Ultimate PCOS Handbook: Lose Weight, Boost Fertility, Clear Skin and Restore Self-Esteem

by Colette Harris, Theresa Cheung

About one in every ten women of childbearing age has PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome), and PCOS is the most common cause of female infertility. PCOS authorities and sufferers Colette Harris and Theresa Cheung will empower readers to take control of their bodies and beat naturally, the often embarrassing symptoms of this syndrome, including weight gain, acne, excess body hair, mood swings, depression, and exhaustion. Packed full of the latest science, uptodate nutrition, and the best in self-help and natural therapies, their comprehensive book shows how women can start to see their PCOS symptoms improve in as little as 2 weeks.

Genres: Health, Nonfiction, Self Help

416 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2008

About the author

Colette Harris is a leading health journalist and magazine editor with a degree from Oxford University. She's been writing pioneering articles on PCOS in international newspapers and magazines since 1997 in order to raise awarenss of the condition, and to campaign for better treatment and understanding for women who have it. Colette is a frequent speaker at international conferences and women's groups exploring PCOS.

Reviews

[Caro Lyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

The positives outweigh the negatives, making this the best PCOS book I've read so far. The positives are that the book covers a broad range of topics in a simple yet thorough manner, explains the inter-relatedness of the endocrine system, and, for the most part, recognizes that PCOS affects people differently so no one solution applies to everyone. The topics include the theoretical causes of PCOS (it's not definite); what a polycystic ovary looks like (and the picture looks a lot like my ultrasound); how to get a diagnosis; how PCOS evolves through puberty, peri-menopause, and menopause; how it affects fertility and pregnancy; nutrition and exercise recommendations; weight loss; medical solutions, supplement and alternative medicine solutions; and various stress and emotional issues. In particular, the book has information about supplements and alternative medicine that I have not found elsewhere and want to research further.

The negatives are the book's discussions of issues that relate to my situation. First, the only solution for acne is birth control pills, but another medical issue prevents me from taking them. On a nit picky level, the few sentences about taking birth control for acne didn't warrant billing as "Clear Skin" in the book's title. Second, I follow all of the nutritional recommendations except the salt limitation and was curious about why I needed to limit salt. It was the standard high blood pressure and water retention issues, which don't apply to me (if my blood pressure were much lower, I would need medication to raise it). I didn't understand why the book was so good about mentioning elsewhere that not everything applies to every body but didn't in this situation. Third, I found the weight loss ideas to quite lame and discouraging. The book recognizes that most individuals with PCOS have weight issues and have tried unsuccessfully to lose weight (because it's difficult with PCOS). Then the book throws out recommendations like drink water, eat soup to fool yourself into being full, and don't eat mindlessly in front of the TV. These ideas are not new to dieting veterans (that the book recognizes most PCOS with individuals are), and their sad inclusion (without some caveat that most of you already know this information) seemed to either contradict that individuals have made legitimate weight loss efforts or suggest that losing weight with PCOS is a lost cause.

[The Sassy Bookworm · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great source of information for those of us suffering from PCOS.

[Kat · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very clear and precise book. The chapters are reasonable (not too long or too short), they are split into readable chunks. The information whilst in places are scientific the book does not bombard you with long medical terms and no explanation. It is essentially written for an alien to read. It covers everything from the condition, symptoms, ways to help medically and naturally. It doesn't just deal with diet and exercise (although the two are fantastically and helpfully covered), it deals with PCOS and relationships, stress, fertility, body image, work, and so on. It is written by two sufferers of the condition (therefore offering different things that work for different people) and comments from other sufferers also (sometimes with health tips). A must read for anyone with the condition but especially newly diagnosed sufferers, family, friends and partners.

[Rebecca Koopmans · Rating 2 out of 5]

I hoped to learn more. The book is a good starting point in learning what PCOS is but gives very basic info on solutions and a lot of of it is based on losing weight / diet. A lot of repetition as well and the information seems to be outdated - but the book is relatively old compared to most PCOS research so that makes sense

I also doubt the research seeing that the book actually says pessarium and IUD protect against STDs & eating well can change your genes which gives me the impression the content isn’t the most trustworthy...

[Camilla · Rating 3 out of 5]

I learned a lot in this book, mostly that while there are things you can do to mitigate the symptoms of PCOS, there's no cure and much of what can be done has to be done on an individual level. While I appreciated the information I gained from reading, I absolutely loathed the blatant copyediting errors. It felt like I was reading a rough draft of the manuscript. Even the formatting was awful with the spacing between words too close together and bunched up against the punctuation. I had a hard time taking seriously the content of the book when the publication was so poorly done.

[Coralie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Full of information, easy to read. Seemed somewhat redundant at times, but I’ve done a lot of research on PCOS so that may be the reason why. I’m also just tired of people saying “cut out stress” and take care of yourself. Shouldn’t that be obvious? If you are new to learning more about PCOS and natural, holistic self-care and health plans you will find this book helpful.

[Nina Eberhard · Rating 2 out of 5]

It’ a no for me. The book has some good information.. but overall it seems outdated. A lot of parts seem badly researched and „thrown together“. - A bit all over the place.

Some parts were alright. If you’re completely new to this topic it might be helpful - other than that… get another book.

[Kylie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very helpful. Taken the diet ideas in hand and two weeks into it already seeing the changes within myself. Thank you.

[Isabel Hinen · Rating 3 out of 5]

There is some good information in here, but also some of it is outdated, so I skimmed through about half of it.

[Courtney Martin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some good information.

But, it’s repetitive in mentioning St John’s wort, exercise, and talking to others with PCOS.

[Elisabeth Valienne · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 rounded down.

Not bad, but again, the info is SUPER outdated by this point.

[Krista · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was excellent reading in order to prepare for my appointment after one year of unsuccessful TTC. I feel well-versed in PCOS and have a list of questions to bring to my doctor.

A lot of the content was repetitive, which was good to drive certain points home but the book probably could be condensed. Also, it's written in British English so I had to adjust to certain spellings and word choices.

Overall, I feel much more informed on my diagnosis of PCOS and much better prepared to tackle it with my doctor.

[Michelle Hoogterp · Rating 5 out of 5]

This gave me a lot of info that I needed and some great suggestions I'll follow up on with my dr. I want a natural alternative way of dealing with PCOS and I don't want to have to live on medications if I can get things under control without them.

I borrowed this book thru my library but I plan on buying my own copy.

[Taylour · Rating 5 out of 5]

For anyone with PCOS this is a must. A well researched holistic (mind, body, soul) approach to a syndrome that modern medicine struggles to understand. Comprehensive coverage of all possible remedies, and empowering as well. Living with PCOS is a secret struggle, and after reading, I felt less alone. We are everywhere, stay strong sisters.

[Celine · Rating 2 out of 5]

didn't really learn anything new in this book. it's more of a re-hash of all things know about PCOS.. and I even put questionmarks at some treatments. I prefer Nancy Dunne's research by far.
Still, i guess it's a great introduction if you know nothing about it....

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not sure- I was told I had pcos recently but I only have a few of the symptoms dealt with in the book!?!

[Danielle Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Text book information. I have been diagnosed with PCOS since 19 and have been a reseacher since then. I still learned info in this one. Good reference book to hold onto. Nice up to date info for me.

[Helaine Henry · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very informative. Wish there was more advice on recipes and diet.

[Astrila · Rating 3 out of 5]

Okay. Didn't have a tons of info I didn't already know.

[Megan · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Ultimate Handbook" is a bit of a reach but it is a solid jumping off point in my personal research. I wish they had sited more scientific sources and evidence.