What Nurses Know...PCOS

by Karen Roush RN MSN FNP

Polycystic ovary syndrome, or PCOS, is a common endocrine disorder that affects as many as one in 15 women. The symptoms often begin in adolescence and include weight problems, lack of regular menstruation, and excessive amounts of male hormones. While the causes are unknown, insulin resistance, diabetes, hirsutism, and obesity are all strongly correlated with PCOS. What Nurses Know…PCOS sheds light on this common condition and its symptoms. Well organized and clearly written, it gives readers all the information they need and want, including who gets PCOS and why; different types of treatments, both traditional and alternative; dealing with body image issues; complications; coping strategies; and more. Sidebars and boxes call attention to new research findings and topics of particular interest. Additional resources include online tools and PCOS-related websites, as well as lists of support groups.

Genres: Self Help, Reference, Nonfiction

168 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2010

Reviews

[Carol Brannigan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Since I have been diagnosed with PCOS, I had high hopes for this book. The information presented was accurate, well organized and I am sure I will refer to it from time to time. The only downfall, is much of the information is more of a common sense/common knowledge aspect. Even for people who don't suffer from this- its still always a good idea to be at your ideal wight and to exercise and eat right. These aspects, while good advice aren't overly helpful in the long run. "Easier said than done" is a phrase that comes to mind- more tips on how to achieve those goals could have been included.

While I did learn a few things- mostly on the drugs and medication section, I was hoping to learn more. The book, I think while useful to a degree for those suffering with PCOS, seems to be written more for someone who is a family member or friend of someone who has been diagnosed. It gives them a pretty balanced view of the various struggles and health issues that encompass those living with PCOS. I did also like the website references that were listed.

It is a good companion to the medical advice of endocrinologists and though limited, definitely has its place as a decent reference.

[Megan Kestel · Rating 5 out of 5]

thus far this has been the most credible well written book regarding PCOS all of the resources are cited and encouraged for you to delve deeper. I am very uncertain why this has such a low rating many books and information regarding pcos has next to no credibility. If your an old pro, or just diagnosed this book will give you the credible resources to dig deeper into this syndrome. This certainly needs to be on the top of your to read list if you are further seeking information on PCOS

[R-mig · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked the organization of the book. It makes it easy to find what you're looking for. So, I just read the biological focus and skimmed over the rest. Overall, it's a good source if you're diagnosed with PCOS or deal closely with somebody who has it.

[C.J. Maughan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very helpful information all in one place. Definitely worth a read if you've recently been diagnosed with PCOS or even if you've been dealing with it for years.

[Kat · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the first book I've read on the subject, but I've done a lot of reading online from various medical sites & medical forums. This read probably like any other medical book - a lot of it wasn't "in plain english" for me to understand, but I got the gist of it because of other stuff I'd read on the subject.

Really there wasn't much more here to learn other then the fact that depression & anxiety can be triggered and intensified by PCOS. And here I thought it was my old age creeping up on me ;)

One symptom of PCOS (and being overweight in general) is High Blood Pressure, and fact is, when you have High Blood Pressure, or a history of it, you can't take a lot of the medications that are outlined in this book for help. I'm looking for something I can take.

I'd be very interested in a PCOS diet book perhaps. That probably at this point would be more helpful for me then this book was.

[Samantha · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good place for those just learning about PCOS to start. At the end of each chapter there are excellent resources for further reading. Perhaps what I enjoyed most were the "testimonials" in each chapter from two women who have PCOS. They did a good job of showing the reader that the symptoms and experience of having PCOS is different for everyone, and that what may be true for one person is not necessarily true for all.

[Iva · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's an excellent read on the basics of PCOS and PCOS treatment with some great detail on medication, diet and exercise. It is a must read if you are struggling with PCOS or want to better understand what's going on with a relative, a friend or a partner with PCOS.

[Angie Wolters · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very informative but basic knowledge in this book. I was able to read it in an evening and only had about two moments of aha, new knowledge, in this book.

[Kara · Rating 3 out of 5]

There are a few other books that are much better as far as the topic of PCOS goes. This book was not terrible, but it was very much an overview of different topics and did not go into any depth.

[Allets · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was extremely informative. I wish that I would have found it sooner!