Blood

The Science, Medicine, and Mythology of Menstruation

By: Dr. Jen Gunter

Narrated by: Jen Gunter

Most women can expect to have hundreds of periods in a lifetime. And yet few are given the tools to understand the science of their own cycle, how it changes over their lifetime, and how it connects to their overall health.

Despite its significance, most education about menstruation focuses either on increasing the chances of pregnancy or preventing it. And while both are crucial, women deserve to know more about their bodies than just what happens in service to reproduction. Instead, the patriarchy has weaponized menstruation through outdated cultural norms, medical dismissal, inadequate menstrual accommodations, and useless products. To distinguish medicine from mythology, people need information. To advocate for ourselves, we need to know how our bodies work. Consequently, many people suffer in silence, thinking their bodies are uniquely broken, or they turn to disreputable sources.

In this practical, inclusive guide to menstruation, Dr. Jen Gunter delivers empowerment through knowledge. She explains what's typical, what's concerning, and when to seek care, while also examining the historical and social myths which keep women uninformed and disenfranchised. Written with no-nonsense expertise and frank, fearless wit, Blood gives women the tools to take back control of their bodies and kick menstrual shame to the curb. Period.

©2024 Jennifer Gunter (P)2024 HighBridge, a division of Recorded Books

Informative, But I Wish She Went Further.

Don’t get me wrong, I enjoyed this book, however, I wish that she would she would have extreme bleeding (after all, the book is called “Blood”) during a period if or when a person is on a blood thinner and doesn’t need a tampon or a pad, but an adult DIAPER because of the amount and volume of blood loss that also include clots. Also, I’m ashamed that she didn’t discuss the fact that the Depo shot has been known to be linked to brain tumors and Depo-Provera is being sued by many women who are currently ill who had taken Depo-Provera in the past. I appreciate all of the information, but these are two big pieces of information that are missing.

I wish I had this book when I started menstruating!

This book is a must-read for anyone who menstruates! My only critique is that it didn’t come out 30 years ago when I entered this journey! I will recommend it to every person I know who menstruates, as it’s so comprehensive and informative. I can’t recommend this book enough!

To the point and informative

My only criticism for this book is that it didn’t exist 20 years ago!!!

Dr Jen Gunter does a fantastic job going over any and every topic in an informative ‘to the point’ way.

If you are curious about what is normal or not for “shark week” read/listen to this book!

This is a book I will keep around when I want o look up the pros and cons of lady questions.