This is an absolute MUST read for all women! The book is organized perfectly to lead the reader into all aspects of women's help with experience, medical education, and medical journals to back it up. It is balanced perfectly between being medically dense, giving a personal narration, and female jokes. Although I am years from menopause, this book has given me the education I’ve wanted to prepare myself for those years without fear. I am left feeling like there is hope.

Thank you Netgalley, Brilliance Audio and Brilliance Publishing for this advanced audiobook in exchange for a review.

Round of (Meno)plause for this audiobook!!!!

Going Menopostal by Amy Alkon and narrated by Carrington MacDuffie is everything you need to know What You and the Real Science of Menopause and Perimenopause was an excellent audiobook, and it packed with so much information about the 2 dreaded words Perimenopause and Menopause. This is a great book or audiobook for us beautiful ladies who will or are going through this and I learnt so much. . . . . There is a end . . . . but a long way off!!

I really enjoyed the way the author Amy, shares her story and her own experiences in her own words, I thought I was going mad! when I could not get my words out and I started to get hot and sweat, when I was at the checkout to pay for my Shopping. . . . I bet the cashier thought I was drunk and my card was stolen!

This book/audiobook was a breath of fresh air. Thanks Amy!

Big Thank you to Brilliance Publishing | Brilliance Audio for my copy. I could hug you and Amy x

I needed to read this. Well listen to it. I just started perimenopause and I am already miserable. Growing up with no mother also cuts me off from these conversations.
And I need to be angry about how women are treated. It is hard enough to be an American.
This definitely helped me with my need to be angry.

4.25 stars!

Going Menopausal—er, Menopostal—is Amy Alkon’s blazing, brazen, and unexpectedly empowering deep dive into the hormonal rollercoaster otherwise known as menopause. If you're expecting a demure medical manual, toss that notion out with your expired birth control pills.

Alkon, known for her punchy wit and no-nonsense attitude, navigates night sweats, mood swings, and memory fog with the finesse of a stand-up comic who’s also done her research. Between personal anecdotes, interviews with top-tier scientists, and a barrage of footnotes sassier than your Aunt Linda after a wine spritzer, the book manages to be both laugh-out-loud funny and deeply informative.

Many, many thanks to the author, narrator, publisher and Net Galley for providing a free e-audio version of this title in exchange for my review.

This book was so good, before chapter 1 ended, I pre ordered a print copy for my bookshelf. I wanted to be able to mark some of the pages and take with me to a doctors appointment. I have done different types of research on my own, but so much information is bizarre or just plain wrong. I'm not a medical provider at all, so I can't speak to the accuracy of the information, but I really, really liked the writing style of the book, the frank and upfront writing was enjoyable and refreshing. This book made me mad, but in a good way, if you know what I mean. The anger is based in the lack of study and understanding of women's bodies. If the medical system's reaction or treatment of female health makes you angry - this book will too. But I also ended up feeling empowered at the end as well. So hopeful anger? Hmm...

The author also shares her story and experiences in her own words, and I felt so much less alone in navigating this time of my life.

4.5 stars. Recommend to women especially

This book was informative, interesting and helpful. I’m definitely the target audience. I have done a lot of research in this topic as I’m just moving into perimenopause so I don’t know if the science is correct or not. However, the history they presented and the resent research made sense. I thought the narrator did a fine job considering the topic is science and research based. In general, these audiobooks can be a bit dry. This was a topic of interest for me, so I enjoyed it. I received this book from Brilliance audio and Netgalley. All opinions are my own.

I got this as an audio arc on Netgalley, and it actually has come out today. I have some complicated feelings about this book, but I do recommend this book to those struggling with perimenopause. I recognised so much. The bits that are helpful are really really helpful and it gives you tools to take along to your doctors. It explains the science in a way that is very easy to understand. That the narrator was easy to listen to helped there. I found myself both agreeing and sometimes disagreeing throughout the book. That's why I recommend you research the info in this book for yourself and not just believe it's accuracy. Which is also what the author wants and recommends!

Please note that some of my complicated feelings are because the language and recommendations around fatness, diet and excersize are lacking. If you are sensitive to this, then skip.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the advance access to this book.

I am a physician and woman "of a certain age" who started hormone therapy recently, so I was very intrigued when I saw the description of this book. It is very well researched and informative - so much so, that at times I almost felt like I was reading a textbook. The author described her menopausal symptoms somewhat (over) zealously, but all of us who have gone through this should can relate, to a certain degree. The bottom line is that - after a very comprehensive review - the author strongly encourages women without risk factors to take oral progesterone for perimenopausal symptoms, specifically at the 300 mg dose if possible. She also discusses the use of estradiol and progesterone in the postmenopausal time frame for their other health benefits, including cardiovascular health and bone health. The ethnic differences she pointed out about African American and Asian women were really interesting, as most of the accepted research has been done on white women.

I did find some of the comments about doctors to be unnecessarily disparaging, as not all doctors in the community are clueless about menopause, but I respect the fact that the author was describing her specific experience. Also, she frequently referred to gynecologists as the doctors who treat menopause, but primary care doctors manage this every day, especially us female docs. But perhaps the community I practice in is different than where she lives.

I had some annoyances with the audiobook narrator. I found her voice grating, and when I first started listening, I could not tell if she was being sarcastic or sincere. (Turns out she was being sincere.) Additionally, she mispronounced several of the medical terms (menorrhagia, for one) and the medication names, which is a pet peeve of mine. Last but not least, who says "twenty-oh-two" instead of "two thousand two" when describing the year 2002? It was distracting and annoying.

All in all, though, the book was incredibly well researched and super informative. I enjoyed it.

DISCLAIMER: I have done zero of my own research so I can't speak to the accuracy of the information in Going Menopostal. Before taking any medical advice I strongly insist - and I am sure Amy Alkon, the author, agrees with me - that you do your due diligence and talk to your medical providers.

Going Menopostal will anger anyone who cares about women's health. How is it possible we know so little about how women's bodies work and change over time? How? You would think curiosity alone would lead researchers and doctors to explore such a fascinating topic. You would be wrong. Instead, women are left to muddle along the best they can with help from each other, a smattering of actual data, and intimate knowledge of their own bodies. Going Menopostal falls into the help from each other category. Amy Alkon shares her own experience and what she has learned through extensive research. Obviously, what works for one person might not for someone else. But it is hugely helpful to hear about one woman's lived experience and what she uncovered while looking for answers. You might come up with different answers. Do we all need to pursue a keto diet? Probably not. But understanding the state of the current scientific understanding of women's changing bodies is such a gift. And hearing Alkon share her story in her own words and voice made me feel not so alone navigating this confusing era. Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the audioARC.

Amy Alkon’s Going Menopausal is a refreshing, no-nonsense, and laugh-out-loud guide through one of life’s most misunderstood transitions.
Equal parts informational and hilarious, this book tackles the myths, facts, and frustrations of menopause with the kind of sharp wit and grounded honesty only Alkon can deliver.

With her trademark blend of science-backed insight and punchy humor, Alkon breaks down what’s actually happening in the female body during menopause—from hot flashes to brain fog, hormones to libido—while cutting through the nonsense that often clouds the conversation. It’s clear she’s done her homework, and even clearer that she knows how to make readers feel seen, heard, and empowered.

What sets this book apart is how age-appropriate and validating it feels. Alkon speaks directly to women who are tired of being dismissed or tiptoed around. She writes like your smartest, sassiest friend who also happens to be extremely well-informed—and isn’t afraid to say the things most people won’t. The result is a read that’s not only helpful, but liberating.

Whether you're on the cusp of menopause, deep in it, or just want to understand what the heck is going on, Going Menopausal offers practical advice, scientific clarity, and genuinely funny storytelling. It's the kind of book you’ll dog-ear, highlight, and lend to your girlfriends—with a warning that they’ll laugh-snort while reading.

Empowering, Hilarious, and Packed with Science 🌟 A Must-Listen for Women in Midlife

Going Menopausal by Amy Alkon is a powerhouse of a book, over 15 hours long, but worth every minute. This audiobook is equal parts empowering, informative, and laugh-out-loud funny. Alkon masterfully blends scientific research with sharp, irreverent humor, making even the most technical information feel accessible and engaging.

One of my favorite takeaways was her advice to keep a menopause journal to bring to your doctor, a simple but game-changing idea. She emphasizes how important it is to advocate for yourself in medical settings, and gives practical, clear advice on how to do that without apology. Her assertive yet relatable tone really encouraged me to be more proactive about my own health.

What sets this book apart is the balance: it's deeply rooted in research, but never feels dry thanks to Alkon's voice and wit. She covers everything from hormone therapy to diet and exercise, and even shares how she uses self-talk techniques,like reframing certain unhealthy foods as “poison” to motivate herself. It’s honest, raw, and incredibly useful.

I enjoyed the audiobook so much that I’m planning to buy a hard copy just so I can highlight the sections I want to revisit, especially before doctor appointments.

Highly recommended for anyone going through perimenopause, menopause, or supporting someone who is. It’s science-forward without being overwhelming, and a great reminder that knowledge and humor are powerful tools for navigating this stage of life.

Thanks to NetGalley and Brilliance Publishing for the ALC of this book; I am leaving this review voluntarily.

This well-researched book is great for beginners, that is, those starting perimenopause. My generations, Gen X, did not have mothers who talked about "the change" at all. If you don't know much about menopause, you are not alone! I read somewhere that in all of medical school, menopause is given 1 hour of training.

I didn't have a typical perimenopause. I just stopped getting my period and the next year when I went to the doctor, I realized it had been over a year since I'd had a period. .I had zero symptoms or issues. The doctor I had at the time pretty much told me congratulations, I was a bit young to go through menopause (43) and that was that. And I had zero issues until 6 years later, when the weight started piling on and my comprehensive metabolic blood tests showed all sorts of elevated numbers. Doctor said, don't worry about it. Just eat less and exercise more (and this was a female doctor). The next year I went back for my checkup and had gained some more weight and was told the same thing: calorie restriction and exercising more. By the third year, my doctor sent me to a nutritionist, who concluded I was doing everything right in terms of eating and sent me back to my doctor. That was enough for me.

I found another doctor who was like, Holy CRAP, your numbers on your blood tests are terrible and they have been for four years. She conducted more thorough tests and did not tell me to eat less and exercise more. But she left the practice six months later, so I had to find a new doctor. There are only two menopause specialists within a 30-mile radius and I went to one of them. She ordered a ton of tests, which led to further tests, and more tests after that, all the while, listening to me, really listening and validating my feelings. And I personally think the fact that so few doctors concentrate on menopause is ridiculous. It's literally ten years of our lives for some. Everyone picks OBGYN or Elderly care, but what about the time after childbearing but before we need senior care?

This book is a great overview, but due to my own research and menopause journey, knew most of the information provided in the book. It's a great resource for anyone who has questions.

9 days later….

Well this is so so sooo full of information on various aspects genealogical and pharmacological and the usual diet and exercise are paramount during any stage of life but particularly in this book during peri and menopause and even the years post menopause.

Rating this is based purely on the fact that it’s clear this author has done a lot of research based on some aspects I did have my own knowledge of other areas I don’t know about and considering this is the first deep area I’ve read/ listened to means I’ve no other comparison as to what my own beliefs are on the evidence that is shared within this book.

It is well narrated and delivered in such a humorous way I even had a few giggles along the way it is so enlightening for any woman or even men who want to learn about this subject in the medical field or for a loved one. As previously stated there are so many areas covered from fibroids, PCOS, cancers in how the hormones affect the body, to variety of drugs used the pros and cons, bone density affects of aging not mention weight gain, sleep issues, cognitive problems and so much more.

The hormones are explained in great detail in how our bodies are affected through the years and explained is the differences in race and stature etc not that every woman is going to be the same giving some brief outlines of figures for understanding a little more!

This is definitely an audiobook I will have to re-listen to quite a few times to fully absorb and realistically would advise possibly taking notes if you are currently researching this area at a deep level as you may gain a lot of information here! I’d like this one in a hard copy to have for future reference to highlight and review over the years when it’s needed it goes through so much from pre to post menopause it really is packed full of information!

Much gratitude and thanks to NetGalley & Brilliance Audio for this ELC in return for this review. Best wishes for publication on 20th May 2025 📚🎧🙏🏼❤️

Going Menopostal by Amy Alkon is an all encompassing study in the female body. When our medical practitioners do not have the time to research menopause, Amy Alkon and her journalistic skills do. Her outsider perspective gives her just the edge she needs to read heavily on this topic and "fight" the good fight for getting the treatment she knows she deserves despite physicians quoting that one out dated finding. Alkon's goal is to tip the patient / doctor relationship on its head to get the results needed to live a better life. Power of knowledge, data, and assertiveness!

If you do not know much on this topic, get ready you are about to learn all that and more. I personally, have read many books now on the subject and this one is snarky and fun. It reinforces what I have learned else where and I believe it takes several times hearing facts before you own them and can repeat them accurately to your lady friends who haven't read the literature.

My only critique is that Alkon focuses so much on herself and her own diagnosis that it becomes hard to relate or know what is right for me. Carrington MacDuffie does a fabulous job making you feel like you are chatting with a brilliant girl friend over a latte and scone!

Thank you for this advanced listeners copy of Going Menopostal!