Blood by Jen Gunter
CBC Books | Posted: February 28, 2024 2:51 PM | Last Updated: March 20
Scientific facts and medical know-how to dispel the shame and misinformation about menstruation
Most of us know about as much about how the uterus and ovaries function as we do about how the liver works. Add in societal shame around the menstrual cycle and it's not surprising that misinformation is widespread. But, as women's health advocate and trusted OB-GYN Dr. Jen Gunter writes, "you don't have to think about your liver 5 days a month for 30 years, so I'd argue people should know more about the uterus." Enter Blood.
In her new book, Dr. Gunter offers a clear, no-nonsense guide to reproductive anatomy and answers all the questions you never knew you had about menstrual bleeding—for example, where does the blood come from? And where does it go if you miss a period? Why do we even menstruate in the first place? With her expertise and trademark wit, Dr. Gunter debunks myths and challenges patriarchal attitudes toward this natural bodily process, shedding light on:
In her new book, Dr. Gunter offers a clear, no-nonsense guide to reproductive anatomy and answers all the questions you never knew you had about menstrual bleeding—for example, where does the blood come from? And where does it go if you miss a period? Why do we even menstruate in the first place? With her expertise and trademark wit, Dr. Gunter debunks myths and challenges patriarchal attitudes toward this natural bodily process, shedding light on:
- The endometrium's fascinating connection to the immune system
- The brain-ovary connection
- Legitimate menstrual products, and the facts behind toxic shock syndrome
- Irregular, heavy, and breakthrough bleeding
- Period pain
- Endometriosis
- Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
- Hormonal contraception, menstrual tracking, and FAM (fertility awareness methods)
- Abortion as menstrual management
And much more. Surprising, funny, and fact-filled, Blood is an essential and empowering resource from the doctor who "takes the mystery out of women's health and replaces it with evidence-informed concrete recommendations." (Lori Brotto, Canada Research Chair in Women's Sexual Health) (From Penguin Random House Canada)
- Why we need to talk about periods, full stop
- Gynecologist wants women to 'close the browser' on trendy wellness advice
- The truth about hormone therapy for menopause
- 26 works of Canadian nonfiction coming out in spring 2024
Dr. Jen Gunter is an obstetrician, gynecologist and pain medicine physician from Winnipeg. She is an advocate for women's health and writes about the intersection of pop culture, science and sex for the New York Times. She is the author of The Preemie Primer, The Vagina Bible and The Menopause Manifesto. Blood: The Science, Medicine, and Mythology of Menstruation is her fourth book.