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Menopause Manifesto
Dr. Jen Gunter
#arcreview
Pub date: May 25, 2021
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Manifesto definition: a written statement declaring publicly the intentions, motives, or views of its issuer.
“I demand that the era of silence and shame about menopause yield to facts and feminism. I proclaim that we must stop viewing menopause as a disease, because that means being a woman is a disease and I reject that shoddily constructed hypothesis. I also declare that what the patriarchy thinks of menopause is irrelevant. Men do not get to define the value of women at any age.”

Ok, I just turned 40 in February and these titles totally call to me as I know I may have some years yet but as it says I want to be prepared and I am all about preventative care. Btw got a mammogram last Saturday and no cancer detected! Yay first 40 yo adult level attained without harm! My hair is like 50% silver/white and my 7 yo is having mortality issues thinking I am getting old fast like this is a new thing. I think I should go back to blond so she doesnt notice it anymore. I digress.

This book goes into amazing detail depending on experiences and symptoms to look out for and here’s a few items that jumped out to me:
⏺There is so much shame in menopause isn’t there!? Such a patriarchal idea, that women are worth nothing now that they can no longer have babies. The more I read about this the more I am like it’s true you don’t hear about menopause. I want a menopause party! I want to start a trend! Let’s all have fun and say we survived our years of horrible periods and we may or may not have had babies and we are done!

⏺This author mentioned that “Hunger is an emotion” I can totally see that. I functioned that way for a long time. I am not at the moment cause of circumstances during the pandemic where I don’t have access to snacks during the day lol. So I only eat when I need to, not when my emotions tell me to. I used to withhold food from myself as well .

⏺Also, cardiovascular symptoms may be what are usual for men but those aren’t what women feel. So women are dying from heart attacks by misogyny. Women’s pain gets passed off as anxiety or complaining. Make sure to have a specialist who has expertise in female bodies and to advocate for yourself.


⏺150 minutes of moderate intensity aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous activity every week and strength training two or more times a week. – I have to stop being lazy and think about my bones which I know I am thinking about since they are aging and need to keep strengthened, let alone my heart and my body. – I think these are attainable minute goals instead of the time it would take for treatment if I get injured from being sedentary.

⏺Oooo I totally agree with the “ad feminem” attack on women when they are on their period, during and after pregnancy, on menopause that they can’t think or function properly – it is the core tenet of the patriarchy. I still feel like I get attacked even by other women who haven’t had children, my single female coworkers are worse than the men.

⏺Hmm so many interesting topics brought up for health conditions and just society’s viewpoint on aging women.
I have always found I got along better with older people – I even remember joining in on a senior water aerobic class when I was 6 cause I was more comfortable with them than with kids my age. I’ve always loved stories and to learn from who I am with and the generations before us who have lived in a different time have the best stories. I used to write my Great Aunt letters as a penpal in elementary and her letters were amazing. I have always been interested in how other people are experiencing life and physical life is so different for everyone.

⏺I got to the desire section! Thank goodness that coconut oil is ok to use lol. Btw I noticed when we tried to get pregnant using coconut oil as a lubricant after 6 months of failure we use a pre-seed oil and was pregnant within a few weeks within that ovulation cycle. My hypothesis and conclusion is that coconut oil is a deterrent for sperm but I’m not a professional. Just if you are having trouble getting pregnant and using it, use something else for awhile. So as I was saying I have always had in the back of my mind my body was broken, that I don’t have orgasms the same as they do in books and movies like super fast and easy. Besides that’s fictional and I have figured out my body and have communicated with my husband. All bodies are different and as long as you know how it works and are

⏺ Odor – STFU I have never bought into the douche game. It’s def a guy thing ugh patriarchy is in everything. Where is the testical freshening aisle?

Totally recommend this book for those going through menopause and as a proactive manual to help get past all the BS and how to advocate for your body when it starts changing.

Thank you net galley and kensington books for the e-ARC for my honest and voluntary review.

Synopsis:

Just as she did in her groundbreaking bestseller The Vagina Bible, Dr. Jen Gunter, the internet’s most fearless advocate for women’s health, brings you empowerment through knowledge by countering stubborn myths and misunderstandings about menopause with hard facts, real science, fascinating historical perspective, and expert advice.

The only thing predictable about menopause is its unpredictability. Factor in widespread misinformation, a lack of research, and the culture of shame around women’s bodies, and it’s no wonder women are unsure what to expect during the menopause transition and beyond.

Menopause is not a disease–it’s a planned change, like puberty. And just like puberty, we should be educated on what’s to come years in advance, rather than the current practice of leaving people on their own with bothersome symptoms and too much conflicting information. Knowing what is happening, why, and what to do about it is both empowering and reassuring.

Frank and funny, Dr. Jen debunks misogynistic attitudes and challenges the
over-mystification of menopause to reveal everything you really need to know about:

– Perimenopause
– Hot flashes
– Sleep disruption
– Sex and libido
– Depression and mood changes
– Skin and hair issues
– Outdated therapies
– Breast health
– Weight and muscle mass
– Health maintenance screening
– And much more!

Filled with practical, reassuring information, this essential guide will revolutionize how women experience menopause–including how their lives can be even better for it!