How to Menopause

For most of human history, menopause and other female health issues have been swept away, rarely discussed, and stigmatized by wider society. Fadal’s book on menopause challenges this persistent silence and acts as part of a movement toward a more open and honest dialogue about menopause. Fadal takes the approach of discussing her own experiences first, with the hope that doing so will inspire other women to do the same. By opening up about her experiences with hormone therapy, divorce, hot flashes, and more, Fadal creates a space where talking about menopause is normal and safe. She uses humor alongside honest, heartfelt encouragement to help women find the courage to not only open up but learn more about what they are going through. This approach not only normalizes menopause but reframes it as something worthy of curiosity, respect, and proactive care. These qualities are rarely granted to midlife women in mainstream discourse.

Fadal mentions how she didn’t realize she was going through menopause when it first hit her, and she had no idea what was happening to her as she ended up lying on the bathroom floor at work during her first hot flash.