I decided to review this book as I have been enjoying it so much lately and have learnt so much more. I have been on my menopause journey for about 2 years but to be honest probably longer. After watching Davina’s documentary in May 2021, I wrote this blog https://vwjcounselling.com/2021/05/14/davina-mccall-and-the-menopause/ and I started to really look at the menopause and how it affects women.
As a counsellor I see so many women who are burnt out, can’t sleep, are struggling at work, have aches and pains and have gone off sex, and what do they all have in common, being over 40! I have started asking clients about their cycle and the relief on their faces when they see that I understand and am listening is heart breaking. I encourage them to do their research and visit their GP with information about what they want, that the symptoms speak for themselves! I had an ovary removed at 43 (50% less hormone production straight away) and I was told 43 was too young! That is when I believe my perimenopause started. But it took me watching Davina’s documentary to do anything about it. Why do we not talk about it, learn about it in schools and why are GPs not clued up on something that affects 50% of the population?
This book, “Menopausing” by Davina McCall with Dr Naomi Potter has fallen into my hands at the right time as I was starting to think that my HRT wasn’t working. Reading this gave me the confidence to have another appointment to discuss my symptoms and change my regime. I went privately and saw a Dr via online consultation, not ideal with the current cost of living crisis but MY HEALTH MATTERS! If you are looking for a specialist try https://www.newsonhealth.co.uk/ you have probably heard of Dr Louise Newson, The Menopause Dr.
Anyway back to Davina’s amazing book…
I love how this is written and because we all know Davina’s voice, it feels like she is sat talking to you, very reassuring and funny. We need to talk about our aches and pains and moods and dry vaginas because lets face it, that’s the menopause. This book contains real life stories of women who have battled (some for 10 years) to be heard and get the right treatment. For some women they feel so alone and yet we are all in this together. These stories have both upset me and reassured me. They tell of women who have wanted to end their lives, marriages have broken down, jobs have been lost, and all because of a lack of hormones!
Dr Naomi Potter adds some really good scientific information that is clear and easy to follow and gives you the knowledge to go to your GP and tell them what you want and need. From reading this book, I have started Testosterone which I am really hopeful will help my aches and pains. My GP told me it is Fibromyalgia (I do have a diagnosis) and that I should take plenty of rest each day, plan my activities and increase my painkiller consumption. Er… no thanks, I am rocking my career, I have a great life outside of work and although a sleep in the afternoon is nice, I don’t want to become addicted to painkillers!
Women’s health is overlooked…FACT. If at 40+ men started having their penis drop off or stop working there would be uproar. There would be funding to research what could be done. There would be free drugs, there would be a plan. But for us women, we feel we have to keep quiet about “the change” (whispers), we have to fall out with our bodies, our partners, our jobs and then we feel let down by the GPs. Don’t get me wrong there are some excellent GPs out there but if yours isn’t listening find a new one who will.
As the book cover says “the positive roadmap to your second spring” perimenopause and menopause are not our lives coming to an end but the start of a new journey and this book will really help you on your way. Thanks Davina, you legend!
Victoria Warwick-Jones Counselling 