Brain Fog? Weight Gain? Read These 5 Perimenopause Books Before You Panic
By Kate Williams Stone
You know that moment when you’re standing in the kitchen, staring at the fridge, trying to remember why you walked in there?
And then you start wondering… Is this just brain fog? Or do I have a brain tumor?
Or maybe you’ve noticed the scale creeping up even though your daily routine hasn’t changed.
You’re eating the same, moving the same, but somehow your jeans are now a little too…
If you’ve caught yourself asking, “Is this normal?” more than once lately, you are not alone.
And let me say this out loud for the women in the back: It’s not your fault that no one taught you what to expect in this season of life.
We got Sex Ed in middle school (sort of), but where’s the Midlife Ed? The class where we learn about perimenopause before it sneaks up on us?
That’s where I come in.
Meet Kate
Hi, I’m Kate Williams Stone, a certified perimenopause health and life coach and HER expert contributor. I’ve put together a list of five must-read perimenopause books that will help you feel informed, empowered, and maybe even a little excited about what’s ahead.
It’s not your fault that no one taught you what to expect in this season of life.
The Menopause Manifesto by Dr. Jen Gunter
Menopause is unpredictable, but Dr. Jen Gunter is here to clear up the confusion for us. With frankness and evidence-based advice, she busts myths, dismantles shame, and delivers the facts we all deserve from a feminist perspective to perimenopause.
Dr. Jen reminds us that menopause is not a disease, it’s a natural transition and the more you know, the more confident you’ll feel navigating it.
The Menopause Brain by Dr. Lisa Mosconi, PhD
Cutting edge research by a leading neuroscientist, Dr. Mosconi dives deep into how menopause affects our brains from mood to memory and what we can do about it.
This book is a blend of cutting-edge science and practical strategies that prove menopause isn’t the end of mental sharpness… it can be the start of a better, more vibrant brain.
After reading this book, you will no longer be wondering brain fog or brain tumor? Instead you will know exactly what is happening in your menopause brain.
Grown Woman Talk: Your Guide to Getting and Staying Healthy by Dr. Sharon Malone, MD
If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the healthcare system or unsure about advocating for yourself, this book is your cheerleader and your coach.
Dr. Malone mixes expert advice, relatable stories, and no-nonsense guidance to help you live and age with confidence.
Reading this book encouraged me to collect the facts about my family medical history, along with being proactive about annual health screenings like mammograms and colonoscopies!
The Menopause Companion by Sasha Davies with Tori Hudson, ND
While menopause is finally getting its moment in the press (yay!), the extra attention also means a lot of misinformation — and plenty of diet culture noise.
This is the only Health at Every Size (HAES) and body-positive menopause book I’ve found, so it had to make the list.
Think of it as your friendly, evidence-based handbook. Davies and Hudson walk you through symptoms, solutions, and self-care practices with compassion and clarity.
Second Spring by Kate Codrington
This is The Artist’s Way of menopause books. Codrington reimagines menopause as a slow, beautiful metamorphosis — a transformation that asks for patience and grace.
It blends menopause education with supportive practices like yoga, meditation, and yoga nidra. Because menopause is more than physical — it’s emotional and spiritual, too.
Fun fact: Second Spring was our very first HOT {flash} SUMMER BOOK CLUB pick in 2024, and it sparked some of the most meaningful, honest conversations in our group.
Let's chat more!
If you’re craving deeper discussion about these books and you want a space that’s equal parts laugh-until-you-snort fun and soul-filling reflection, the HOT {flash} BOOK CLUB is where you need to be.
We meet online, we talk about way more than just the books, and we keep it real about this stage of life.
VIP list members will be the first to grab a spot in the next cohort — and with only 15 spaces available, it fills fast. Join us in the next cohort!
👉 Click here to add your name to the VIP list and be first in line!
About the Kate Williams Stone. Kate(she/her) is a certified non-diet health and life coach dedicated to helping women navigate the whirlwind of perimenopause with clarity and confidence.
Drawing from professional certifications in intuitive eating, body image, and weight-neutral health coaching (HAES) through Stephanie Dodier’s Going Beyond the Food Method™, Kate uses a trauma-informed, feminist approach to help her clients feel energized and at ease in their changing bodies.
Kate’s method is grounded in evidence-based principles and practical strategies that honor individual needs without the pressure of diets or rigid food rules.
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