Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Woman's Guide to Identifying & Managing PCOS »

Dr. John Eden is an associate professor in reproductive endocrinology at the University of New South Wales and the director of the Sydney Menopause Centre, the Natural Therapy Unit, and the Barbara Gross Research Unit at the Royal Hospital for Women in Sydney, Australia. He is the author of Women's Hormone Problems.

Addressing the common, but often undiagnosed, hormonal condition of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), this medical guide gives women the confidence to ask their doctors the right questions and make informed choices. In easy-to-understand language, the latest advice about managing PCOS is offered to the one in four women with polycystic ovaries and the seven out of 100 of this group who suffer the effects of PCOS. The symptoms, including acne, excess hair, weight problems, and irregular menstruation are outlined. Such questions as What causes PCOS? How do hormones work? How is PCOS different from simply having polycystic ovaries? Does PCOS necessarily lead to infertility? How is it treated? and What is the connection between PCOS and diabetes? are answered. Case studies and the latest research for patients, pharmacists, doctors, and other health professionals are included.

Library Journal

Reproductive endocrinologist Eden (director, Sydney Menopause Ctr., Royal Hosp. for Women) has written a much-needed reference on polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Approximately one in four women of reproductive age has polycystic ovaries (PCO), in which follicles (cysts) form around the ovaries in a pearl necklace pattern. While the vast majority of these women do not have the additional symptoms that constitute PCOS-e.g., excessive body hair, acne, irregular menstruation, hair loss, and fertility and weight problems-PCOS is very much an underdiagnosed disorder. Eden stresses the importance of further testing for women with PCO to determine whether the condition is in fact part of a larger picture of PCOS; he provides clear explanations and treatment possibilities and dispels myths associated with the syndrome. Although much is still unknown about PCOS, Eden emphasizes that there have been significant advances during the past 20 years, primarily via evidence-based medicine protocols. This is the latest of several recent contributions to the lay literature on PCOS, which includes Colette Harris's PCOS and Your Fertility and Milton Hammerly and Cheryl Kimball's What To Do When the Doctor Says It's PCOS. Compared with these, Eden's book is up-to-date; its more comprehensive approach doesn't stress alternative/complementary treatments or focus on the fertility problems associated with PCOS. Recommended for all consumer health collections.-Linda M.G. Katz, Drexel Univ. Health Sciences Libs., Philadelphia Copyright 2005 Reed Business Information.