What Fresh Hell Is This?

What Fresh Hell Is This? is a comprehensive guide to perimenopause and menopause, written by sex educator and author Heather Corinna. The book covers the physical, emotional and social aspects of this life transition through both medical research and personal narrative. The text breaks down complex hormonal processes and symptoms while addressing the intersection of menopause with factors like disability, gender identity, and socioeconomic status. Corinna includes practical advice for managing symptoms and navigating healthcare systems during perimenopause and menopause. Each chapter combines scientific explanations with real-world coping strategies and validation for readers' experiences. The work features contributions from medical experts as well as perspectives from people of diverse backgrounds going through menopause. The book challenges traditional narratives about aging and hormone transitions while advocating for better understanding and support for people experiencing menopause. Through its inclusive approach, the work aims to transform cultural conversations about this universal yet often misunderstood life stage.

Readers appreciate the book's direct, humorous approach to perimenopause and menopause. Many reviewers mention the inclusive language and coverage of diverse experiences, including LGBTQ+ perspectives. The scientific information and research citations earn praise for making complex medical concepts accessible. Common criticisms focus on the informal, sometimes sarcastic tone, which some readers find distracting. A few reviews note the book can feel scattered and repetitive in places. Specific feedback includes: "Finally, a menopause book that doesn't assume all readers are straight, married women" - Amazon reviewer "Too much joking around when I just wanted clear information" - Goodreads review Ratings: Goodreads: 4.14/5 (500+ ratings) Amazon: 4.6/5 (640+ ratings) Barnes & Noble: 4.5/5 (50+ ratings) The book resonates particularly with readers under 50 seeking information about early perimenopause symptoms and those looking for non-traditional perspectives on midlife changes.

The New Rules of Menopause by Heather Caswell A medical guide for menopause that focuses on current research and practical solutions for symptoms while addressing cultural myths and misconceptions.

Period Power by Maisie Hill A comprehensive examination of hormonal cycles throughout life transitions includes details about perimenopause and menopause from a holistic health perspective.

The Vagina Bible by Dr. Jen Gunter A fact-based guide to reproductive health covers menstruation through menopause with scientific explanations and medical evidence.

Flash Count Diary by Darcey Steinke A memoir-meets-research narrative explores the biological, cultural, and historical aspects of menopause through personal experience and societal investigation.

The New Hot by Meg Mathews A no-holds-barred account of menopause combines personal stories with medical information and practical strategies for managing symptoms.

🔸 Author Heather Corinna founded Scarleteen.com in 1998, which became the world's first major online sex education resource for teens and young adults 🔸 The book challenges traditional perspectives on menopause by examining it through an inclusive lens, addressing experiences of transgender, nonbinary, and intersex people 🔸 "What fresh hell is this?" was originally a phrase famously used by Dorothy Parker whenever her doorbell rang, and has since become a popular expression for unwelcome situations 🔸 The author approaches perimenopause and menopause with humor while incorporating scientific research, making it one of the first menopause guides to balance medical information with wit 🔸 The book addresses the historical silence around menopause in medical literature, noting that until the 1960s, medical textbooks devoted only a paragraph or two to this major life transition