LIVING WITH ENDOMETRIOSIS: How to Cope with the Physical and Emotional Challenges

by Kate Weinstein ‧ RELEASE DATE: July 1, 1987

A clear, comprehensive guide to the disorder and its medical treatment, this also offers some self-help measures. Weinstein sets out an understandable definition of this often-murky diagnosis: ""Endometriosis is the presence of endometrical tissue outside its normal location in the uterus."" It can take the form of lesions, implants, and nodules, usually in the pelvis; and as this tissue responds to the hormonal changes of the menstrual cycle, it can cause periodic inflammation and pain. Since the tissue can't escape from the body on a monthly basis as it should, this is a chronic problem. Weinstein is quick to point out that the typical patient profile--""a bright, highly agressive, ambitious, meticulous and somewhat obsessive woman who leads a stressful lifestyle and who has deliberately deferred childbearing to pursue education or a career""--is an inaccurate one. ""The only common denominator among women with the disease is that they menstruate,"" and the cause is unknown. Weinstein goes on to describe symptoms and diagnosis, then evaluates the medical treatment options. This is all clear and helpful; Weinstein also attends to emotional issues. She comes up short only in her discussion of practical measures that help--more self-help suggestions, and evaluation of alternatives to standard medical treatment, would have been useful. Nevertheless, a worthwhile guide to an increasingly common problem.

Pub Date: July 1, 1987

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Addison-Wesley

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 15, 1987

Categories: NONFICTION