Androgen Disorders in Women: The Most Neglected Hormone Problem (Paperback)

by Theresa Cheung (Author) "Why do I keep gaining weight, however hard I diet and exercise?..." (more)
Key Phrases: androgen disorder, androgen imbalance, ovarian glands, Women's Hormones, Geoffrey Redmond, James Douglas (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From Kirkus Reviews
paper 0-89793-259-5 Although imbalances of the so-called ``male'' hormones are estimated to affect up to 10 percent of all women, the resulting disorders receive little press. Sufferers will welcome this competent guide to the causes and treatments for such disorders. Cheung (A Break in Your Cycle: The Medical and Emotional Causes and Effects of Amenorrhea) first explains the complexity of the body's hormone system, including how women's and men's bodies both use the same hormones; it is the amount and balance of each that determines the characteristics of each sex. We know much more about the function of some androgens (e.g., testosterone) than others. But as Cheung makes clear, the signs of something going awry are easily identifiable. Symptoms generally appear gradually and can be grouped into: changes in appearance (unexplained weight gain, both hair loss and unwanted hair growth, acne), menstrual abnormality and infertility, and metabolic and systemic disorders (these, the most serious of the symptoms, include increased risk for diabetes, heart disease, and cancer). Diagnosis generally involves blood tests, and treatment is through hormonal therapy. Cheung is clear, reassuring, and doesn't pull any punches: ``Weight gain, mood swings, and loss of interest in sex can be the results of androgen imbalance, but they can also result from too much food, too little exercise, or a lack of challenge and discipline in our lives.'' A straightforward, helpful primer for a rarely discussed subject. -- Copyright ©1999, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Description
Androgen disorders are perhaps the most common and overlooked of female hormonal problems. Women's health writer Theresa Cheung describes how the hormone imbalance affects women both physically and emotionally, explaining how these disorders can be treated by conventional and alternative means and noting ways to prevent the problem as well.

Product Details

• Paperback: 224 pages
• Publisher: Hunter House; 1 edition (July 1, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0897932595
• ISBN-13: 978-0897932592
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.5 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.9 out of 5 stars See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #925,378 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

48 of 50 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Excellent for those seeking information about these problems, November 11, 1999

By	"pookyky" (Centerville, Utah) - See all my reviews

I would highly recommend this book to women who suffer from pcos, hirsutism, obesity, infertility, menstrual irregularity, alopecia or hair loss, acne or oily skin, anxiety and depression. All of these symptoms deal with high testosterone levels and can be dangerous if not treated as mentioned in the book. She addresses all the issues except for some herbs which is why I rated this book a 4 instead of 5. Clearly androgen disorders are a big problem not being taken seriously by the medical profession and others in the field. I suffer almost all of these symptoms and it helped me to realize that something is starting to be done or at least someone like Theresa Cheung is taking these issues serious. The high testosterone which she points out in the book can lead to diabetes, hypertention and cancer unless treated. I am grateful for the book and the detailed explaination about the endocrine systems and how they play a role in the body. One note, she mentions Saw Palmetto in the book as being an herb for body building due to the fact it raises testosterone levels. In my research this is not the case! I have found that Saw palmetto can possibly be used to treat androgen disorders, which is not even mentioned in the book. In my studies I have read that Saw palmetto can be used by women who have an excess of androgenic hormones. Some of the indications for saw palmetto include hirsutism, infertility, acne, amnenorrhea, pcos, debility, and deficiency. It helps to stimulate breast growth and to bring on menstruation. Saw palmetto has demonstrated anabolic, antiandrogenic, and estrogenic activity. Theresa cheung addresses western medicine treatment methods quite clearly and there are many options. This book answered most all of the questions I had dealing with excess testosterone.

24 of 27 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A great Place to Start PCOS research, October 11, 2000

By A Customer

This is one of three books I have read on PCOS. It is well written and easy to understand. I took it with me to my first visit with a new Doctor and referred to it many times throughout my appointment. Its great reference so you know if your Doctor is ordering the right diagnostic tests and correct treatment. You can get a feel for how "up" your Doctor is on PCOS by reading this book. (If your Doctor doesn't take what you learn from this book seriously, move on to another Doctor!!)

Ms. Cheung refers to and cites the book, "Good News About Woman's Hormones", by Geoffrey Redmond, a great deal. "Androgen" is an easier read, and more specific to PCOS. If you can only buy one book, start with "Androgen" and then get "Good News". "Androgen" eases you into the terminology and how things work and fit together, "Good News" is far more detailed and will build on the "Androgen" book. Both are a "must have".

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Consider Another Book, July 9, 2004

By A Customer

This books has some good information, but it seems to be poorly edited. It's somewhat redundant, and there are blatant grammar errors and even an obvious math error ("1,300 + 130 = 1,630"). These flaws take away from the points the author tries to make. I'd also like a little more information about some of the researchers and studies she cites. There are resources in the back of the book, but no footnotes to help you identify which sources support which statements.