Living with Pcos: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome [Paperback]

Polycystic Ovary Syndrom (PCOS), named after the cysts that may form in the ovaries, is a hormone disorder that causes irregular menstrual cycles, obesity, and infertility, among other symptoms. If untreated, it can lead to heart disease, diabetes, and uterine cancer. This is a book about and by PCOS women (coauthors Boss and Sterling both have it; physician Legro is an expert on the syndrome), which is evident in their easy-to-understand descriptions of the disorder, its symptoms, medical diagnosis, and treatments (including alternative methods) as well as the emotional impact. Colette Harris's PCOS: A Woman's Guide to Dealing with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (LJ 8/00) is a more difficult read (more medical jargon with a more British slant) but does offer a four-point management plan to combat the disorder. Both volumes are valuable to any women's health collection, but Boss and Sterling's is preferable to an American audience with its easy-to-read format, separate chapter on infertility, and important references to national organizations like Resolve. (Index not seen.)DLisa A. Errico-Cox, Nassau Community Coll. Lib., Garden City, NY
Copyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc.

"Contains inspring stories from affected women and information about diagnosis and treatment." -- Jane Brody, New York Times

"This book is a tool for gaining information to take charge of PCOS." -- Kristin Rencher, Executive Director, Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Association

An estimated 10 million American women have PCOS-polycystic ovary syndrome. Most of these women have never heard of the hormonal disorder, but are often painfully aware of its symptoms: irregular menstrual cycles, excess facial and body hair, weight gain, and adult acne. PCOS is also the leading cause of infertility. If left untreated, the condition carries long-term risks for endometrial cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and stroke. This book sheds light on this under-reported, under-diagnosed endocrine disorder. Topics covered include: Causes of PCOS, Overcoming the symptoms, Choosing a physician, Getting a diagnosis, Receiving the best medical treatment, Infertility and getting pregnant, and Coping with the emotional impact of PCOS.

Angela Boss is health education director of PCOSA, the international PCOS support group. She is the author of Surviving Your First Year As a Pastor: What Seminary Didn't Teach You and Heart of a Shepherd: Meditations for New Pastors. Evelina Weidman Sterling is a certified health education specialist and consultant to various nonprofit and government agencies in the area of evaluation and health services research. She lives in Atlanta, Georgia. Richard S. Legro, M.D., is a faculty member in the department of obstetrics and gynecology at Penn State University College of Medicine in Hershey, Pennsylvania. Dr. Legro's research and clinical practice are focused on polycystic ovary syndrome-diagnosis, treatment, and genetic/ environmental causes. He has published over seventy-five articles related to PCOS in medical journals and books. He lives in Hershey, Pennsylvania.