Customer Reviews

Pcos: The Hidden Epidemic

5 star:		(35)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

This is the best of the new PCOS books out. After researching PCOS for months using research articles and the Internet, I was thrilled to find this book. It is very complete, with chapters on what PCOS is, (symptoms, possible causes, genetic factors) as well as treatments for PCOS. There are separate chapters on PCOS during adolescence, menopause, and sections dealing with fertility and healthy pregnancies for women with PCOS. There are also sensible chapters on weight managment and body image. Although there are a few chapters which contain an overabundance of medical terms and charts, they are good as a reference source even if a non-medical person doesn't completely understand them! The explanations of the various blood tests and exams that may be conducted are very helpful as well. I highly recommend this book if you are a woman suffering from PCOS.

As the publisher of this exciting new book, I wanted to share the advance buzz from the experts in the field about Sam Thatcher's PCOS: The Hidden Epidemic...

Dr. Sam Thatcher is a renowned expert in Reproductive Endocrinology. He brings to the field both scientific and clinical expertise. This fine book provides superb explanation, insight, and direction in regards to the polycystic ovary syndrome. In a comprehensive yet easy to read format, Thatcher has provided a text that has all the answers (known at this time) in regards to this complex disease entity - polycystic ovary syndrome. It is a unique contribution. Alan DeCherney, M.D. Editor Fertility and Sterility. Past president, American Society for Reproductive Medicine

As a woman with PCOS, I spent many years searching for answers to the multitude of problems that plagued me: acne, irregular cycles, excess hair, weight problems and infertility. Over the years, as my symptoms increased I felt increasingly stripped of both my physical health and my femininity. Deep down, I thought that there had to be a connection between all of my seemingly disparate problems but neither I nor my doctors were able to recognize that connection. Thankfully, times are changing, in no small part due to doctors like Samuel Thatcher. Dr. Thatcher was one of the earliest advocates for PCOS awareness. He recognized the connections, realizing that this is a syndrome which crosses medical boundaries, and began treating the whole woman rather than the individual symptoms. His knowledge in the fields of gynecology and endocrinology are only surpassed by his depth of understanding and compassion for the women afflicted with this syndrome. He is a true champion of women with PCOS! Kristin Hellman Rencher Executive Director, PolyCystic Ovarian Syndrome Association, Inc.

Dr. Thatcher provides the reader with understandable and straightforward information about PCOS. This book is a vital and much-needed resource for patients as it empowers them to gain a better understanding of PCOS' life-long issues and take back control back of their lives. Pamela Madsen Executive Director, The American Infertility Association

Polycystic ovary syndrome is a common and complex endocrine disorder. While much has been learned in recent years regarding its causes and treatments, much remains unanswered. For women diagnosed with PCOS, there has not been a single authoritative source of information written with the patient in mind. Now, Dr. Thatcher has filled that gap. This text is an informative, readable, and useful source of information for patients and their families. Dr. Thatcher conveys his expertise in this area to those who need it most. I will recommend this book to anyone who has or is interested in learning more about PCOS. David Ehrmann, M.D. University of Chicago, Center for PCOS

As an INCIID advisory board member and PCOS Forum moderator on the Internet, Samuel Thatcher, M.D., has helped drag this debilitating syndrome out of the closet and enabled thousands of women to find relief from their symptoms. In his book, PCOS: The Hidden Epidemic, Dr. Thatcher takes his distinctive, conversational style, mixed with solid science, and provides the most comprehensive overview of PCOS to date. He gives women the ammunition they need to insist upon appropriate diagnostic testing and the new and successful treatments that can help overcome hormonal disturbances and dramatically improve the quality of their lives Theresa Venet Grant President, INCIID

PCOS: The Hidden Epidemic is an essential for anyone with PCOS. Dr. Thatcher goes indepth on all the seperate issues of weight, hair, acne and infertility. He even lists the different diets and why you should or should not go down that road if you are trying to get pregnant. This book is like a road map for those dealing with infertility due to PCOS. Every therapy and drug is listed in this book with why, how it works, and how it is prescribed. All of the information in this book I wanted to know from my Doctor but there is just not enough time in the world for my Doctor to spend that kind of time with me. So instead, I have this book to answer any of my questions. He also has sections of just questons and answers which I found very helpful. I am trying to get pregnant for the 1st time right now, but know I will use this book as a reference far into the future!

I don't even bother to look at the so-called fertility books in bookstores any more. None of them offer more than a mere mention of PCOS, even though PCOS is one of the leading causes of female infertility! I diagnosed myself using internet resources (like INCIID -- author Dr. Thatcher is an advisory board member for INCIID and writes frequently on PCOS). I bought this book, saw myself in its pages, and then was formally diagnosed in January 2002. This book offers the most comprehensive discussion of PCOS, how it works (or doesn't), and how it affects various bodily functions.

I am not a "classic" PCOS patient -- I am thin, and have no problems with hair or acne, but this book still applies to me. This is what sets it apart from other PCOS books out there, which focus on how to manage the secondary symptoms of PCOS, and don't really explain the syndrome. Since medical understanding of PCOS is not that great right now, it is wonderful to have such a detailed sourcebook -- it has allowed me to direct my REI to try treatments he otherwise might have skipped.

This book is packed with information, and some may find it hard to digest (lots of medical terms). It's really geared towards people who have long since moved beyond basic books like "Taking Charge of Your Fertility." This is a real medical sourcebook, meant to refer back to again and again, not necessarily read cover-to-cover.

The only thing keeping me from giving it 5 stars is the book's cursory discussion of metformin treatment for infertility, which had been studied for a few years by the time this book was published (because of the tendency of PCOS patients to also have insulin resistence). I am starting metformin treatment now, but have had to rely on internet sources for help.

It can be a bit difficult to wade through some of the medical information in this book. However, it is vital reading for any of the 5-10% of women who have PCOS. Information truly is power when you suffer from PCOS. This book is a great basis for understanding this syndrome, deciding on treatment, and explaining PCOS to your family, friends, and others.

This is the best overview of PCOS available. Thatcher covers all of the important information and offers explanations of treatments available. Many women with PCOS are not getting the treatment they need because their doctors overlook symptoms or assume that PCOS is a cosmetic problem or a fertility issue. Get this book, read it, then use your newfound knowledge to get the treatment you deserve.

After being diagnosed with PCOS 14 years ago, and after suffering endless doctors appointments with un-educated physicians, somebody writes a good book about PCOS for all those women who feel 'lost' with their symptoms and little information out there!!! My husband loved it and understood everything a bit better. Highly recommended!

If you've been diagnosed with PCOS, chances are you're confused and concerned about your health, appearance, fertility etc. etc.

This book contains essential information about PCOS. Not only does it address weight gain, hirsutism, anovulation and a myriad of associated symptoms, it also explains exactly how (medically speaking) the symptoms occur and which hormones affect which symptoms.

This is more of a medical text than a touchy-feely book, but it is still very helpful in explaining the hormonal nuances of women with PCO. From reading this book, I learned so much about my body including how odd problems I had in childhood and early adolescence may have been indicators of PCOS!

This book is very thorogh, and you must read it if you've been diagnosed with or if you suspect you may have PCOS.

If you're like me, you may have heard the term, "PCOS", and immediately dismissed it as not applying to you, despite having some obvious symptoms including acne, excessive hair growth, and a tendency to be overweight. As soon I learned the acronym stood for "PolyCystic Ovary Syndrome", I thought, "well, I know don't have cysts. I just know I don't."

If you do have symptoms of PCOS, do yourself a favor and read up on it as soon as possible. You may save yourself a lot of heart ache and frustration.

If only I had read this book last year, I would have identified that I had PCOS and would have tried to conceive a child immediately after I stopped taking birth control pills, as the book suggests, instead of waiting a few months as other books recommend. Thatcher notes that many PCOS patients are fertile for a few months once they stop taking the pill, and since I charted my cycles immediately after stopping the pill, I discovered (too late) that this was true for me. After a few months I stopped ovulating and the PCOS symptoms became too obvious to ignore. Just shows how accurate this book is.

Thatcher's book does an excellent job of reviewing PCOS, its origins, and treatment options. When my OB-GYN first suggested that I had PCOS, I stared at her blankly and just nodded as she quickly mentioned possible treatments. While taking tests to confirm my PCOS, I read this book and did research about PCOS on the internet. After reading this book I feel prepared to face my OB-GYN when we discuss treatment options in a few weeks. I am now educated about the topic and know which treatment options I'd like to try.

I have been struggling with "symptoms" since I was thirteen.It all began with my monthly camper never showing up. I am now 33 and have still never had one, other than provera produced. This book introduced me to so many other symptoms that I had no idea went hand in hand with PCOS. Even dandruff! I was a normal weight until my symptoms kicked in around the time of puberty. Now that I understand my illness, I am working on that also.PCOS is still a misunderstood and far to often undiagnosed illness, which long term,if undetected,could even be fatal.I have been to more specialist than I could ever begin to count.My parents truly tried to help but the medical knowledge simply wasn't there. PCOS was discovered only a few years ago. About 8 years ago, I was diagnosed with the Stein Leventhol Syndrome. That was a trend for a while, but in my opinion, I'm sure many of the people diagnosed with that are truly PCOS victims.I owe my diagnosis to Dr.Jim Whetstone in Millersport, Ohio. In fact, I probably owe him my life. If you think that you or someone you love may have PCOS, you must buy this book and you must find a Doctor that will recognize this condition and treat it accordingly. There are still so many Doctors that believe there is simply no other reason for being fat other than hiding snickers bars under you bed at night or just binge eating in general.However, please understand that one of the mysteries of the illness is you can have one or all of the symptoms and still have PCOS. Weight is by far,NOT the only issue.This is a true disease and I will thank God for Dr.Jim forever for having the compassion to help me.If you have PCOS this book will absolutely become your medical Bible.The information is incredible and sometimes scary, but you can't conquer what you don't understand. I would have given this book every star in the sky if the scale went that high. A very, very sincere THANK YOU to Dr.Samuel S. Thatcher! Paige Metzger vpmetz@infinet.com

After years of going to OB/GYNs with all the classic symptoms of PCOS I was never told that I had this problem. This problem of PCOS has greatly effected my life. After seeking treatment for PCOS with a REproductive Endocrinologist I have had great success in reducing some of the symptoms. I wish that I had this book when I was a teenager when all the symptoms started to show up. This book is a great reference to anyone with PCOS or family. You MUST educate yourself on PCOS if you have it. You can NOT count on your DR to educate you on PCOS.