Citadel Press
Blood: The Science, Medicine, and Mythology of Menstruation
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"This book is the brilliant and long needed corrective that we have waited for, since the first time we stuffed a box of pads into a three-ply paper bag and slunk out of a pharmacy. Never again." --Samantha Bee
New York Times bestselling author of The Menopause Manifesto and "the world's most famous and outspoken gynecologist" (The Guardian) fights myths and fearmongering with real science, inclusive facts, and shame-free advice on the topic that impacts more than 72 million Americans every month: menstruation.
Most people who menstruate can expect to have hundreds of periods in a lifetime. So why is real information so hard to find? Despite its significance, most education about menstruation focuses either on increasing the chances of pregnancy or preventing it. And while both are important for many people, those who menstruate deserve to know more about their bodies than just what happens in service to reproduction. At a time when charlatans, politicians, and social media are succeeding in propagating damaging misinformation with real and devastating consequences, Dr. Jen provides the antidote with science, myth busting, and no-nonsense facts.
Not knowing how your body works makes it challenging to advocate for yourself. Consequently, many suffer in silence, thinking their bodies are uniquely broken, or they turn to disreputable sources. Blood is a practical, empowering guide to what's typical, what's concerning, and when to seek care--recounted with the expertise and frank, fearless wit that have made Dr. Jen today's most trusted voice in gynecology.
Dr. Jen answers all your period-related questions, including: Why do we menstruate? How heavy is too heavy? How much should periods hurt? And she provides essential information about topics such as:
* The fascinating biology of menstruation
* Menstrual migraines, PMS, and period diarrhea (yes, it's a thing, unfortunately)
*Vaccines and menstruation
*Legitimate menstrual products, and the facts behind toxic shock syndrome
*Painful periods and endometriosis
*Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)
*Debunking social media disinformation about contraception
Blood is about much more than biology. It's an all-in-one, revolutionary guide that will change the way we think about, talk about--and don't talk about--our bodies and our well-being.
"Requisite reading. A no-nonsense, educational, science-backed, in-depth title about menstruation and the impact it can have on one's body. This title will empower readers to better understand their bodies and to advocate for themselves in medical situations." --Library Journal, STARRED REVIEW
"Filled with piercing social analysis and enlightening science, this one's a winner." --Publishers Weekly, STARRED REVIEW
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Book Details
ISBN:
9780806540689
EAN:
9780806540689
Binding:
Hardcover
Pages:
480
Authors:
Jen Gunter
Publisher:
Citadel Press
Published Date: 2024-23-01
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Every woman, transgender, and non-binary person who menstruates learns from a young age that they'll be subjected to the wonders of monthly (if they're lucky, and it's not irregular) bleeding for the vast majority of their lives. From tampons, to cramps, to birth control, to childbearing (or lack thereof, desired or not) to menopause, blood will be a foundational part of the overall health of the patient whose body undergoes these dynamic cycles. This makes the fact that finding clear, consistent information about the menstruation cycle and its tributaries throughout the lifespan exquisitely frustrating - it's a significant, lifelong condition, and yet most information about menstruation focuses on improving chances of pregnancy or how to prevent it altogether - ignoring the bigger picture in a way that's not fair to those who menstruate.In the midst of missing or wildly inaccurate information - parroted by charlatans trying to sell supplements, unqualified influencers trading science for saves and likes, and politicians who have their own (read: someone else's) agenda, Dr. Jen Gunter brings together decades of experience to address menstruation throughout the life cycle, busting myths, providing fact, and standing as an example against those looking to make a quick buck on medical suffering.There are never enough books on our bodies in my opinion, and this book is one of the better ones I've read - Dr. Gunter truly covers menstruation from the very basics, its origins and menarche, all the way through menopause and beyond in a way that's really accessible for readers of all medical backgrounds. I enjoyed the way she moved through each topic, starting with foundational material and quick summaries with each chapter, and I could see this book being a good reference for people who are moving through different seasons of their menstruation life cycle.I also appreciated the quick quips regarding the social aspects of menstruation and the unequal way it affects those outside of the gender binary, people of color, and people across socioeconomic spectrums. For me, physicians and other health care providers have an extra responsibility to acknowledge the gaps and cracks that exist within the healthcare system (especially in the United States, but this is also relevant or the author's home country of Canada and other countries as well), and should do their best to offer additional resources/tips/tricks for those who will have extra challenges to face in their healthcare journey. Overall, this was an excellent read (I recommend the audiobook, which is read by the author) and think this would be a great reference for people to have on hand and a good way to dive into learning more about the body for those who have an interest (whether from lived experience, or in trying to understand the experience of a friend, lover, family member, etc.)!
“Research is slower than it should be, many people still struggle to access quality care, politicians in many parts of the world are still weaponizing reproductive health for political gain, and social media provides a playground for disinformation. For me, the answer to advocating in the doctor’s office, or insisting our political leaders do better, or sifting through the misinformation on social media, is to provide a source of quality information.” (p.xiii)In this nonfiction Dr. Jen Gunter goes on to do just that. The OBGYN spends over 400 pages discussing everything one would ever need to know about menstruation and the female reproductive system. Topics cover the typical menstrual cycle, common concerns, menstrual maintenance, irregular bleeding and pain, related conditions, contraception, and abortion. All the information presented is backed by peer-reviewed evidence-based research.Every person who menstruates could benefit from owning a copy of this book. The material is dense, and not all of it is going to be applicable to everyone, so be prepared to sift through to find what you need to know. The book is well organized and Dr. Gunter manages to write about complicated medical subjects in a detailed, but accessible way. This is a great resource to learn about what typical menstruation is, if the symptoms you experience are abnormal, ways to advocate for yourself with doctors that can sometimes be dismissive, and to get facts about treatments and options for dealing with periods.Recommended reading for everyone who menstruates, knows someone who menstruates, or thinks its their business to have opinions on menstruation or pass political policy on the bodies of people who menstruate.
I received this book through a Goodreads Giveaway (yes, someone really does win those), so I'm here to return the favor and leave a review.I feel so much smarter after reading this. I'm sure I didn't absorb everything--it's a long book packed with info--but it is helpfully divided into 4 parts with chapters and subsections that let you look up pretty much any question you may have. Yep, this one is a keeper.Dr. Gunter has a very engaging voice. She tells it to you straight and is clear and thorough on all the science, but she's funny, too. And she is not afraid to tell you how she feels about snake oil grifters. I think we'd be friends. Also, I want to read her other books now. I already subscribed to her substack.I would recommend this book to...1. Anyone who has a uterus.2. Anyone with a close relationship with someone who has a uterus3. Anyone who didn't get all their questions about periods, contraception, etc. answered in sex ed.So, yeah, that's probably everyone. Definitely everyone who got sex ed at my school.
One of my friends and I are always complaining about how there are plenty of 101-style books and articles about women's health out there, and it's easy to find medical studies (thank you, NIH!), but it's hard to find the 301-level information. Well, HERE IT IS!Every woman should read this. Most men should read the first several chapters, too. I'm pretty well-read on my own body, and this still blew me away. It is going to help me with conversations with my doctors for years to come. It is also going to make me a better advocate for my daughter when she starts menstruating (My mom had heavy periods, so I had no idea that mine were medically abnormal, too-- until I read this!)I didn't think in 2024 I would need a lot of information on medical (medication) abortion and emergency contraception, but here we are.
Was very interested in the topic and hoping to really learn more about menstruation, but instead found nonsensical language. Only women menstruate. Author can’t bring herself to say that so the entire book skirts around the issue. Insulting to say the least.
