Best Books for PCOS: 10 Books to Read If You Have Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
You know as well as we do that PCOS is largely still a mystery – medics are yet to pinpoint possible causes, and there are, as yet, sadly no cures. This means that you most likely have a lot on unanswered questions – not only about PCOS symptom management, but also about navigating life with PCOS and what wellbeing looks like when you have PCOS.
That in mind, we rounded up some of our favourite reads that, whilst not all are specifically for women with PCOS, may be hugely beneficial for those with PCOS seeking more information on the human body and how to prioritise your own health and wellbeing.
1. It Starts With The Egg, Rebecca Fett
If you are having problems conceiving with or without PCOS, we can’t recommend ‘It Starts With The Egg’ by Rebecca Fett' highly enough. When it comes to infertility literature the fact that the author has a degree in molecular biotechnology and biochemistry and knows her stuff is definitely a thumbs up in our book.
Drawing from her own fertility experience, Fett tells us that after starting trying for a family she found out the devastating news that at under 30 years old she was suffering from diminished ovarian reserve, yielding only a few eggs during her first IVF cycle. After asking her doctors if there were any supplements she could take to improve her egg quality and not receiving much guidance, Fett put her degree to use and started researching recent ground breaking studies on how women can improve their egg quality. Having then put her findings into practice, her next IVF cycle produced 22 eggs, of which 19 fertilized to become a good quality blastocyst. The results were simply unheard of and were the best her fertility clinic had ever seen in a single cycle.
Thankfully, you don’t need a degree in molecular biotechnology to understand this book – it’s really easy to read, factual and super informative and It covers an array of supplements that Fett recommends for PCOS.
2. Period Power: Harness Your Hormones and Get Your Cycle Working For You, Maisie Hill
Spilling the tea on the stuff we should’ve been taught in sex ed is Maisie Hill’s Period Power: Harness Your Hormones and Get Your Cycle Working For You. It’s a handbook to periods and hormones that spells out everything from how our menstrual cycles affect our energy levels and emotions, to identifying hormonal imbalances. It also helps you learn more about your own cycle, teaching you how to identify patterns and play to your strengths at various points throughout the month.
Honestly? This is the kind of book you’ll want to loan out to all your menstruated cycle-having friends.
Buy Period Power: Harness Your Hormones and Get Your Cycle Working For You
3. The Panic Years, Nell Frizzell
There comes a time in every womb-having human’s life where big, life-altering decisions must be made – to procreate, or not to procreate, for instance. However, for people with PCOS, making decisions regarding things such as pregnancy can be extra complex, since both the condition and some treatment options can affect fertility. Nell Frizzell’s The Panic Years opens up the conversations we ought to be having (with ourselves, at least) about parenthood, careers, and relationships, and provides comfort to those of us still figuring things out.
4. The Food Medic For Life, Dr Hazel Wallace
There’s no shortage of dietary info out there for people with PCOS (though, let’s be real – much of it comes from unreliable sources), however, eating when you have PCOS doesn’t have to be complex. In fact, The Eatwell Guide, which focuses on a balanced diet full of nutrients, is a good place to start.
The Food Medic For Life isn’t a diet book for people with PCOS. It’s a recipe book for people who lead busy lives but want to eat healthily. There are more than 100 delicious recipes in the book (including speedy breakfast options, on-the-go lunches, and snacks) – all of which author, NHS medical doctor and registered nutritionist Hazel, who has PCOS, enjoys herself.
5. The Gynae Geek: Your No-Nonsense Guide to 'Down There' Healthcare, Dr Anita Mitra
Consider this your know-all guide to, eh, down there. The Gynae Geek: Your No-Nonsense Guide to 'Down There' Healthcare is a must-read for anyone with a vagina – it walks you through crucial contraception information, reproductive health, and the ins and outs (pardon the pun) of smear tests. There’s even advice on how to eat when you have PCOS.
In the book, author Anita answers every question you’ve had regarding female health that you’ve always been too embarrassed to ask in a reassuring and easy-to-understand way. Take our word for it, and go get your mitts on this book.
Buy The Gynae Geek: Your No-Nonsense Guide to 'Down There' Healthcare
6. The Comfort Book, Matt Haig
Living with PCOS can be incredibly distressing. The Comfort Book, frankly, has zilch all to do with PCOS, but it is a big hug in hardback form.
It’s the book to turn to when everything feels overwhelming and you need a little reminder of all there is to love in life. It’s perfect for dipping in and out of whenever you need a pick-me-up – like a good pal in paper getup.
7.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) can feel like a heavy burden to carry. Just ask Clare Goodwin, who knows firsthand the struggles and challenges that come with this condition. But there is hope. In her groundbreaking book, "Getting Pregnant with PCOS," Clare combines her personal experience with evidence-based research, along with her expertise in exercise, nutrition, and fertility treatment, to present a five-step plan that tackles the underlying causes of PCOS.
Living with PCOS can be overwhelming, with symptoms like unexplained weight gain, intense sugar cravings, unwanted hair growth or loss, acne, and unpredictable periods that can leave you feeling lost and misunderstood. Sadly, many PCOS sufferers are misdiagnosed or left untreated, further exacerbating their struggles.
However, Clare's program is different. She dives deep to understand the root causes of these symptoms, allowing her to create a personalised treatment plan that addresses the unique needs of each individual. That's what makes her approach a true breakthrough in the field of PCOS management.
8.
Dr. Mindy Pelz has created a guide to fasting designed specifically to cater to women's needs based on their hormones and menstrual cycles. As a renowned expert on women and fasting, Dr. Mindy's Youtube channel has become a go-to for many women seeking information on the topic. In her book "Fast Like A Girl," you'll discover strategies, specific protocols, hacks, and tools to help you thrive in your fasting lifestyle. Unlike many other fasting guides, Dr. Mindy's approach is tailored to individual needs, making it the perfect solution for women looking to take control of their hormonal health.
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In GET THE GLOW, nutritional health coach Madeleine Shaw who suffers from PCOS herself, shares her belief that healthy eating should be a way of life, resulting in a happier and healthier you. She encourages readers to avoid fad diets, starvation, and deprivation, and instead adopt a philosophy of eating foods that nourish and heal the gut. GET THE GLOW is a beautifully illustrated cookbook containing 100 delicious, wheat- and sugar-free recipes that are easy to make with affordable ingredients. Madeleine's practical guidance also includes a six-week plan and advice on kitchen cupboard essentials and eating out, so that readers can embrace healthy eating as a lifestyle for good. The book promises to inspire readers to fall back in love with food, life, and themselves, promoting a feeling of glowing health and well-being both inside and out.
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Gaynor Bussell, a Registered Dietitian and consultant nutritionist, is also the dietary advisor to the National Association for PMS, and a member of the Health Professions Council. In her book "Managing PCOS for Dummies" she details how with the right diet and effective exercise, you can minimise its impact on your day-to-day life and future wellbeing. Packed with realistic advice from a qualified dietitian, this guide takes you through everything, from picking which treatments to try and which to avoid to thriving with PCOS superfoods and finding resources and support to help you stay positive and maintain your focus.
*This blog post contains product affiliate links for the books we recommend. We may receive a small commission if you make a purchase after clicking on one of these links.
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