With a career spanning nearly three decades, Davina is firmly established as one of the nation's most successful TV broadcasters, with current hit series Long Lost Family (ITV) and The Masked Singer (ITV) just the most recent in a long list of hugely successful programming. Philip Jones, editor of The Bookseller and chair of the judging panel said publishers had played a role in creating conversations around "mental health, misogyny, sexuality and gender, the menopause and more". I bought this book on my kindle, I have now bought the hardback too, as it says in the book it needs to be visible. For example, personally, it is useful for me to know that hypothyroidism can trigger early peri menopause. Most of the book deals with the symptoms and treatments for menopause, but the last few sections address general ways to look after yourself while going through menopause and beyond, with a reminder that you are worth this and should treat yourself well.

For too long, women have had to keep quiet about the menopause—its onset, its symptoms, its treatments—and what it means for us. That’s because menopause – and perimenopause – is not a separate compulsory module in a GPs’ training.

But as I left Dr Newson’s clinic, I thought that if I, as a white, cis, rather privileged, well-informed journalist had made such an omnishambles of my own health, what was happening to those who couldn’t afford a private consultation? Menopausing will build an empowered, supportive community to break this terrible silence once and for all. I want us to keep talking, and to create a home for our menopausing community so no woman feels alone in her experience (we’ve got you).

While the first red flag tends to be the changes in your period pattern, there are various tell-tale signs that could break the news of the change, according to the NHS. This holistic approach has given me the tools to navigate all aspects of my life, including my perspective on and experience of perimenopause. It wasn’t just the menopause but midlife unravelling, too, or as psychotherapist Susie Orbach puts it: “The menopause arrives, seeking out our vulnerabilities like a guided missile, just as we need all our strength to cope with daily life.She said: “I think keeping your muscle strength is really important so strength training, which feels really counterproductive sometimes. Louise is a good friend and as passionate about spreading the message as I am; she will also be on hand to provide her expert scientific advice throughout the book. Full of lots of real people stories to help those that maybe feel somewhat alone or as if they’re going crazy, especially if experiencing this early in age. So many parts that I could relate to, and plenty more I now know I have to refer to in future moments of perimenopausal hell! No more scaremongering: just evidence-based info No shame: real women, real menopause stories, real empathy, real community Honest, no-holds-barred advice: Dry vagina?

She now prefers to see her menopausal breakdown as a breakthrough, having navigated the transition with therapy, mindful meditation, exercise and healthier eating. By completing your purchase, you agree to Audible's Conditions of Use and authorise Audible to charge your designated card or any other card on file. We ask for your permission before anything is loaded, as they may be using cookies and other technologies. In fact, the book goes as far as criticizing the prescription of antidepressants for women experiencing perimenopausal symptoms.There are two small areas of the book which mention ‘women who have had cancer’ it talks endlessly about HRT which is never an option for women who have had oestrogen positive cancers obviously! By exploring and explaining the science, debunking damaging myths, and smashing the taboos around perimenopause and menopause, this book will equip women to make the most informed decisions about their health… and their lives. For far too long, there’s been too little information, now we want to bust the myths, remove the taboo and create the book that every woman wants, and every man should read.

Broken down into fourteen different chapters with personal testimonies from women at the end of each one, it’s both illuminating and shocking. Micronised progesterone isn’t licensed on the NHS formulary in Scotland, Darlington, Doncaster and most regions in the north, while it’s much more easily available in London.To their credit they checked my bloods and did internal examinations and an ultra sound, but still shrugged their shoulders and offered me anti depressants for something that is so clearly horomonal. Chair of the British Book Awards judges and The Bookseller’s editor Philip Jones said: “Readers were the real winners this year, with titles ranging from Menopausing to Tyger to I’m a Fan demonstrating the remarkable virtuosity of the book business, especially for its role in amplifying and creating conversations around mental health, misogyny, sexuality and gender, the menopause and more. As someone who has personally benefited from antidepressants and professional psychiatric care during this phase in my life, I strongly believe that the book should have acknowledged the efficacy of these treatments and emphasized that women should not disregard them in favour of HRT alone.