Pcos (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome) : The Hidden Epidemic

KatCarney · 06-18-2008, 10:56 PM

[coverattach=1]Pcos (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome) : The Hidden Epidemic
by Samuel S. Thatcher

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is a complex hormonal disturbance affecting the entire body with numerous implications for a woman's long-term health and quality of life. PCOS is the most common hormonal disturbance of pre-menopausal women and is a leading cause of infertility, but infertility is not the only problem PCOS creates. Common symptoms unrelated to fertility include obesity, abnormal hair growth, skin problems, and abnormal menstrual periods. Additionally, we now know that PCOS has far longer-term health consequences. Women with PCOS have at least 7 times the risk of heart attack and heart disease than other women, are at risk for hypertension, and by the age of 40, 40% of PCOS patients develop Type 2 diabetes.

Because often individual symptoms of the syndrome have been presented one at a time to a variety of professionals (gynecologists, dermatologists, internists, hair removal specialists) PCOS has been in the closet for far too long, underestimated both in prevalence and importance. The disease is beginning to receive the attention it deserves through interest and research. Even popular women's magazines including, Cosmopolitan, Elle, Redbook, and Ladies Home Journal have published articles on PCOS. There are hundreds of visitors each day to sites on the internet dedicated to PCOS. Yet there has been no comprehensive source of information available to PCOS sufferers... until now. Dr. Thatcher's book is an exciting first in this field!

tx_princess80 · 12-11-2008, 10:48 PM

I just received this book from Amazon.com today,and what I've read so far is great. It really breaks down all the topics easily for you, and even has a chapter on body acceptance! I cant wait to read more.

August · 12-31-2008, 03:49 AM

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.

miraclemomof1 · 08-29-2009, 07:42 PM

This is actually my doctor. He is wonderful. I highly recommend this book to help explain and understand PCOS.

DLChic428 · 09-09-2009, 06:42 PM

These reviews are good to know! I just ordered this book off Amazon when I was diagnosed and not yet a part of soulcysters. Just got it today I'm excited to start reading! Have to let everyone know what I think about it when I do.