Having curated the perfect period book list, I naturally had to make one for menopause too. So many people ask me for resources. Please try to buy books from indy bookshops and avoid Amazon if you can. However, leaving reviews really helps non-celebrity authors get seen, so a review on Amazon really helps, and you don’t even have to have bought from there to do it, hooray! I would really appreciate some love for The Journal here and/or Second Spring here.
Second Spring – Kate Codrington
Widely considered to be a hug in book form: reassuring, practical and kind. It’s appropriate whether or not you take HRT or not, and covers spiritual, emotional, physical and practical aspects. Emma Barnett says: ‘This comforting book is a great and soothing accompaniment to the rollercoaster… and a soothing friend‘.
The Perimenopause Journal – Kate Codrington
My blooming gorgeous 52-week undated self-care journal for women moving into the perimenopause and beyond into postmenopause. ‘An essential resource’ according to Prof Annice Mukhurjee, it comes complete with Yoga Nidra audios to soothe, practical tips and support to build healthy habits.
The Natural Menopause Method – Karen Newby
Don’t diet, read this instead. This reframes menopause through the healing power of food. With evidence-based nutrition, realistic lifestyle advice and a warm tone, Karen shows how food restores energy and helps you feel stronger, clearer and more at home in yourself. See also her excellent recipe book here.
Eat To Thrive – Jen Salib
The title says it all! We need to nourish ourselves in the transition, and this has it in spades. I particularly like Jen’s approach to the psychology of food. After all, we know what we should be eating really, it’s the weirdness that needs to be cared for, includes great recipes too.
All Fours – Miranda July
This was deservedly shortlisted and featured on bestseller lists, because it is excellent. The best look into the sex life of a perimenopausal woman I’ve encountered: non-patronising, super real and hot as hell. Hotels should be giving Miranda a commission.
What Fresh Hell Is This – Heather Corinna
Notably the most inclusive book on menopause. Heather specifically addresses the issues of folk with disabilities, queer, transgender, nonbinary and other gender-diverse people, people of colour and the working class. No one should be left behind.
Hormone Repair Manual – Lara Briden
A book I return to again and again to support my clients, Lara is the business, she demystifies perimenopause with science, compassion and practicality, combines evidence-based research, natural treatments and real patient stories to offer solutions for the troubles of transition.
Metabolism Repair – Lara Briden
Lara’s latest in which she reframes weight and energy struggles as nervous-system and metabolic issues, not willpower failures. She gives a clear 10-step plan, real patient stories and practical strategies for long-term health.
Grow Your Own HRT – Sally Duffell
Another ronseal title. Sally gives the science and practical tips to grow sprouts for perimenopause nutrition. Especially useful for those who can’t, or choose not to take HRT, she matches symptoms with appropriate seeds. Having fresh sprouts transcends all that though, because they make your lunch nicer and you can’t argue with that!
Come As You Are – Emily Nagoski
Not specifically perimenopausal, but all about the reality of desire. Emily dismantles the myths surrounding female sexuality, blending accessible science with reassurance. A confidence-boosting guide to pleasure, agency and a kinder relationship with our bodies. Woohoo!
The Menopause Brain – Lisa Mosconi
Reframes hormonal change as a neurological transition, not a decline. Mosconi combines up-to-date science with practical guidance on hormones and lifestyle, showing how menopause can support cognitive health and mark the beginning of a vibrant, brainy new chapter.
The Complete Guide To The Menopause – Annice Mukhurjee
Another Ronseal title: this has everything. Mindset, food, movement, HRT, conditions and more. Annice went through the menopause at 41 following a breast cancer diagnosis, and is the top UK hormone specialist with nearly 30 years of experience. She knows her stuff.
Menopause Manifesto – Dr Jen Gunter
Jen Gunter is outspoken, feminist, evidence-based and brutally calls out anything she considers woo and exploitative on her socials. I can highly recommend her Substack, The Vagenda, where she decodes all the latest women’s health shenanigans.
Hagitude – Sharon Blackie
I am a complete fangirl, but there are many like me and no wonder. Mythic, lyrical and quietly radical, Hagitude reclaims midlife as a time of power, purpose and deep belonging. With psychology, landscape and ecofeminism combined to celebrate ageing, what’s not to like?
The New Menopause Years – Susun Weed
Everything you need to know about herbs for perimenopause, menopause and postmenopause. This is the bible on this topic that stands taller than whatever controversy surrounded Susun.
Autistic Menopause – Prof Julie Gamble-Turner and DrRachel Moseley
This comes out in January 2026 and I’ve not read it yet, but I have high hopes. Rachel Moseley recorded a podcast on this topic with me and was brilliant. I predict an avalanche of books on neurodivergence in 2026, and this is the first.
Please feel free to share the list with friends. If you want general resources, you can have a shufty here or for neurodivergence here, and hormone therapy (HRT) here.
Go gently out there,
Kate x
