Book Review

The Menstrual Cycle: Physiology, Reproductive Disorders, and Infertility

N Engl J Med 1994; 330:1097April 14, 1994

Article

The Menstrual Cycle: Physiology, Reproductive Disorders, and Infertility
By Michel Ferin, Raphael Jewelewicz, and Michelle Warren. 250 pp., illustrated. New York, Oxford University Press, 1993. $59.95. ISBN: 0-19-506193-4

A book crystalizing fundamental aspects of the normal and abnormal menstrual cycle is an invaluable addition to the library of any primary care physician. Understanding the events of the menstrual cycle, and the fluctuations in gonadotropin and sex-steroid levels during monthly ovarian-follicle maturation, will enable physicians to order cost-effective laboratory tests. It will help them to interpret tests rationally and to refer patients when necessary to a specialist in reproductive endocrinology. Fundamental knowledge of the menstrual cycle, which is mandatory in the care of the female patient, will be greatly enhanced by this book.

The three authors pool their expertise in cutting-edge research on the menstrual cycle and their know-how in the management of menstrual-cycle disorders. The beauty of the book is that it is written in a straightforward fashion by the very researchers who have deciphered many of the complexities of the normal menstrual cycle. The writing is clear, and the book reads like a novel. The references are placed at the end of the book under chapter headings. There is no redundancy, the book is well edited, and the organization is logical. The diagrams are simple, yet clear and precise.

In 204 pages of text The Menstrual Cycle succinctly covers the neuroendocrine mechanisms of the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis, abnormal menses, puberty, polycystic ovarian disease, premenstrual syndrome, menopause, contraception, and more.

This is not a reference book for the academic reproductive endocrinologist. It is, rather, an excellent resource for those in need of a basic understanding of the normal menstrual cycle. Primary care physicians, internists, medical students, and residents who desire an organized, succinct work on the menstrual cycle will benefit from the knowledge conveyed by these renowned reproductive endocrinologists.

Veronica Ravnikar, M.D.
University of Massachusetts Medical Center, Worcester, MA 01605