Women don’t always have an easy ride when it comes to health and wellbeing. Not only do they experience health issues that affect men too, but they can also have gynaecological conditions throughout life, from the moment their periods begin to beyond the menopause. Women’s hormones don’t just play havoc with physical health but can impact on sleep, mood and energy levels. Pregnancy causes specific changes in the body, carrying with it a whole host of everyday ailments, and some medical conditions tend to affect women primarily or more severely than men.

This May, a month heralded as Women's Health Month, we have selected a variety for books that we believe can help and support women’s physical and emotional health. Some are relevant to everyone, but others are specific to women’s needs. Hopefully reading these books will empower women to understand their body inside and out, make positive changes to feel stronger, healthier and more energised, and send them on a journey of self-discovery.

If you have any reads that you'd like to share and believe should be included in this collection, please add them in the comments.

If you are looking for more advice on health issues, take a look at some of our other specialist collections of books.

11 Menopause books to reassure, inspire and support

25 books to support positive mental health

Books to support people with cancer and their loved ones