First, we were told we all needed to have HRT to remain interesting for our husbands.
Then, we were told it was going to give us cancer and put us in an early grave.
Next, we were told HRT was safe and we had to take it, or we’d all end up with crippling brain fog, quitting our jobs and descending into dementia as the economy collapsed around us.
On the other side of the fence are those who argue that menopause is natural, it doesn’t need treating, and a cold-water swim could fix everything.
No wonder we’re more confused than ever.
Why has this happened? What does the evidence say? Menowars explains why menopause is such a political hot potato, taking into account the history of gender bias in health and health research, the void and how it’s filled, and what the evidence actually says. It answers questions like:
– will HRT prevent dementia?
– what you can do help your brain?
– will HRT prevent heart disease?
– what you can do to help your heart?
…and much more.
Menowars explains the silent changes you can’t see, and which need to be sorted, and why. Importantly, it not only shows why we’re arguing, it outlines where the science is heading so we can live longer, better, healthier lives in perimenopause and throughout the decades we spend in post-menopause.
Then, we were told it was going to give us cancer and put us in an early grave.
Next, we were told HRT was safe and we had to take it, or we’d all end up with crippling brain fog, quitting our jobs and descending into dementia as the economy collapsed around us.
On the other side of the fence are those who argue that menopause is natural, it doesn’t need treating, and a cold-water swim could fix everything.
No wonder we’re more confused than ever.
Why has this happened? What does the evidence say? Menowars explains why menopause is such a political hot potato, taking into account the history of gender bias in health and health research, the void and how it’s filled, and what the evidence actually says. It answers questions like:
– will HRT prevent dementia?
– what you can do help your brain?
– will HRT prevent heart disease?
– what you can do to help your heart?
…and much more.
Menowars explains the silent changes you can’t see, and which need to be sorted, and why. Importantly, it not only shows why we’re arguing, it outlines where the science is heading so we can live longer, better, healthier lives in perimenopause and throughout the decades we spend in post-menopause.
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Reviews
Menowars is a much-needed, no-nonsense takedown of the confusion surrounding menopause - finally giving women the science, clarity, and validation we deserve.
Fiona Clark has written what must become the go-to book about menopause. From medical misogyny to Tik Tok misinformation, from health scares about HRT to dementia risks, she looks at the facts, provides the evidence or tells you when it isn't there. She quite simply cuts through the noise and tells you, 'it is your menopause, your health, your future, your choices'.
Fiona Clark has achieved the impossible; an engaging and interesting book on menopause that breaks down the myths in a relatable, conversational style, while incorporating the best scientific data. In an environment that is saturated with influencers and advice, Fiona Clark's career as an investigative journalist shines through - she writes with credibility and authority; no stone is left unturned.
There is so much going on that is right at this moment - a modern menopause movement is mobilizing around much-needed reforms. Clark brings a critical journalistic lens and unpacks the policies needed to get us back on track. As a US-based advocate, I watch the global menopause landscape carefully; Clark's keen assessments are essential collateral.
This book is needed! It's written in a hilarious and digestible tone, heavily researched and separating fact from fiction. It's a bold, witty, inclusive and honest piece that everyone must read - after all, everyone will be affected by menopause either directly or indirectly.
Nothing like a smart, savvy Australian to tell it like it is - Fiona delivers an evidence-based, myth-busting, badass take on menopause that finally answers the big question, 'How the hell did we get to this point?'
This brilliant book provides a fascinating overview of how we have reached the current state of confusion over menopause management, where medical misinformation and over commercialisation are rife, leaving women unsure of who and what to believe. Fiona tackles the issues with wit and science, giving us her personal experiences as well as evidence-based advice from trusted medical experts.
At times horrifying (leeches on vulvas?), Menowars is exhaustively researched, engagingly written, and most of all, empowering. Fiona Clark makes sense of conflicting evidence and expert opinions, and brings to light the political, marketing and vested interests that influence women's health in ways most of us never realise.
The menopause landscape has become commercialised, commodified, competitive and combative. This brilliant, timely book will help you to understand why that has happened, and how to successfully navigate that landscape.
The menosphere is currently a chaotic, confusing and sadly messy space, and women are feeling more confused, overwhelmed and conflicted than ever before. That's why books like this are so important. As a highly experienced and well-regarded science journalist and editor, you can be reassured that everything Fiona writes will be fact-checked, impartial and evidence-based. I recommend that every woman, man, health care and media professional devours this book!
In a time when too many women still face stigma, dismissal or outright neglect, Menowars stands as a rallying cry for change and a lifeline for millions of women who have felt dismissed, confused, or unheard. It empowers women not only to advocate for themselves, but to demand better from the systems meant to serve them. This book will leave readers better equipped, better informed, and most importantly, reassured that they are not alone.
Menowars is the book I wish every woman would read. It's an insightful, wide-ranging look at menopause through the ages, across cultures and into the heart of today's medical, political and social conversations. With clarity, warmth and a welcome dose of humour, Fiona separates myth from fact, empowering readers to make informed choices - a smart, essential guide, and a surprisingly entertaining read, for anyone navigating the menopause journey.
The history of women's healthcare is tainted by misogyny, lack of research and the notion that women should just 'put up with it', and menopause care is no exception. This brilliant book will guide you like the north star through the modern maze of the menopause world. It explains with clear, no-nonsense language and journalistic meticulousness how we got here; and it gives you the research and the numbers, separating fact from fiction, so that you can make an informed decision when it comes to choosing the right path for your own menopause journey.
Fiona Clark has written a fabulous book which can only be described as 'the menopause book that we have all been waiting for, but didn't know that we were'. It's an A to Z on the menopause and a significant contribution to understanding it within the context of history, misogyny, capitalism and politics. I now understand why people think that menopausal women ought to 'put up and shut up', but the difference is that Fiona also gives us the tools and language to fight back.
In a sea of menopause advice, Menowars leaves no stone unturned. Sharp, fearless and utterly necessary, Fiona dismantles the misinformation plaguing menopause and gives the reader a solid foundation of knowledge to take away, and she does it with precision and wit. This is not just another menopause book, it's the one that should have come first.
I loved this book! As 'the Newsnight anchor of the menopause world', Fiona is perfectly placed to comment on the explosion of information and the deep confusion in the medical world about how to react to the rise of the influencer. A must-read, this is exactly what has been missing - clear, illuminating information, with lived experience adding to an informative and practical resource.
Menowars is smart, sharp, and unafraid to say what so many of us have felt for some time. Honest, necessary and long overdue.
Absolutely brilliant! This book makes you stop and think about where we are now, as women; where we have been, and how far we have to go.
A bold, brilliant and necessary book. Fiona unpacks the politics of menopause with journalistic rigour and clarity - challenging the status quo, exposing the gender health gap, and empowering women to advocate for better health and a fairer system. This is not your average menopause book - and that's exactly why it matters.
Thank you, Fiona, for such an enlightening book that's full of vital and relevant information delivered wit and humour. I absolutely loved it. Now, please, let's get the research we need done!
The current mantra that 'menopause is having a moment' is less about a sudden collective interest in menopause, and more about the economics of selling lotions, potions and promises of longevity. Menowars is an accurate, highly readable look about how we got here and more importantly, a guide to help women navigate information, from misinformation and disinformation. Menowars is a must-read - ideally before the first hot flash hits.
Honest, informed, and refreshingly direct, Menowars is the wake-up call we've needed. It shows just how much misunderstanding still surrounds menopause, and how vital it is that we keep pushing for better.