Christiane Northrup

I read this back when Dr. Northrup still looked middle-aged in her red power suit! I remember feeling very much smarter, well-vindicated, and quite sad I couldn't find a physician just like her. I believe she was part of the revolution in women's medicine (and medicine in general) that helped bring some of what was once considered "alternative" into the mainstream. Agreeing with prior reviewers, I'd say, even if that's not your bag, it's worth the read--discard the parts that don't work for show more you. I'll be picking up this new edition when I can. show less

Christiane Northrup beschreibt offen, klar und einfühlsam die Veränderungen, die Frauen zwischen 40 und 55 erwarten. Dabei räumt sie gründlich auf mit der gängigen Vorstellung, dass die Wechseljahre bloß eine Zeit des Verlusts, des Abschieds und der Krankheit sind. Stattdessen ermutigt sie die Frauen, die Botschaften ihres Körpers zu verstehen, die Wechseljahre als eine Zeit der positiven Energie zu begreifen und die wunderbare Kraft dieser Lebensphase für ihre persönliche show more Entwicklung zu nutzen. show less

Much of this book assumes that all women entering menopause have spent the past 30 years of their lives caring for husbands and children. (The title of Chapter 3 captures the whole approach: "Coming Home to Yourself: from Dependence to Healthy Autonomy") Doesn't describe my life AT ALL, so much of the "theorizing" she does about the whys and wherfores and solutions doesn't seem to apply to me at all. I also was put off by the heavy amount of "suggestive selling" of drugs, supplements, and show more self-help plans . . . $$$$$.

When I started the book I was experiencing hot flashes and night sweats and looking for possible solutions. By the time I finished the book (two months later; reading most, but skimming near the end), I was no longer having those symptoms (which I attribute to a yoga sequence designed for menopause symptoms . . . the herbal and OTC things I tried from the book didn't agree with me at all). Not sure the 750 pages were really worth my time and energy, but other women might find her approach useful. show less

Though the outside of the book doesn't make this clear, the target audience is mothers and mothers-to-be. I found it to be a mixed bag of hard-earned wisdom, useful tips, and flat-out terrible advice... much like conversations with my own mother.