The talk about Sam Thatcher’s PCOS: The Hidden Epidemic

This book is written for anyone who wants more
information about PCOS. Samuel Thatcher is a reproductive
endocrinologist who feels that patients recently diagnosed with PCOS are
hungry for more information than a physician has time to provide in the
standard 15 minute evaluation. In addition, there are health
professionals who lack a good understanding of this syndrome and the
risks for other health problems.

The book is written in lay language and is easily understandable
without having been "dumbed down." The focus is on polycystic
ovarian syndrome and its symptoms, methods for diagnosis, treatments,
and potential sequelae. However, this book is much broader that that.
Normal female reproduction from birth through puberty and menopause is
described for normal women and for those affected with PCOS. The author
provides the basis of many medical concepts and problems. There is a
mini-review of genetics, as well as a discussion of whether or not PCOS
is inherited. The chapter on "Fat for Life? It’s Not Just a Matter
of Self Control" discusses obesity, nutrition, and exercise with
and without PCOS. The chapter on infertility describes the entire ABCs
of infertility, noting that PCOS may be a causative factor for
infertility but it may not be the only problem. Through these examples,
this book also provides the reader witht he context in which to
understand the broader medical impact of PCOS on her life.

There is no other single authoritative resources available for
patients regarding PCOS. The scientific explanations by Dr. Thatcher,
even those of the complex insulin resistance story, are clearly
explained to the best of our current understanding. Clinical treatments
with their benefits, disadvantages, risks and side-effects are helpful
and easily findable for references. Complementary therapy is not
neglected. Support groups, Web Sites, and physician references are
included at the end, along with an excellent index.

ASRM News "Patient’s Bookshelf", Winter, 2001-2



PCOS: The Hidden Epidemic is a comprehensive, 496-page
treatise on Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), the single most common
hormonal disturbance in women of reproductive age. Genetically based and
heretofore often unrecognized and under treated, , PCOS only now coming
to be understood by specialists in reproductive endocrinology. PCOS:
The Hidden Epidemic is essential, informative reading for medical
service providers, physicians, and any woman suffering from, or who has
a family history of, Polycystic Ovary Syndrome with its chronic symptoms
of obesity, excessive hair growth or thinning, problem skin, menstrual
irregularity.

–Midwest Book Review,
December, 2000



Dr. Sam Thatcher is a renowned expert in Reproductive
Endocrinology. He brings to the field both scientific and clinical
expertise. This fine book provides superb explanation, insight, and
direction in regards to the polycystic ovarian syndrome. In a
comprehensive yet easy to read format, Thatcher has provided a text that
has all the answers (known at this time) in regards to this complex
disease entity - polycystic ovarian syndrome. It is a unique
contribution.

–Alan DeCherney, M.D.


Editor Fertility and Sterility.
Past president, American Society for
Reproductive Medicine



As a woman with PCOS, I spent many years searching for answers to
the multitude of problems that plagued me: acne, irregular cycles,
excess hair, weight problems and infertility. Over the years, as my
symptoms increased I felt increasingly stripped of both my physical
health and my femininity. Deep down, I thought that there had to be a
connection between all of my seemingly disparate problems but neither I
nor my doctors were able to recognize that connection. Thankfully, times
are changing, in no small part due to doctors like Samuel Thatcher. Dr.
Thatcher was one of the earliest advocates for PCOS awareness. He
recognized the connections, realizing that this is a syndrome which
crosses medical boundaries, and began treating the whole woman rather
than the individual symptoms. His knowledge in the fields of gynecology
and endocrinology are only surpassed by his depth of understanding and
compassion for the women afflicted with this syndrome. He is a true
champion of women with PCOS!

–Kristin Hellman Rencher


Executive Director,
PolyCystic Ovarian Syndrome
Association, Inc.



Dr. Thatcher provides the reader with understandable and
straightforward information about PCOS. This book is a vital and
much-needed resource for patients as it empowers them to gain a better
understanding of PCOS’ life-long issues and take back control back of
their lives.

–Pamela Madsen

Executive Director,
The American Infertility
Association



Polycystic ovary syndrome is a common and complex endocrine
disorder. While much has been learned in recent years regarding its
causes and treatments, much remains unanswered. For women diagnosed with
PCOS, there has not been a single authoratative source of information
written with the patient in mind. Now, Dr. Thatcher has filled that gap.
This text is an informative, readable, and useful source of information
for patients and their families. Dr. Thatcher conveys his expertise in
this area to those who need it most. I will recommend this book to
anyone who has or is interested in learning more about PCOS.

–David Ehrmann, M.D.

University of Chicago, Center for PCOS




As an INCIID advisory board member and PCOS Forum moderator on the
Internet, Samuel Thatcher, M.D., has helped drag this debilitating
syndrome out of the closet and enabled thousands of women to find relief
from their symptoms. In his book, PCOS: The Hidden Epidemic, Dr.
Thatcher takes his distinctive, conversational style, mixed with solid
science, and provides the most comprehensive overview of PCOS to date.
He gives women the ammunition they need to insist upon appropriate
diagnostic testing and the new and successful treatments that can help
overcome hormonal disturbances and dramatically improve the quality of
their lives

–Theresa Venet Grant