The Menopause Manifesto audiobook cover - Own Your Health with Facts and Feminism

The Menopause Manifesto

Own Your Health with Facts and Feminism

Jen Gunter

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The Menopause Manifesto
Societal Context & Reframing+
Biological Mechanics+
Physical Changes & Risks+
Menopausal Hormone Therapy (MHT)+
Sexual Health & GUSM+
Lifestyle & Medical Management+

Quiz — Test Your Understanding

Question 1 of 8
Why did pharmaceutical companies in the US popularize the term 'menopause' in the 1960s?
  • A. It accurately described the permanent biological cessation of hormones without any negative connotations.
  • B. The word 'pause' made the transition sound temporary, which was useful for marketing hormone therapy.
  • C. It directly translated to 'passage' or 'bridge,' which helped women feel more positive about the transition.
  • D. It was introduced by the Women's Health Initiative to warn women about the risks of hormone therapy.
Question 2 of 8
According to the 'grandmother hypothesis,' why did menopause evolve in humans?
  • A. It is a biological mistake caused by modern humans living longer than nature originally intended.
  • B. It protects older women from the physical dangers of late-stage pregnancies and childbirth.
  • C. It allows older women to help raise their grandchildren instead of having young children of their own, improving overall survival rates.
  • D. It evolved as a response to environmental stressors and dietary changes in early human history.
Question 3 of 8
At what point in a female's life does she have the maximum number of primordial follicles?
  • A. At week 20 of fetal development, before she is even born.
  • B. Right before the onset of puberty.
  • C. During her first menstrual period.
  • D. In her early twenties, when fertility peaks.
Question 4 of 8
During the menopause transition, hormonal changes cause more fat to be stored as visceral fat. What is the primary medical concern associated with this?
  • A. It accelerates the loss of bone density, leading to early-onset osteoporosis.
  • B. It permanently alters the brain's internal thermostat, causing lifelong hot flashes.
  • C. It leads to a sudden drop in muscle mass that cannot be offset by exercise.
  • D. It is linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, which is the number one cause of death for women.
Question 5 of 8
Based on current medical understanding, what is the 'window of safety' for starting Menopausal Hormone Therapy (MHT)?
  • A. Anytime after age 65, once bone density screening has been completed.
  • B. Within 10 years of the final menstrual period, generally before age 60.
  • C. During the first two years of puberty to regulate early hormonal mayhem.
  • D. MHT is no longer considered safe at any age due to the findings of a 2002 study.
Question 6 of 8
Which of the following is considered a best practice when using Menopausal Hormone Therapy (MHT)?
  • A. Opt for transdermal estrogen applications, like patches, as they are lower-risk than oral medications.
  • B. Choose compounded 'natural' hormones because they are strictly regulated and bioidentical.
  • C. Avoid progesterone entirely, as it was proven to cause a sharp spike in endometrial cancers in the 1970s.
  • D. Expect immediate results, as hormonal therapy typically takes full effect within the first 48 hours.
Question 7 of 8
What is Genito-urinary syndrome of menopause (GUSM)?
  • A. A rare condition affecting less than 10 percent of menopausal women that causes severe kidney infections.
  • B. The psychological decline in sexual desire directly caused by dropping estrogen levels.
  • C. The modern, more accurate term for what used to be called 'vaginal atrophy,' which affects the vulva, vagina, bladder, and urethra.
  • D. A permanent urinary incontinence condition that can only be treated with complex surgery.
Question 8 of 8
According to the book, which of the following is a 'red flag' that should prompt you to find a different medical professional?
  • A. The doctor recommends cognitive behavioral therapy to help manage hot flashes.
  • B. The doctor suggests getting 150 minutes of light aerobic activity per week.
  • C. The doctor prescribes vaginal estrogen or DHEA to treat recurrent UTIs.
  • D. The doctor wants to check your hormone levels using a saliva test.

The Menopause Manifesto — Full Chapter Overview

The Menopause Manifesto Summary & Overview

The Menopause Manifesto (2021) is your roadmap to health and happiness before, during, and after menopause. Despite being the most important transition for uterus-owners after puberty, menopause is shrouded in mystery and prejudice. This guide combats ignorance with scientific facts, expert advice, and a healthy dose of feminism. 

Who Should Listen to The Menopause Manifesto?

  • Menstruators and ex-menstruators
  • Science communicators and health educators
  • Anyone invested in women’s health

About the Author: Jen Gunter

Dr. Jen Gunter is a Canadian OB/GYN and columnist for the New York Times. As a fierce advocate for women’s health, she has amassed a large following on Twitter. Her previous book, The Vagina Bible, topped the Canadian best-seller list for nonfiction.

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