Period Books Everyone Needs To Read

Most women know little about their cycle. They know the basics—that you get your period roughly every month, and if you miss it, it could mean you're pregnant. But beyond that, many women don't really understand the other phases of their cycle or what's happening in their bodies. Most have no idea how much hormones impact their daily lives—everything from their mood, energy, athletic performance, skin, sleep, appetite, to their personality.

One of the things we're passionate about at Guud Woman is educating women about their cycle. Because knowledge is power. And only then can you learn to embrace your phases and work with them instead of resisting them. So in this post, we're going to give you some homework... 😉

We think you'll find these books very helpful. And if you're in the winter phase of your cycle, you might already be in the mood to curl up with a book, so it might as well be one of these! These are our favorite books about the female cycle and everything that comes with it.

In the Flo by Alisa Vitti (English)

What's it about? This book is essentially a life-hack program for women. It explains how to use your cycle to optimize your time, diet, fitness, work, and relationships. It also explains how common things women do (read: dieting, denying yourself certain foods, and over-scheduling your life) actually ignore our body's intuitive rhythm. Instead, the author gives you a simple and clear guide on how to live according to the schedule our bodies naturally follow: a monthly cycle with four distinct phases.

Why you should read it: Alisa Vitti is an expert in functional nutrition and female hormones, the bestselling author of WomanCode (another must-read!), and the founder of the modern hormone health company FLOliving.com. She's the expert on menstrual health, so you can truly trust the accuracy of the information in her book. In the Flo is a practical guide on how to manage your energy and time according to your own unique biochemistry. It also includes practical tools like meal plans and recipes for each phase of your cycle, charts for phase-specific exercises, a daily planner to help you align your strengths with each phase, and a biohacking toolkit for managing menstrual issues.

The Cycle Compass by Morgane Leten (Dutch)

What's it about: The Cycle Compass is a groundbreaking book that will change your perspective on hormones forever! Did you know, for example, that you have more self-confidence and a higher libido around ovulation? That you can achieve your best athletic performances when estrogen levels rise? And that it's best to avoid making important decisions just before your period? We have an average of 450 periods. Yet, few women realize how their performance, energy levels, and mood also fluctuate with this cycle. What a shame, because once you can synchronize your life with it, your hormones will quickly become your ideal partner in crime. In this book, cycle expert Morgane Leten makes a positive case for natural hormones and arms you with many important insights into women's health. Learn to deal with all kinds of menstrual ailments, optimize your sleep, nutrition, and schedule based on your cycle, and discover your own hormone balance. In addition, The Cycle Compass contains contributions from various experts and honest testimonials from women who have discovered the power of their cycle.

Why you should read it: First of all, it's written by our co-founder, so we might be a little biased, but like the other books on this list, we're convinced this one is an eye-opener and can be life-changing. Her book also features contributions from various experts, such as gynecologist Joke Bulthé, obstetrician Rebecca Verhofstede, hormone specialist Bénédicte De Jaeger, general practitioner Annaïk van Branteghem, nutrition and gut health expert Lily Joan Roberts, and osteopath Colette Peeters. It's a groundbreaking book that will change the way you view your cycle and hormones forever!

Buy the book here !

Your Brain on the Pill by Sarah Hill (Dutch)

What's it about? 

The contraceptive pill has revolutionized women's lives. It has given them control over their fertility, which has contributed to the increase in the number of women entering the workforce and attending university. However, as with many medications, the pill also has various side effects. For example, it can affect diet, stress levels, emotions, sexual preferences, mood, and even your choice of partner. Women who take the pill are essentially transformed into themselves, although little is known about these changes.

Why you should read it: In her book, Sarah Hill provides an insightful look at what we know and don't know about the effects of hormonal contraception on the female brain. The book is fluently written and offers an interesting perspective on the relationship between femininity and hormones, and the influence hormonal contraception has on our brains.

Period Power by Maisie Hill (English)

What it's about: If you're looking for a straight talk about your cycle and a no-nonsense explanation of what's happening with your hormones each month, then this is a great book. It focuses on PMS, the widespread lack of understanding of what it is, and even more disappointingly, the limited range of treatment options. Her book offers a practical guide on how to plan for the "off" days of your cycle, and how to actually improve them! She also offers practical tips on what she calls your "cycle strategy" to capitalize on the superpowers of each phase of your cycle, so you can plan your month to perform at your best.

Why you should read it: Maisie Hill is a women's health expert with a unique background. She holds a BSc in Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture and is a member of the British Acupuncture Council. She also has over a decade of experience as a gynecologist and birth doula. She is considered an authority on menstrual health. Many say her informative, clear, and humorous writing style transforms a potentially complex topic into an empowering and practical guide.

The Period Repair Manual by Lara Briden (English)

What it's about: If you've struggled with menstrual problems in the past and live with PMS symptoms every month, this book will help. We love it because it's a guide to better menstruation using natural treatments like diet, supplements, herbal remedies, and natural hormones. It also includes advice for women of all ages and situations, including how to come off the hormonal birth control pill, what your period should be like, how to talk to your doctor, and treatments for common menstrual problems, including PCOS and endometriosis.

Why you should read it : Lara Briden is a naturopathic doctor with over twenty years of experience. Her natural approach is invaluable. This book is a practical, easy-to-read, and understandable guide to all menstrual issues. Just look at the reviews to see how many women it has helped them see its value. One person said this book should be required reading for every girl going through puberty, and honestly, we agree!

Is This Normal by Dr. Jolene Brighten (English)

What it's about: The title alone might just grab you. How many times in your life have you experienced some symptom and wondered, "Is this normal?" Dr. Jolene's book provides the medical answers to the questions you've been asking but were too embarrassed to actually ask. Her book also addresses various myths about women's health. It covers a wide range of topics, including PMS, menstrual problems, abnormal discharge, painful intercourse, and how hormones can rule your life.

Why you should read it : Nothing is too much in this book. This book gives you practical advice on common hormone issues women face every day, and which are easily resolved. Dr. Jolene is a trusted physician and clinical sexologist, so nothing is too much trouble. She addresses questions you've been asking yourself about your period and sexual health for a long time and gives you honest answers with advice you can put into practice right away.

We'd love to hear about your favorite books on women's health, cycles, and hormones. Tag us on Instagram or share your recommendations in our Facebook group .