Book recommendations: menstrual and reproductive health focus
As many of you know, I have a mini library of books in the treatment room at Elgin House. There are many reasons for this –
a. They look great;
b. I’m an avid reader and love any chance to chat books; and
c. Most importantly, they are a resource and starting point for you between sessions!
I’m often reminding my patients that there is a wealth of accessible knowledge out there beyond the short snippets of Instagram. This can support you in deepening your understanding and knowledge of your body, hormones and cycle.
As we near the Christmas break, I thought it could be worthwhile to suggest a few books for you to peruse whilst soaking up the summer sun. These are all available to borrow – so let me know which one tickles your fancy!
Menstrual Health
About bloody time – Jane Bennet & Karen Pickering.
Many of you know that I run menstrual education workshops for 10–12-year-old girls called Celebration Day for Girls. This initiative was developed by the brilliant Jane Bennet, who is the co-author of this book (which is why I am such a big fan)! About Bloody Time is an easy-to-read book which covers menstrual shame study findings, the mechanics of the menstrual cycle, the taboo of menstruation and how we can tackle its pervasive effects in society. Highly, highly recommend!
Traditional Chinese medicine for women – Dr Xiaolan Zhao
I love explaining in clinic how the menstrual cycle holds a central view within Chinese Medicine. For thousands of years, Chinese Medicine has viewed the menstrual cycle as another vital sign and an insight into one’s general health. So, if you’re wanting more of an insight into Chinese Medicine and its role in women’s health, this is the book for you! Dr Zhao was a doctor in China before migrating to Canada, where she now practises. This book is her introduction to explain how Chinese Medicine approaches diet and lifestyle changes throughout a women’s cycle. It covers a wide range of topics including PMS, depression, fertility, pregnancy and menopause.
Period power – Maisee Hill
A brilliantly clear and concise book about anatomy and the hormonal key players, an in depth understanding about the four phases of the menstrual cycle, as well as when to get extra support. Super great book. Added bonus as Maisie is also an acupuncturist!!
Healing pelvic pain – Dr Peta Wright
Gynaecologist Dr Peta Wright is a big advocate for integrative care, and has opened an integrative clinic in Brisbane. Hence, I was pretty excited when this book came out, as it dives deeply into the options beyond surgical intervention for pelvic pain. Dr Wright’s book provides an in-depth summary of pain (including the role of the nervous system), how diet and supplementation can assist with pelvic pain, and how trauma can impact an individuals pain presentation.
How to endo – Bridget Hustwaite
How to Endo dives into the ins and outs of endometriosi, management tips and ways to help one self-advocate. Unfortunately, Bridget’s story is so similar to the many of the stories that I hear in clinic, and I often recommend it as it can be SO helpful reading and relating to someone else’s experience of endo. It should be required reading for all!
Period queen – Lucy Peach
A fun informative book that helps girls & women learn more about their cycle and understand that we need different things at different times of the month. It has an over-arching theme that learning about your cycle can give you the chance to cultivate the most important relationship in your life; the one with your precious self. If reading isn’t your forte – Lucy also has a podcast about the four stages of the menstrual cycle.
The vagina bible – Dr Jen Gunter
An informative approach talking about all the facts, things to forget and when to seek help. It is broader than just menstruation – covering menopause, STI’s, medications, symptoms and conditions. More fact-heavy than some other books on this list, but a great insight. She has a very no-nonsense approach.
Fertility
Awakening Fertility – Heng Ou
This is a beautifully informative book for every stage of the pre-conception process. Imbedded with East Asian traditional wisdom, it also offers recipes and self help tidbits. It’s also one of those very aesthetically pleasing books!
Hard to Bear – Isabel Oderberg
An absolute powerhouse of a book exploring and explaining the science and silence of miscarriage. It is estimated that every five minutes someone in Australia experiences a miscarriage. However, it is never. spoken. about; often leaving women isolated and alone in their loss. This book combines personal stories with raising awareness and advocating for women and how the system is failing women who experience loss.
Pregnancy
The complete Australian Guide to Pregnancy and Birth – Sophie Walker & Jodi Wilson
This book is absolutely BRILLIANT! I recommend it to absolutely all my pregnant patients. You may have heard of Sophie through the Australian Birth Stories podcast, and this book is nothing different in terms of being inclusive, informative and insightful for pregnant women and their partners.
Birthing with confidence – Rhea Dempsey
Another wonderful book providing the knowledge and practical advice necessary for women and their partners. It covers birth culture, birthing options and ways of getting in touch with your pain and birth perceptions.
The first forty days – Heng Ou
Inspired by the Chinese practice of Zuo Yuezi of ‘sitting the month’, this book goes into the ins and outs of the fourth trimester. More often than not, women today are still expected to ‘bounce back’ after birth and this book does into the ins and outs of how taking a slower approach post birth is supportive for yours and bubs health. It includes practical suggestions and recipes to help support this new transition! (It’s also a great baby shower present fyi!).
Sex and relationships
Come as you are – Emily Nagoski
Once again, another topic that many of us should have learnt more about in school but didn’t! Come as you are totally debunks the common sexual myths, while supporting you to find your normal and create better sex and pleasure lives. I wholeheartedly believe the world would be a different place if everyone had to read this book.
The sex ed you never had – Chantelle Otten
I love a good book that challenges the satus quo and brings to light taboo topics – and this book is exactly that! It’s a total powerhouse for an inclusive dive into all thing sex, bodies and relationships.
All these books are on offer to borrow from the clinic. However, if you are interested in purchasing, most of them are available – althoughI highly recommend you buy them from independent local bookstores! In the north, I love to support and buy my books from either Neighbourhood Books (Northcote) or Brunswick Bound (Brunswick).