Our Bodies, Ourselves for the New Century: A Book By and For Women. The Boston Women's Health Book Collective. New York, NY: Touchstone, 1998.

Once branded as radical and banned from libraries, this "mother of modern-day women's health and wellness guides" has become nearly 30 years later a mainstream bestseller. Its latest revision maintains a strong feminist viewpoint and continues to heighten awareness that it's OK to demand information and choices. It offers more than menopause-related information within 700-plus pages. Many believe it is required reading for women interested in learning more about their health.

Prime Time: The African American Woman's Complete Guide to Midlife Health and Wellness. Marilyn H. Gaston, MD, Gayle K. Porter, PsyD. New York, NY: Ballantine Publishing Group, 2001.

This 500-page guide to midlife health and wellness is directed at African Americans, and includes relevant issues on self-care and coping with midlife's passage. It has a can-do, self-help approach with many women's vignettes.

Strong Women Stay Young Mariam E. Nelson, PhD. New York, NY: Bantam Books, 1997.

A scientifically tested exercise program for women containing specific strength training exercises for reversing bone loss and improving energy and balance. Both home and gym routines are offered. Miriam Nelson is the Associate Chief of the Nutrition, Exercise Physiology and Sarcopenia Laboratory at the Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging at Tufts University. Information is also available on the web at http://www.strongwomen.com

The Menopause Made Simple Program. Debra Anderson, PhD, RN and Vicky Graham, MSN. Crows Nest NSW, Australia: Allen and Unwin, 2002. 

Health information written clearly and simply. Supports individual decision making about options with a lifestyle plan for implementation. Well-rounded, practical recommendations.

The Wisdom of Menopause: Creating Physical and Emotional Health and Healing During the Change. Christiane Northrup, MD. New York, NY: Bantam Books, 2001.

Describes positively the changes women should expect from ages 40-55 and ways to respond. Reading can be difficult as it is quite technical and detailed in parts.

Menopause Without Medicine.Linda Ojida. Alameda, CA: Hunter House, 2001.

Natural ways to alleviate menopausal symptoms with a strong emphasis on nutrition.

The Silent Passage. Gail Sheehy. New York, NY: Pocket Books, 1998.

Information distilled from thousands of interviews. Broad approach to the menopause experience and women's options. Gail Sheehy is a board member of the New York Menopause Research Foundation.

Dr. Susan Love's Hormone Book: Making Informed Choices About Menopause. Susan Love, MD. New York, NY: Three Rivers Press, 1998.

A well rounded book which provides a lot of detail to help women with decision making about hormone use. There is a reference list for each chapter and an appendix with videos, pamphlets, and links to internet resources. Susan Love is a breast surgeon and women's health advocate.

When Your Body Gets the Blues. Marie-Annette Brown, PhD and Jo Robinson Emmaus, NY: Rodale, 2002.

The clinically proven program, developed at the University of Washington School of Nursing, for women who feel tired and stressed and eat too much.

When You're Hot, You're Hot: How I Laughed My Way Through Menopause. Jan King Kansas City, MO: Andrews McMeel Publishing, 2002.

In the belief that laughter is the best medicine, the author shares her personal story in a lighthearted way. Provides a thoughtful perspective on midlife changes.