Hot Mess Express: A Humorous and Practical Survival Guide for Menopause

learning to listen as your body ages
“Occasionally I’d heard an older person say, “Getting old is not for sissies.” But no real information about the physical or mental changes followed that declaration. Don’t ask, don’t tell. No one i knew talked about it, and I didn’t ask. I didn’t know what to ask. I didn’t associate the changes with anything in particular – a random cluster of unassociated symptoms. Mostly, I didn’t pay attention until my body screamed for my attention.”Because of her own struggles through perimenopause and menopause and her humorous approach to life, the author was encouraged to write a book. Resources for mid-life women are limited especially those who present the issues from a perspective of faith. I liked the viewpoint in this book. With humor and heart, this book provides practical advice and encouraging suggestions.Rather than reading the book from cover to cover, one could easily read the first chapter or two (to understand the author’s perspective), then switch over to individual issues that are plaguing the reader. The rest of the chapters would still be helpful, but this could definitely be considered a more topical book.The author makes it clear that she is not a medical professional. But she has consulted many doctors in trying to find relief for her symptoms. She has tried lots of avenues. After reading the chapter on insomnia, I wanted to take a nap after reading about all of her attempts to find sleep solutions. Exhausting!Instead of telling every reader to follow a specific path, options are provided. The main emphasis is learning to listen to your body. Not everyone ages in the same way, so not everyone needs every bit of advice. That was reassuring to read.P.S. I am glad this book is available on Kindle Unlimited!

Helpful Advice
What drew me to Sally Friscea ‘s non-fiction book was the title—Hot Mess Express. The cover didn’t hurt, either. It’s not true that we don’t judge a book by its cover.As a woman who has experienced the fun and exciting symptoms of perimenopause and menopause, I figured this guide would be a great reference, eased by a sprinkle of humor.And it is.Not everything the author covers in this book is related specifically to menopause—some of these challenges are age-related rather than hormone-related. I had never considered that many of the issues I’m dealing with are just another “blessing” of getting older.I might suggest that those women who are in their early forties—or even late thirties—should not wait to read this until you’re staring perimenopause in the face. You know the Benjamin Franklin saying, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” Or in the words of that great philosopher, Barney Fife, “Nip it. Nip it in the bud.”I rarely go to the doctor, and some of the challenges I faced as I got older were not something I was comfortable sharing with my much younger nurse practitioner. This book opened my eyes to issues that could (and still can) be easily remedied.Admittedly, this book did not grab me from the beginning. It felt like the author went on ad nauseam about her issues with insomnia. I didn’t need to know about every doctor appointment, every nightly ritual, and every frustration. This chapter dragged on so long that I almost gave up on the book.But I stuck with it, and I’m glad I did. I highly recommend this to women of all ages. You’re never too young or old to have this knowledge at your fingertips.

Non-Fiction Self Help
I have been saying for a few years now “Getting older isn’t fun.” The many aches, pains and changes that happen as one gets older can wreck havoc on our bodies. I have not reached the stage in Life that most women dread, Menopause, but I know that stage is coming. Hot Mess Express: A Humorous and Practical Survival Guide for Menopause by Sally Friscea is a book that will give insight and knowledge into what to expect for this stage.I LOVE how the author is very transparent about her journey through Menopause and does it with humor. Sally gives tips and information as to what to “look forward to” when the stages of Menopause begin. I know all the Practical tips in regards to Hot Flashes, Mood Swings and more will be helpful to those who are approaching Menopause. I know being the only woman in my household with my Husband and 3 Young Adult Sons, it will be an interesting time for them also. I also laughed through many of the stories Sally shared. I think women need laughter through one of the most challenging stages of life and this book really helps with that also. This book is just one woman’s journey and each woman’s journey could be different, but I truly enjoyed this book! GREAT BOOK with encouragement and laughter!