: Excellent BodyLogicMD Review: Dr. Northrup’s book, The Wisdom of Menopause is a must read for anyone needing medical information about menopause but also for those needing information on how their emotions and stressors affect their journey. Her book is well researched and referenced for those that want scientific proof in what she has to say. However, she also utilizes personal stories of her own and her patients to connect to the reader. The connection allows you to really incorporate what she has to say.

Summary:

The book starts with Dr. Northrup’s personal journey through school, marriage, childbearing and divorce. It allows us to see her fears, obstacles, successes and shortcomings. We realize that she has been through many of the same things we all go through which gives even more credence to her message. The spirit and the body are connected and this connection is truly tested during menopause. She sees it as a time of great growth and increasing ability to understand your inner needs and voice them in your most significant relationships.

She discusses moving from dependence to healthy autonomy and finding the balance between caring for ourselves and caring for others. This includes empty nests, vocational awakenings and becoming clear on money. Dr. Northrup covers the science of what is happening to your hormones during menopause and how this affects other parts of your body including thyroid and adrenal function. She offers suggestions on how to manage significant perimenopause problems such as pelvic pain, heavy bleeding and fibroids. There is an extensive chapter which discusses bioidentical hormones and hormone replacement therapy with its pros and cons. Chapters 6 and 7 discuss foods and supplements that may be helpful to support menopause and review a Menopause Food Plan.

Dr. Northrup tackles the myths and reality of sex and menopause. She also gives advice on nurturing your brain, improving sleep, depression memory loss and Alzheimer’s. There is wonderful information on wrinkle prevention, bone health, breast health and heart health. It cannot be overstated how refreshing it is to see the scientific information intermingled with personal stories and connection to the spirit. I highly recommend this book to any woman in menopause or perimenopause.