A Brief History of the Female Body

What if the most frustrating parts of the female body—period pain, pregnancy risks, menopause—weren’t flaws, but features shaped by evolution?

In A Brief History of the Female Body, evolutionary biologist and mother of four Dr. Deena Emera blends groundbreaking science with personal insight to explain how evolution shaped the female body—and why it matters today.

Inside, readers will discover:

• Why menstruation, morning sickness, and menopause exist—and the evolutionary logic behind them
• How traits often seen as inconvenient or flawed are actually adaptive survival mechanisms
• The hidden biological trade-offs in pregnancy, childbirth, and female aging
• Accessible, stigma-free explanations of complex reproductive science
• Insights that empower women to better understand and advocate for their health

Praised as “eye-opening,” “life-affirming,” and “a must-read for every woman and those who love her,” it’s more than just a biology book—it’s a guide to reclaiming ownership of the female body’s story.