Book Club: The New Menopause — Because It’s Not All in Your Head
We’re excited to announce our next Procrastinator’s Book Club selection:
The New Menopause by Dr. Mary Claire Haver
If you’ve ever wondered why your body suddenly seems to be playing by different rules as your hormones shift — this book is for you.
Using her Pause Life Menopause Toolkit, Dr. Haver connects the dots between changing hormones and six essential areas of health:
• Nutrition (like… what’s the big deal about protein and creatine, and why it can feel like you’re being told to eat a yak’s weight in grams each day)
• Movement (and why strength training matters)
• Sleep
• Stress management
• Hormone replacement therapy
• Community
What the Book Covers
1. A Comprehensive A–Z Symptom Toolkit
The book addresses a wide range of symptoms associated with hormonal shifts — many of which surprise women — including brain fog, joint pain, muscle loss, sleep disturbances, heart palpitations, and a range of neurological, musculoskeletal, psychological, and sexual concerns.
2. Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
Dr. Haver is a strong advocate for HRT and walks through the latest research on benefits and risks.
3. Health Risks Associated with Menopause
She outlines how dropping estrogen levels are linked with increased risk for diabetes, dementia, Alzheimer’s, osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease, and weight gain.
4. Validation
A central theme of the book is that women’s symptoms are real and not “all in your head.”
5. Self-Advocacy Guide
The book offers practical tools for preparing for doctor visits, asking informed questions, and advocating for comprehensive care.
No Pressure to Read It Cover-to-Cover
As always, all are welcome. This book club is meant to support you, not become another stressor on your to-do list.
If reading time feels scarce, here are some other ways to engage with Dr. Haver’s work:
Podcast Interviews:
Cracking Open with Molly Carroll: Dr. Mary Claire Haver Is Our Favorite Menopause Guru!
https://molly-carroll.com/episode-57-shes-back-dr-mary-claire-haver-is-our-favorite-menopause-guru/
Huberman Lab with Andrew Huberman: Dr. Mary Claire Haver – How to Navigate Menopause & Perimenopause for Maximum Health & Vitality
https://www.hubermanlab.com/episode/dr-mary-claire-haver-how-to-navigate-menopause-perimenopause-for-maximum-health-vitality
The Goop Podcast with Gwyneth Paltrow: What No One Ever Told Us About Menopause with Dr. Mary Claire Haver
https://goop.com/the-goop-podcast/what-no-one-ever-told-us-about-menopause/
Warmly,
Dr. Krista
Olive Says
Book club? Sure, I’ll come.
But I need to know: will there be snacks? Because if we’re talking about consuming “a yak’s weight in protein grams,” I’m assuming there will be cheese. Or at least those little crackers.
Also, I don’t understand what all the fuss is about. My hormones are impeccable. I sleep great, my joints work fine, and my brain has never been foggy. When I’m hot, I pant. When I’m stressed, I nap.
You humans tend to complicate things.
But I support you anyway. That’s what best friends do.