Pages | “The Menopause Manifesto: Own Your Health with Facts and Feminism” by Dr. Jen Gunter

REVIEW BY MEREDITH MCKINNIE

“Menopause is puberty in reverse – a transition from one biological phase of ovarian function to another, but the way we view these two events couldn’t be more different.”

Much like the woman-specific subjects of periods and pregnancy, menopause has been shrouded in silence. In this part-manifesto, part-medical guide, Dr. Jen Gunter pulls back the menopausal curtain, exposing what women need to know and suggesting why they’ve known so little for so long. Dr. Gunter covers everything from menopause’s history and language, to biology and timing; she documents biological changes associated with menopause and why women are at higher risk for disease during and post-menopause. It’s not all bad news, as some results are more related with aging than specific to menopausal changes, and many side effects can be treated with specific therapies. Dr. Gunter leans into the misguided language around menopause, insisting what society calls a “hot flash” should instead be termed “hot flush,” as the experience lasts for several minutes and feels like one is burning from the inside out. Her no-nonsense approach to challenging the discourse is refreshing for anyone suffering the side effects of perimenopause or menopause..

The word “feminism” is in the title, and Dr. Gunter does not shy away from explaining why, everything from women-specific medical treatments being more expensive, to women’s concerns being dismissed simply because of the source. We’ve all been called “hysterical” when we claim bodily issues that can’t be explained away easily. Predominantly, Dr. Gunter preaches self-advocacy, of trusting your bodily intuition, insisting we know what it’s like to live in our bodies. Dr. Gunter writes, “Women are so much more than just our ovaries, so it’s important to sit back and look at the whole picture for perspective.” While a doctor does possess medical knowledge, we possess “our body” knowledge. Combining those perspectives leads to the best medical care throughout a woman’s life.  

While the Menopause Manifesto extends quite a bit of medical knowledge, it is not filled with medical jargon. You don’t need an M.D. to read this M.D. Each chapter is broken into small sections, all appropriately titled and suitable to read sections pertaining to your specific concerns. Dr. Gunter gracefully extends her own experiences being 8 years post-menopausal at the time of printing – everything from her mother’s refusal to talk about menopause, to her own curiosity about her changing body, and her inspiration to be the voice for others afraid to ask the pertinent medical questions. If this topic interests you (or like me, you’re plagued by night sweats, brain fog, etc.), Dr. Gunter provides sound information and medical guidance in a relaxed, oftentimes amusing, and “I am woman. Hear me roar!” fashion.