Perimenopause has a sneaky way of showing up uninvited—like NEPA taking light right when your favourite show is about to peak. One day you’re fine, the next you’re wondering why sleep suddenly ghosted you, why your moods are playing musical chairs, and why your body feels like it’s keeping secrets.
But here’s the thing: you’re not alone, and you’re definitely not powerless. More women are opening up the conversation, dropping the myths, and giving us the real tea about this major life phase. And luckily for us, there are books—written by women who’ve walked the walk—that serve as guides, companions, and hype-women rolled into one.
We’ve rounded up 5 empowering books that don’t just break down the science of perimenopause but also show you how to thrive while you’re at it. Consider them your survival kit for this beautifully complicated chapter.
1. Before the Change by Ann Louise Gittleman
If food is bae, this book is your Bible. Gittleman, a nutritionist, gives you the kitchen blueprint for balancing hormones, managing symptoms, and getting your body on your side. Think magnesium, vitamin B6, and stress-busting recipes that make “eating for your hormones” sound way less intimidating.
2. So Hot Right Now: The Little Book of Perimenopause by Alex Greengate
Short, sweet, and to the point—like gist with your favourite aunty. Greengate keeps it light while still giving you the basics on symptoms, tips, and how not to lose your cool when perimenopause decides to shake things up. Perfect if you don’t want to be overwhelmed but still want answers.
3. Why We Can’t Sleep by Ada Calhoun
Spoiler alert: it’s not just your hormones. Calhoun looks at the cultural and societal pressures on women in midlife (especially Gen X), mixing personal stories with deep commentary. If you’ve ever felt like the world expects you to juggle it all while your body is changing, this book will feel like that brutally honest friend who gets it.
4. Preparing for the Perimenopause and Menopause by Dr. Louise Newson
Dr. Newson is the plug if you want the science—straightforward, no frills. From hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to lifestyle tweaks, she unpacks the medical side of things in plain English so you can walk into your doctor’s office armed with knowledge (and confidence).
5. Perimenopause Power by Maisie Hill
This one is the all-rounder. Maisie Hill goes in-depth, covering everything from mood swings to sleep drama, giving you strategies that are equal parts practical and empowering. Think of it as a GPS for navigating perimenopause without losing yourself in the process.
Perimenopause is not a full stop—it’s a comma, a pause, a remix. These books prove that knowledge really is power, and with the right insight, you can move through this stage not just surviving, but thriving.