The Complete Guide to POI and Early Menopause

(Paperback)

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Description

Support for every stage of your journey through early menopause and Premature Ovarian Insufficiency.

Finding out in your teenage years or early twenties that you are menopausal can be devastating; receiving the same diagnosis in your late thirties is overwhelming; learning that you are post-menopausal while undergoing fertility treatment in your early forties may leave you blind-sided. This is not the more natural, expected hormonal transition at mid-life that other, older women experience.

The Complete Guide to POI and Early Menopause offers a road-map to navigating the emotional and hormonal rollercoaster that accompanies these diagnoses. Drawing on their own experiences and their clinical expertise, the authors bring together the latest research, insights and the voices of women themselves with a whole-body approach that prioritizes empowerment and health.

It covers:

- Causes of early menopause and POI

- When, and how, to seek a diagnosis

- Medical and surgical menopause

- Hormonal and non-hormonal treatments

- Nutrition, Lifestyle & Self-care

- Fertility

- Sexual wellbeing, relationships and self-identity

- Early menopause, education and work

Inclusive, compassionate, and featuring FAQs, guidelines and further resources, this book is the only one you will ever need if you are facing the unique challenges of menopause and POI at a stage of life when you least expected it.

Reviews

Women's health - especially POI and early menopause - has historically not been given the priority it deserves. The stories of the women throughout this elegantly crafted book demonstrate just how important it is to design care around them. Informative and essential reading. * Mr Eddie Morris, Menopause specialist and former Chair, British Menopause Society *
A beacon of hope for anyone facing premature ovarian insufficiency or early menopause - an incredibly important and timely publication from two of the UK's leading experts in female hormonal healthcare. * Dr Helen Kemp, editor of 'Surgical Menopause Not Your Typical Menopause' *
A wonderful resource for conditions that affect countless women, yet don't receive adequate attention. * Dr Rupy Aujla MBBS BSc MRCGP, founder 'The Doctor's Kitchen' *
An excellent, concise book. It has so much practical information that as a GP I will apply in my clinical care, and it's the first to cover cultural aspects around early menopause - making it a standout inclusive book. * Dr Nighat Arif, BBC resident GP, ITV 'This Morning' GP *
A must-read, with all the information and practical advice a woman could need when faced with POI or an early menopause. But more than that, it offers support, understanding and the empathy that comes from the lived experiences of countless women who have also confronted this under-recognised condition. * Dr Ellie Cannon, GP and 'Mail on Sunday' columnist *
Much-needed - an incredible guide and resource for health professionals and people with early menopause alike. As a cancer doctor, this book will provide me with the confidence to discuss issues relating to early menopause more openly, with a trusted, evidence-based and inclusive resource that will support physical and mental well-being using a whole person approach. The professional knowledge and personal experience that Hannah and Mandy have captured is unique, important and makes this book exceptional in its scope and reach. * Dr Shireen Kassam, Consultant Haematologist and Lifestyle Medicine Physician *
Bloody Marvellous! An outstanding piece of work clearly written with great care and attention to detail. Informative and insightful, a true labour of love. Brava Hannah and Mandy, this will help so many. * Diane Danzebrink, Therapist, Speaker, Educator; Founder of Menopause Support and the #MakeMenopauseMatter campaign *
If you want to know everything about an early menopause, then this is the book for you. Written by two women who are brilliant doctors, with easy-to-understand explanations and sound evidence-based advice. As one of the authors experienced an early menopause first-hand, the book offers valuable insight into a condition that is still poorly understood. I highly recommend it. * Dr Bella Smith, GP Partner (@thedigitalgp @thewell_hq) *
An excellent comprehensive resource not only for women in early menopause, but anyone in the women's healthcare field. The topics covered will empower women to make informed decisions and advocate for themselves in a health care system that is often lacking the complete picture regarding the impact that the loss of female reproductive organ functionality has on overall physical and mental health. * The Surmeno Connection *
This book is so in-depth, offering all the information, clinical evidenced research, practical advice and helpful tips that anyone who has POI or is going through early menopause, their partners, family members and friends will need to lead happy, healthy lives. It should be on the reading list of every medical school and in every GP practice, such a valuable resource for both patients and healthcare professionals. * Samantha Evans, co-founder of Jo Divine and sexual health and pleasure expert *
For millions of women, early menopause is often misunderstood, misdiagnosed and they are left feeling abandoned with their symptoms. This fantastic resource from two of my favourite doctors will now be my go-to resource and recommendation for my menopause community. * Amanda Thebe, Menopause Coach, Podcast Host and author of 'Menopocalypse' *
As someone going through an early menopause due to surgery and chemotherapy, this really is the complete guide for me. With the medical information explained in simple language, a range of helpful tips, and anecdotes from others experiencing early menopause, this will be my go-to guide going forward. I will certainly be recommending this book to others in my situation. * Sara Liyanage, author and founder, @tickingoffbreastcancer *
Hannah and Mandy write with wisdom, knowledge, experience and compassion. While the menopause has long been neglected by the healthcare profession, early menopause and POI are even more so - leaving patients feeling isolated and unsure of where to turn. This inclusive and comprehensive book is such a valuable resource. I'm confident it will be instrumental in improving both awareness and support for all women and AFAB people affected by this particularly overlooked area of menopause care. * Sarah Graham, health journalist and author of 'Rebel Bodies: A guide to the gender health gap revolution' *
If you, your partner, friend, or colleague has experienced premature ovarian insufficiency or early menopause - this is a must read. This expertly written, evidence-based book busts commonly held myths and explains POI and early menopause in a really supportive and easy to understand way, covering treatment options, self-help, fertility options, psychological wellbeing, libido and more. The holistic approach that Hannah and Mandy take in these pages perfectly supports women by empowering them with the knowledge they need to manage their condition. * Dr Anne Connolly MBE, chair of the PCWHF and RCGP Champion for Women's Health *
I love this book! The authors don't shy away from using medical terms, but explain them in clear, plain language, which will be helpful if they happen to be used in a consultation. The book also gives useful practical guidance, such as how to prepare for a consultation and speak to a clinician, as well as what HRT preparations are suitable for vegans. I commend the authors for raising issues rarely mentioned in 'mainstream' menopause medicine, including the experiences of people of non-White heritage and transgender and non-binary people, and for so powerfully sharing the voices of people affected by POI and early menopause. Essential reading. * Dr Nneka Nwokolo, consultant physician in sexual health and HIV medicine and co-founder, @shadesofmenopause *
Understanding and awareness of our hormone history and hormone health is woeful. When you're given a cancer diagnosis, all you worry about is staying alive and understanding your treatment options. Many don't consider that being slammed into an early menopause is often one of them. If you discover you're at high genetic risk of cancer development and opt for risk-reducing surgery such as having your ovaries removed - you are similarly thrust into menopause, with a multitude of symptoms and impacts. It's after these events that the frantic search for information begins. This book is full of the expertise, evidence and personal experience that so many need; a literal information life-line. * Athena Lamnisos, CEO, gynaecological cancer charity, The Eve Appeal *
There is no stone left unturned in this excellent read. This book is so needed and I am thrilled to see Hannah & Mandy covering all aspects of early menopause with so much evidence-based factual information. An essential read for those experiencing early menopause and a crucial best friend on this journey which is so complicated and complex. This book will empower and support so many women. * Catherine O'Keeffe, Menopause Coach and Speaker *
This book provides a 360 degree insight and approach to POI and early menopause, the first of its kind in the menosphere. It equips the reader with an array of information from both a medical and non-medical perspective. The authors also cast the net far and wide to include a diverse understanding, which is a refreshing change. The narratives that are explored in this book offer different views for people to understand others' menopausal needs. * Nina Kuypers, Founder, Black Women in Menopause *
This book is a very welcome and much needed source of information, clear and accessible, with many quotes from people who have been through the process of finally obtaining a diagnosis. The authors highlight that this is still too often a journey which is difficult and too often women are dismissed or their symptoms not identified as being due to ovarian failure. I highly recommend this to people wondering about whether these diagnoses could apply to them, or who have recently been diagnosed. I would also urge all GPs and other Healthcare professionals caring for women to read it to gain a better understanding of these conditions. * Dr Katy Munro, GP Headache Specialist, Host of Heads Up podcast, Author of 'Managing Your Migraine' *
At last - a friendly, factual and informative book for women like me who have had an early menopause. I wish this book had been around when I needed it. * Dr Liz O'Riordan, Speaker, Author, Storyteller, Podcast Host and Co-author of The Complete Guide to Breast Cancer *
I wish this book had been available when I experienced premature ovarian insufficiency at age 38. Despite being a fully trained ObGyn, I did not know where to turn for reliable medical and lifestyle advice. Dr Hannah Short and Dr Mandy Leonhardt's book is a must read for anyone living with POI, their loved ones and for all health professionals. My patients are going to hugely benefit from this thoroughly researched, evidence-backed gem that compassionately covers a condition that is rarely highlighted despite so many living with the consequences. * Dr Nitu Bajekal, MD, FRCOG, Dip IBLM Senior Consultant ObGyn and Author

Author Bio

Dr Hannah Short is a GP and accredited specialist in menopause and premenstrual disorders. She has a particular interest in premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) and surgical menopause, and in the impact of lifestyle interventions, including plant-based nutrition, on female hormonal health. She has personal experience of premature surgical menopause, which drives her passion and informs her work. She lives and works in East Anglia, UK.

Dr Mandy Leonhardt is a General Practitioner, certified nutritionist (MNU) and menopause specialist. She has a particular interest in women's hormonal health, lifestyle medicine and nutrition. She lives and works in Hampshire, UK.