For decades, three vital hormones in the female body, progesterone, estrogen and testosterone, have been misunderstood, dismissed and feared. Their critical roles in improving function of women's brains, bones, hearts and long-term health have been ignored.

Confusion between natural, body identical hormones and synthetic, chemically altered 'hormones' has distorted medical guidelines and shaped media narratives. The result? Countless women struggling with hormone imbalances left untreated, misdiagnosed or told to take antidepressants and other medications instead of being prescribed the hormones their bodies are lacking.

In this bold, evidence-based book, leading doctor and women's hormone specialist Dr Louise Newson exposes the uncomfortable truth behind medicine's blindness and complacency, revealing how women's suffering has been normalised for generations. Drawing on powerful medical history, science and decades of clinical experience, she dismantles myths around menopause, HRT and so-called 'sex hormones', and gives women the knowledge that has been withheld for too long.

The Power of Hormones exposes why so many people have been let down and continue to be failed by outdated medicine. Passionate, empowering and refreshingly honest, the book shows how understanding and restoring hormonal balance can transform quality of life as well as future health.

Testimonials for Dr Louise Newson:

'You changed my life for the better! Your care and devotion to the women you help is outstanding.'

'You have saved countless women's lives with your team's dedication and help, enabling all of us women to live our best lives.'

'I honestly believe I wouldn't be here today if it wasn't for you and I'll always be grateful for that.'

Dr Louise Newson is fast becoming the leading medical expert on hormone health. This revised and expanded edition of her bestselling book has all the information and advice you need to understand the impact of low hormone levels on your perimenopause symptoms as well as on your future health post-menopause. There’s an up-to-date guide to HRT doses, how to deal with HRT availability fluctuations, new research on testosterone and its benefits beyond libido boosting and startling findings on how low hormones can increase our propensity towards addictive behaviours, including intake of alcohol. New interviews with experts including Dr Lisa Mosconi discuss pertinent questions such as whether HRT can reduce the risk of dementia, and new case studies from Newson Health reveal essential research on how hormone imbalance can impact the neurodivergent brain.

With the gender pay gap highlighting inequality in the workplace and women’s pension pots diminished, it is vitally important that the frightening stats showing almost 60% of women have taken time off work or reduced their hours due to menopause symptoms are broadcast far and wide. This book will empower and inform you to improve your own menopause care as well as understand the bigger societal issues that have been ignored for far too long.

Dr Louise Newson is one of the UK’s leading medical experts on the menopause; the doctor “who kick started the menopause revolution”. Having transformed the lives of hundreds and thousands of women and their families through her work, Dr Louise is determined to help even more women thrive, to debunk myths and break taboos, and to educate everyone – including men – about the menopause.

Having worked as a GP as well as opening Newson Health menopause clinic, she has built a wealth of knowledge from first-hand experience of treating perimenopausal and menopausal women. In this definitive guide, Dr Newson lays out everything women need to know to understand and reclaim their power during this stage of life: what to expect, how best to manage symptoms, and what help is available.

Drawing upon exclusive new research, hundreds of case studies and Dr Newson’s personal experience, The Definitive Guide to the Perimenopause and Menopause shares the facts, the science plus a range of medical and lifestyle changes that could help you, including:

– The key facts about hormones
– The essential guide to HRT
– Navigating an early menopause
– Exercising and the menopause
– Eating for a better menopause
– Taking care of your mental health during the menopause
– Real case studies from women
– Expert views from specialists Julia Samuel, Joe Wicks, Dr Rupy Aujla and many more

This essential guide will leave you with a clear understanding of what perimenopause and menopause is, how best to navigate your relationships and career and it will arm you with the knowledge and tools to help you thrive through this vital phase of life.

Take charge of your menopause and feel great

Dr Louise Newson is the UK’s leading menopause specialist, and she’s determined to help women thrive during the menopause.

Despite being something that almost every woman will experience at some point in their lives, misdiagnosis, misinformation and stigma are commonplace. In Preparing for the Perimenopause and Menopause, Dr Newson will demystify the menopause and show why every woman should be perimenopause aware, regardless of their age.

Drawing on new research and empowering patient stories from a diverse range of women who have struggled to secure adequate treatment and correct diagnosis, Dr Newson will equip you with expert advice on:

· Common and ‘taboo’ symptoms to look out for
· HRT treatment options
· Going through an early menopause
· Getting a good night sleep
· Optimising your nutrition in the menopause
· Exercising for a better menopause
· Your mental health during the menopause

Dr Newson empowers women to confidently take charge of their health and their changing bodies. It’s never too early to learn about the perimenopause or menopause and this essential book will equip you with everything you need to know.

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Dr Louise Newson is donating 10% of all royalties she receives for the book to The Menopause Charity.

Part of the Penguin Life Experts series.