Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a complex condition relating to a hormone imbalance of the ovaries. It can cause irregular or absent menstrual cycles, reduced fertility, excess facial/body hair growth and an increased risk of diabetes. An estimated 10% of the adult female population - approximately 2 million of the 19 million adult women in Britain - are affected by PCOS. Written by a consultant endocrinologist and a dietician who run a PCOS clinic at a major hospital in the UK, this book aims to help women better understand PCOS and manage their condition. The book comprises concise chapters offering practical advice on the causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of PCOS. The book also includes a useful section dedicated to weight management as well as a resource section including GI and calorie tables, and a list of helpful websites. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: The Facts is an invaluable resource that will empower women with PCOS with the knowledge to take control of their health and provide them with strategies to cope with their condition.

Dr. Mohgah Elsheikh is Consultant Physician and founder and head of the Polycystic Ovary Syndrome clinic at the Centre for Endocrinology and Diabetes, Royal Berkshire Hospital, Reading, UK
Ms Caroline Murphy is Dietician at the Polycystic Ovary Syndrome clinic at the Centre for Endocrinology and Diabetes, Royal Berkshire Hospital, Reading, UK

- 1: What is polycystic ovary syndrome? - 2: What causes polycystic ovary syndrome? - 3: What are the symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome? - 4: What are the health risks associated with polycystic ovary syndrome? - 5: How is the diagnosis of polycystic ovary syndrome made? - 6: Controlling insulin resistance - 7: Coping with stress - 8: Treatment of irregular or absent menstrual periods - 9: Treatment of subfertility - 10: Treatment of excess body hair - 11: Treatment of hair loss - 12: Treatment of acne - 13: Before you begin to try to lose weight - 14: What should you be eating? - 15: The physics of weight loss - 16: Exercise and weight management - 17: Preparing to lose weight - 18: PCOS, carbohydrates and the glycaemic index - 19: Alternative dietary approaches - 20: Behavioural aspects of losing weight - 21: Your individual weight loss plan - 22: Management of obesity - the role of drugs and surgery - 23: Weight maintenance - the bits 'diets' don't tell you