This post was originally published on Audible.com.
Women's health issues are under-researched, underfunded, and underdiagnosed across the board, plagued by inaccessibility, discrimination, and silence. It's hardly surprising, then, that menopause is a subject that remains taboo socially and in health care settings alike. In a world where "women's health" is stigmatized and characterized by a distinct lack of research, it's all the more important for women, those assigned female at birth, and all those who experience menopause to have access to accurate, useful, and helpful information about "the change."
Luckily, there is no shortage of authors breaking down those barriers and speaking openly about their own experiences with menopause and women’s health. These fascinating, deeply important listens embrace the topic of menopause and aging, examine women's health from new angles, and encourage open conversations about health, well-being, and aging.
Nonfiction
Who better than Emmy Award winner Samantha Bee to bring humor and honesty to women's health care? The Full Frontal host brings her trademark wit to this Audible Original one-woman show, recorded live for a sold-out crowd at the Minetta Lane Theatre. Bee gets real about menopause, shattering taboos, and sharing everything she's learned about the change in this smart, sharp listen.
Film star Naomi Watts entered menopause at age 36, just after finishing filming on King Kong, and was at a loss for what to do. Watts has funneled all her hard-gained personal expertise and research into this funny, powerful guide to menopause and aging. Her and Allyson Ryan's down-to-earth, smart narration is personal and companionable.
Emmy-winning journalist Tamsen Fadal has been sharing menopause information for years, as the creator of the documentary The M Factor and blog The Menoverse, which shed light on this underdiscussed subject. Her new book, How to Menopause, is another groundbreaking resource. With 30 years of experience as a news anchor, Fadal brings expert research and narration to her audiobook, which combines science-backed strategies and personal experience to every subtopic, from hormone therapy and sexual wellness to hot flashes and nutrition.
Dr. Karen Tang is determined to help women advocate for the health care they need. In this book, narrated in Dr. Tang's steady, informative voice, listeners get an inside look into women's health issues, from endometriosis to fibroids. Tang unpacks them, giving listeners questions and prompts that will help them identify symptoms and advocate for themselves at the doctor's office.
Dr. Haver, an OB/GYN, YouTuber, and women's health activist, breaks down all the symptoms, issues, and risks women might have to deal with as the estrogen in their body begins to drop. Through her own narration, she shares the latest research on hormone replacement therapy, gives recommendations on how to advocate for yourself and what to advocate for at the doctor's office, and shares her own story along the way.
Darcey Steinke struggled her way through her own menopausal experience. That is, until she found out that there's one other mammal that experiences menopause: the killer whale. This inspired her to dig deeper into the fun facts, wild histories, and unexpected knowledge of menopause, culminating in this honest, raw book narrated by Steinke herself.
It took test after test after test before doctors could finally tell Jancee Dunn what was wrong: She was experiencing perimenopause. She was totally unprepared, despite being a reporter who focused on health. Now, narrating her own words, she uses interviews, research, and personal experience to tell women how they can do everything from improve their sleep to stop peeing when they sneeze.
This well-organized, comprehensive book of expertise, advice, and knowledge about menopause will be useful for all listeners, but is tailored to support Black women and the kind of health care challenges they face. The book includes a deep dive into how menopause is viewed through different cultural lenses. All the resources are shared via accessible, direct narration from Doreen Pierce.
Clarke's guidebook teaches basic biology, gives advice about hormone replacement therapy, and tries to meet readers where they are, making sure they know that they aren't alone and that menopause is not the end of the world. With caring, reassuring writing brought to life by narrator Ann Russik, listeners will feel prepared to face menopause.
Author and narrator Dr. Malone wants to empower women—especially women of color—to face their health concerns and goals straight-on. She gives clear, helpful advice and information, shares her own stories, and, most of all, cheers on her listeners, encouraging them to speak up, plan, and get what they need.
Fiction
For the mid-life book club: The New York Times called All Fours "the first great perimenopause novel" with good reason. In Miranda July's newest, an artist at the precipice of hormonal and libido changes decides that she needs to reinvent herself. Her cross-country road trip becomes a motel stay not far from home. She struggles with balancing what she wants with what she already has. Worth noting: July herself narrates this novel, a fitting choice as it has semi-autobiographical inspirations.
A heated rivalry of sorts: Part of a new series featuring menopausal protagonists, a hot pro-hockey player and single dad agrees to be Olivia's fake date to her ex-husband's wedding. Despite insomnia, hot flashes, and not feeling very sexy, the sparks between them start to feel real. Brought to life by: Willa Jaymes and Lucas Dixon bring these fun, easy-to-root-for protagonists to vivid life.
If you loved the movie: Iconic for being the novel that inspired the 1991 Academy Award-winning film Fried Green Tomatoes (which was co-written by Fannie Flagg herself), this modern classic features two women, elder Mrs. Threadgoode and middle-aged Evelyn, who is living through "the change" and longing for a different path. A turning point: The remarkable narration by Lorna Raver underscores this is one of the first mainstream novels to seriously address the pain of menopause, and the power of female friendship at such a momentous time. A worthy rediscovery.
Menopause + mystery: Three Long Island women start to experience the first signs of menopause—and with them, strange new powers that they can't explain. When they stumble onto the mystery of a teenage girl, her body abandoned by the beach, and her case written off by police, they decide to solve the crime themselves. All the rage: This is a fast-paced thriller narrated by fan-favourite narrator January LaVoy.
