6 of the best books and podcasts on the menopause Updated / Wednesday, 6 Nov 2019 10:56 These great reads and listens can be a source of knowledge and comfort for any woman, says Liz Connor. Benjamin Franklin famously said that in life, nothing is certain but death and taxes. If you’re a woman though, there’s another natural part of the female life cycle we can all expect to encounter – the menopause. Typically occurring between the ages of 45-55 (although for some it can kick in earlier), the menopause is a big part of the ageing process for women – yet it’s so rarely a part of public conversation. It’s often a gradual process over months or years, but is usually considered official when a woman has gone 12 months without a period.