#1 NATIONAL BESTSELLER

The galvanizing new book from Dr. Jen Gunter, #1 bestselling author of The Vagina Bible and The Menopause Manifesto, dispels the shame, mythology, and misinformation around menstruation with scientific facts, medical expertise, and a fierce feminist perspective.

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:

The endometrium's fascinating connection to the immune systemThe brain-ovary connectionLegitimate menstrual products, and the facts behind toxic shock syndromeIrregular, heavy, and breakthrough bleedingPeriod painEndometriosisPolycystic Ovary SyndromeHormonal 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)

#1 NATIONAL BESTSELLER

"Funny, erudite, compassionate, and righteous—sometimes all in a single sentence—Jen Gunter is the period expert we need right now." —Emily Nagoski, PhD,  New York Times bestselling author of Come Together

"Jen Gunter’s Blood takes an unapologetically scientific approach to the menstrual cycle, written for anyone who wants to understand its often mystified ways and what medicine can do to help. . . . Without fear, favour or sponsor, Gunter is a cheerleader for professional expertise, informed consent and reproductive justice. . . . The book’s ability to make science sing and stick is impressive, but an even greater achievement of Blood is to expose the playbook of medical misinformation. . . . A compelling example of how science communicated with clarity, relatability and wit can satisfy our needs of belonging and care." —Kate Womersley, The Guardian 

"Dr. Gunter delivers a superb overview of 'the menstrual cycle and the medical conditions and therapies with it'. . . . Gunter is a sharp critic of the ways in which menstrual complications have been dismissed by the medical establishment . . . and her talent for explicating the biology of periods will engage even the scientifically uninclined. Filled with piercing social analysis and enlightening science, this one’s a winner.” —Publishers Weekly, starred review

"Once again, Dr. Jen Gunter is our friendly and supremely informed guide and teacher, unveiling the many ways our societal and personal discomfort have too often kept us in the dark. Anyone who wants to have true agency over their lives and health will appreciate going on the sanguine journey of the cycle that gives life to all of us." —Sophie Grégoire Trudeau, author of Closer Together: Knowing Ourselves, Loving Each Other

"When it comes to knowledge and busting ridiculous myths about our bodies, I religiously follow the WWJTAT approach. As in, 'What Would JEN Think About This.' I never waiver from this, nor should you. Blood is the brilliant and long needed corrective that we have waited for, since the first time we stuffed a box of pads into a three ply paper bag and slunk out of a pharmacy. Never again." —Samantha Bee

"Requisite reading. A no-nonsense, educational, science-backed, in-depth title about menstruation and the impact it can have on one’s body. This title will empower readers to better understand their bodies and to advocate for themselves in medical situations." —Library Journal, starred review

"Clear, candid and crucial information about a bodily process that has often been used as an excuse to shun, degrade, dismiss and define human beings. Gunter deftly shovels away the patriarchal BS that's piled up around menstruation and digs into the most effective ways to live with and manage it, treat conditions related to it and move past the myths concocted about it. An essential resource for anyone who menstruates or thinks menstruation is a mystery." —Emily Willingham, PhD, author of Phallacy

"With this book, Dr Gunter has provided those of us who menstruate with an empowering guide to understanding our bodies and EVERYONE with a comprehensive guide to understanding humanity." —Elaine "Lainey Gossip" Lui, author of Listen to the Squawking Chicken

“In the age of self-diagnosis via web searches or being influenced by influencers, resources like Blood will empower women with the facts they need—to spot the snake oil and to bring to their fully realized and researched symptoms to their healthcare provider.” —Winnipeg Free Press

“A deep dive into menstruation that is enlightening, empowering and even at times funny, Blood is the book many will wish they had when they went through puberty.” —Vancouver Sun

“OB-GYN and bestselling author Dr. Jen Gunter brings her no-nonsense scientific facts and patriarchy-smashing energy to menstruation and reproductive health in Blood.” —Quill & Quire

“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. . . . Surprising, funny and fact-filled, Blood is an essential and empowering resource.” —CBC Books