A Waterstones Best Popular Science Book of 2024

'Every page of this book is fascinating, glorious, and profound. This is one of the great frontiers of science for our age' Daniel M. Davis, author of The Beautiful Cure

---

From a world-leading hormones specialist, the definitive book on the science of hormones and how understanding the secrets of our body's messengers can revolutionise our health and wellbeing

Hormones are the messengers that drive every process in our body. They are essential to how we grow, fight disease and digest food; why we struggle to sleep, lose weight and manage stress - and so much more. When our hormones are imbalanced this can wreak havoc on our health, leading to conditions as far reaching as diabetes, infertility and heart disease. They also influence our personalities, how we feel and even the decisions we make. And yet for too long the power of our body's messengers has been overlooked.

In this vital and myth-busting book, world-leading hormones expert Dr Max Nieuwdorp transforms our understanding of our bodies. Combining stories from his daily life treating his patients with amazing, cutting-edge new science, he reveals the crucial role that hormones play from our early years through to old age, exploring everything from the effect that smartphones have on our sleep and longevity to how our gut bacteria produce 'happy' hormones.

As Nieuwdorp reveals, hormones are central to our moods, our relationships and so much of what makes us who we are. Demystifying the signals of our bodies, he explores how we can rebalance our hormones for happier and healthier lives.

---

'Reveals how little the Everyman understands about the extent of their powers' New Statesman

'A delightfully readable book . . . A deep and fascinating look into a critical aspect of what makes us human and points the way to becoming our better selves' Dr. Brian Goldman, author of The Night Shift