Table of Contents

Preface

Figures and tables

1 MAKING SENSE OF ALPHABET SOUP: POLYCYSTIC OVARIES AND POLYCYSTIC OVARY SYNDROME EXPLAINED

What is a polycystic ovary? What is polycystic ovary syndrome? How does the menstrual cycle work?

2 LOOKING FOR SIGNS: PCO AND PCOS DIAGNOSED

How can doctors see an ovary? Do I have polycystic ovaries? Do I have polycystic ovary syndrome?

3 SEARCHING FOR ANSWERS: CAUSES OF POLYCYSTIC OVARY SYNDROME

Are my genes to blame? Do I have too many male hormones? Is it my brain hormones?

Did it happen before I was born? Was it something I ate? Does insulin resistance affect PCOS?

4 SCRATCHING BELOW THE SURFACE: POLYCYSTIC OVARIES AND SKIN AND HAIR SYMPTOMS

Why does hair grow or not grow? Why is my face breaking out all the time? Do hormones affect the skin and hair? Which hormonal tests should I have? How do you treat hair and skin problems?

5 COUNTING THE DAYS: MENSTRUAL IRREGULARITIES

Why do many women with PCOS have a menstrual problem? What else causes menstrual irregularities? What can I do to control menstrual problems?

6 PRODUCING RESULTS: FERTILITY ISSUES

Am I infertile? Do I need contraception? But what if I want to have a baby? Do PCO and PCOS affect pregnancy outcomes?

7 TAKING THE SUGAR: THE DIET AND INSULIN STORY


What is insulin resistance? How do I control and prevent insulin resistance? What surgical procedures are available for weight loss?

8 PROTECTING YOURSELF: POTENTIAL LONG-TERM HEALTH ISSUES

What is my risk of osteoporosis? What is my risk of cancer? What is my risk of heart and blood vessel disease, and diabetes?

9 TAPPING INTO THE FUTURE: POTENTIAL NEW TREATMENTS

What will research unveil? What new medical breakthroughs are likely? What is your final summary?


Glossary and abbreviations


References and further reading


Useful websites

Index

About the Author

Dr John Eden (MB BS MD FRANZCOG FRCOG CREI) is Associate Professor in Reproductive Endocrinology at the University of NSW and Director of the Sydney Menopause Centre, the Natural Therapy Unit and the Barbara Gross Research Unit, all at the Royal Hospital for Women, Sydney.

Reviews

"Women with PCOS are often initially fearful when given the diagnosis--this book will help reassure them and it will also provide them with evidence-based guidance for making decisions about which treatment to use and when to use it." --Cindy Farquhar, professor, University of Auckland

"A much needed account...Women and their partners will find the information on this common disorder fascinating and very readable." --John Studd, MD, professor of gynecology, Imperial College

"A much-needed reference . . . Provides clear explanations." --Library Journal