August

I think this is the first truly excellent book published for the patient about PCOS. It was published in 2000 which was a a few year ago - but the information, I think, has held up well (perhaps that is a shame because there have not really been the major advancements in PCOS treatment that we all hoped for- at least that I know of in that time).

This book is really an excellent source of information on almost any and all subjects related to PCOS - puberty though menopause, symptoms and problems related to PCOS, fertility and pregnancy, very good information on getting diagnosed and various tests related to PCOS and what the tests and their results "mean". There are also very helpful 'forms' or questionnaires in the back in the appendix section that I copied and filled out and took to my appointment when I was first trying to get diagnosed - that I think were extremely helpful. There is of course excellent and extensive information on treatment options for PCOS generally and also for almost any symptom of PCOS you could probably think of - most of it from a medical prospective although there is a section on "alternative" treatment options - with a small amount of information on many herbal or alternative options. If your primary interest is alternative or natural treatments the amount of information on that subject would likely not satisfy your need for information - although the book is still likely worth reading just to get a better overall understanding of PCOS.

The Thatcher book is pretty technical in its style, although it is written for PCOS patients. I think some people prefer a different style or perhaps a less intimidating or dry read. The book is readable for just about anyone I think - but it is not some people's idea of fun. Also I think some people think that the book is overly pessimistic about the possibility of overcoming some of the symptoms of PCOS and in some instances seems to encourage acceptance over striving for change - I think that weight is at least one area that people have expressed this concern. Weight is one of my main complaints related to PCOS - and I am not a person who chooses acceptance over change easily - although in this case I think there a little pessimism and a lot of telling it like it is - I like telling it like it is - and I was not as bothered about this issue as I think some people were.

Again the quality of the information in this book is excellent - if you are really an avid consume of information about PCOS this will likely be a good, even enjoyable read for you - at least the sections that relate to you and your goals - if not this would still be a very good reference material to have around for when you need to look things up.