Customer Reviews

Healing Syndrome O: A Strategic Guide to Fertility, Polycystic Ovaries, and Insulin Imbalance

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

Though I have already read quite a bit about Syndrome O (PCOS) and felt I was well informed, I was able to gain even more understanding from this book. It provided a large amount of information about what happens on the cellular level in our bodies to fuel Syndrome O (PCOS)symptoms and complications. Understanding the science of it all helped reframe my thinking about this disorder and provided the extra push I needed to take back control of my body. I would definitely recommend this book to others dealing with a Syndrome O (PCOS) diagnosis.

This book was wonderful!! Having read at least a dozen books on Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, I found this book to be the most empowering! It is loaded with much useful as well as scientific data. It gives hope to those who struggle with PCOS and gives positive encouragement that PCOS sufferers can have much control over this condition. I thoroughly appreciated Dr. Feinberg's viewpoint regarding the genetics of this syndrome. The fact that there are not "faulty" genes as all other books state, but a "faulty" environment and lifestyle that do not adequately work well with the genetic make-up of PCOS sensitive individuals. I found the other books that I have read on this topic to be rather doom and gloom at times. They left me with a feeling of helplessness and hopelessness for my daughters. However, Dr. Feinberg's book gave me hope and help to empower my daughters to take control of their bodies and their lives!

It saddens me beyond belief that previous reviewers could misinterpret Dr. Feinberg's message in writing this book. Any brief 'googling' of Feinberg's record will show a life-long dedication to women's health and hope in this country. As a woman who has struggled with PCOS for years, I found this book so refreshing for my body and my future. A perceptive reader will see that Dr. Feinberg empathizes with the nightmare and heartbreak millions of couples face on a daily basis; and the thousands of money laid out all for the prayers of having one child to call their own.

After seeing over a dozen specialists, Dr. Feinberg seems to be the first of his kind to offer women a constructive answer to their problems before simply asking for their checkbooks. Sure, all of my doctors have been very helpful, while making a pretty penny at the same time. We all know that many men and women have difficulties with infertility as a result of their genetic history, and Dr. Feinberg is not denying that fact. It is also a fact that a significant percentage of these couples suffering are under/over weight. By no means are his experiences patronizing or misguided; they offer an affordable, different perspective on infertility that seems to have healed a number of his patients. And let's be honest now; if the majority of the books' audience are struggling couples, do we really think they would be INSULTED to learn of how Dr. Feinberg's patients were able to change their diet, become pregnant, and still actually be able to AFFORD a child once it was all said and done?

What a risk this physician takes by offering a solution that does not necessarily benefit him monetarily, but benefits his utmost goal of improving the fertility of couples around the world that may or may not be able to afford treatment. I truly wish there were more honest doctors in this country like Dr. Feinberg.

I highly recommend this book. It has a lot of pertinent information. I have PCOS, and this book talks about this syndrome in a way that makes you understand it easily. So many doctors focus on one problem, but this book shows how this one problem affects your whole body. I am so glad I purchased this book!

Although I have not been diagnosed with polycystic ovarian syndrome, I have experienced dealing with issues of infertility. I think there is much to recommend this wonderful resource for any woman or couple interested in maximizing their fertility. I was very interested in the fact that you don't have to be overweight or show any of the more typical symptoms to be suffering from this metabolic imbalance, and that in fact, PCOS, or Syndrome O, as Dr. Feinberg calls it, is responsible for so many cases of unexplained infertility. I also thought the book was unique in offering as much scientific explanation as it did. I appreciated being able to go into as much or as little detail as I wanted to on any of the covered topics, however, I found myself able to follow and understand more than I ever have in the past due to the author's clear explanations and writing style. The motivational aspects of the book were not only very encouraging and empathetic to women, but empowering as well! That's never to suggest that there aren't women with intractable infertility issues - there are. I think the author is particularly sensitive in addressing that. I really loved this book and feel that it has made a difference in how I see myself in relationship to my body and health. I highly recommend it to anyone interested in starting a family or undergoing fertility treatments as well as the population of women who have or suspect they may have PCOS.

I was mesmerized from the Introduction onward, as the author described a woman who suffered with the same symptoms as me--irregular periods, 'overnourishment', and infertility. This book will help me move down a better path for overcoming my PCOS.

The different chapters are fresh and honest, as they describe guidelines for how women with PCOS should devote attention to their nutrition, activity, and -- most importantly -- to themselves. I loved the chapter on Syndrome O Survival Strategies. This is a must-read for any woman with PCOS.

IF YOU DO NOT HAVE A WEIGHT PROBLEM (including but not limited to diabetes, a tendency to higher insulin levels and overnourishment), this book is not for you. It basically states that eating well and keeping your insulin levels somewhat low will help your fertility. If you already do that, there is nothing else in there besides a biology lesson of how the female body works and medical/conventional alternatives for fertility treatments. What brings another point to mind: there is a lot of stress in this book on fertility/desire to get pregnant. Not so good if you are trying to live with PCOS and not even thinking about getting pregnant!!! Also, the book briefly mentions that stress may affect/cause PCOS, but the Author doesn't go deep into that - explanation of how this happens is lacking in comparison to the stress on overnourishment. I wish there was more information on the stress relation to PCOS! Last but not least: although the book stresses the relation between insuline level and PCOS, it doesn't touch the issue of what kind of exercise is better for lowering insulin levels: whether aerobic or muscle-toning exercises. So, in case you have high insulin levels and do need to lower it, would you buy a book that states that you should exercise but does not even mention what kind of exercise is better for you?

When Dr. Feinberg and I met five years ago, we had no idea what a difference it would make in each of our lives and careers. I was a Chapter Development Coordinator for the PCOSA and he was a fertility doctor with an interest in PCOS. As it turns out, very soon after we met face to face, Dr. Feinberg asked me to share my story in his book about PCOS. I agreed and what a journey it has been. "Healing Syndrome O" has taken quite a commitment from each of us. I must say that it has turned out better than I ever expected. My story is detailed in Chapter 12 and I couldn't have picked a better biographer. Buy "Healing Syndrome O" and prepare yourself for a life-altering experience. That is how powerful this book can be in the hands of a woman ready for change.

Learn more about Dr. Feinberg and Lesa Childers at www.pcostrategies.org. And learn how to help yourself to a healthier, more fertile life!!

Being a patient of Dr. Feinberg's and participating in the Syndrome O Strategies program has changed my life. In 2001, after trying to conceive for quite some time, I discovered that I had PCOS. I began looking for a doctor to "fix me." In February of 2003, after seeing many doctors, I decided to seek the help of a fertility specialist, Dr. Feinberg. After meeting him, I realized that pregnancy was not my only goal; I wanted to live a healthier life. To do this, it occurred to me that I had to be accountable for my actions. I needed to make some changes. I began following Dr. Feinberg's program and sought the help of Syndrome O Coaching Services. Within a few months, I lost 15% of my body weight and my cycles became regular. I am proud to say that I am a success story. In December of 2003, without the use of fertility drugs, my husband and I discovered that we were expecting. Our first child is due to arrive in August.

I have read a lot of information regarding PCOS. This book did an excellent job of explaining the complexities PCOS. It also addressed the treatment alternatives for infertility related to PCOS. I would recommend this book to anyone who has been recently diagnosed.