Insulin is an incredible hormone. It keeps us alive by continuously and efficiently shuttling sugar fuel into every cell within our bodies. But too much insulin is harmful, particularly to women. Excessive insulin causes women’s bodies to turn sugar fuel into fat, and in short order, a vicious cycle of increasing insulin production commences. In a woman’s reproductive system, the insulin family of hormones is absolutely required for many organ functions that are uniquely female — the nourishing and maturing of eggs, the preparation of the womb for conception, and the maintenance of a healthy pregnancy. With Syndrome O, improper levels of insulin hormones exert a harmful effect on the female system — the ovaries become confused, egg release (ovulation) is disrupted, and fertility and pregnancy are hampered.

Syndrome O is a sister phenomenon to Syndrome X, a metabolic disorder proposed over 20 years ago by Dr. Gerald Reaven. Like Syndrome O, Syndrome X is caused by insulin overproduction, and it places many individuals at high risk for diabetes, coronary artery disease, hypertension, and obesity. Some doctors and health providers actually think of ‘polycystic ovaries’ as a consequence of the ‘female’ Syndrome X. However, in many popular health books, neither ‘polycystic ovaries’ nor the impact of insulin overproduction on women’s health and reproduction were discussed. Clearly, the Syndrome X doctors (and publishers) are not paying a lot of attention to the women’s world of Syndrome O.

Syndrome X doctors and writers are not trained as women’s health professionals. In order to fill in the large informational gap needed by millions of affected women, Reproductive Associates of Delaware's own fertility specialist and endocrinologist Dr. Ronald Feinberg has written a new book: Healing Syndrome O — A Strategic Guide to Fertility, Polycystic Ovaries, and Insulin Imbalance.

In an easy-to-read, sensible, and inspirational style, Dr. Feinberg describes the three interrelated features of Syndrome O:

Ovarian Confusion. The ovaries are supposed to produce uniquely female hormones — estrogen and progesterone — in a pattern as predictable as the phases of the moon. When bombarded with inappropriate levels of insulin hormones, the ovaries become confused, producing some estrogen but very little progesterone. To make matters worse, there is a strong tendency for confused ovaries to produce slightly higher amounts of male hormones, called androgens. Androgens like testosterone cause all sorts of problems throughout women’s bodies, but particularly in the skin, leading to unsightly hair growth, acne, darkened areas, and abnormal growths.

Ovulation Disruption. Deep within the ovaries lie the “pearls” of mankind — tiny little eggs that lie dormant for years, waiting for the right time to emerge. The eggs live in small cystic incubators called follicles, which grow each month in response to proper hormone signals. As Syndrome O gets started, insulin signals are exaggerated and inappropriate. The insulin family of hormones and androgens then conspire to block normal follicle growth and the monthly release of an egg — a process that defines ovulation. In many cases, the ovaries can become enlarged and polycystic. Ovulation disruption (also known as anovulation) is a major women’s health, lifestyle, and economic problem, leading to infertility, missed menses for months at a time, and the potential for heavy, unpredictable vaginal bleeding.

Overnourishment. There is a lot of discussion these days about fat. With fat causing 50% of Americans to be labeled as overweight or obese, the fat industry has become a national obsession. Some view it as a national disgrace. The Syndrome X experts have taught us that even thin people can have very abnormal fat levels (e.g. triglycerides and cholesterol) circulating in their bodies. The insulin family of hormones has a major impact on fat metabolism, both in men and women. And the close connection between obesity and insulin overproduction is a proven scientific fact. Amongst women with Syndrome O, 80-90% are overweight or obese. For those who are thin, there is still strong evidence that excess insulin causes ovarian confusion and ovulation disruption. And if ignored, many thin Syndrome O sufferers gain pounds easily and eventually join the ranks of the overweight.

The unique educational and inspirational discussions within Healing Syndrome O will appeal to women with significant concerns regarding their fertility and health. Through Dr. Feinberg’s wisdom and compassion, important issues raised everyday by countless women are addressed, such as:

• Why have I had irregular periods all of my life? How will that affect my fertility?
• My doctor told me I have polycystic ovaries, and that I should lose some weight if I want to become pregnant. Why?
• Those fertility pills don’t seem to work for me. Will I have to take expensive fertility drug injections instead?
• If only my husband knew how much facial hair I have, and that I have to shave almost everyday. Are there any new options for me?
• Could Syndrome O have caused my 2 miscarriages?
• All I read about these days is insulin, insulin, insulin. What does that have to do with me?
• How did I get Syndrome O? How long have I had it? What does the future hold?
• I’m scared to death of getting diabetes. What can I do to prevent it?
• My life is completely out of control. Where can I turn for help? What can I do to help myself?

Dr. Feinberg’s combination of down-to-earth teaching and uplifting writing style provides the magic formula to effect change in his readership. Indeed, more important than writer and healer, Dr. Feinberg describes himself as a philosophical endocrinologist. With this theme in mind, Healing Syndrome O provides a wake-up call, and an inspirational health plan for women to give themselves a fighting chance.

• How do I organize my priorities for health and well-being, relationships with other people, career, and a burning desire to have children?
• What are the optimal insulin-busting strategies I can utilize to lessen the impact of Syndrome O on my fertility and my health?
• What are the steps I can take to help my fertility before I visit the doctor? How can I help my fertility doctors help me?
• What is the life plan I want to follow in order to optimize my daily nutrition and activity level?
• Can I really control my weight, or is it a hopeless cause?
• What can I do to help my children? Are my daughters at risk for Syndrome O? Are my sons at risk for Syndrome X?
• What are the resources available to me for education and support, and how can I share my new knowledge and awareness with others?

Healing Syndrome O is written to be a companion for women facing the challenges of Syndrome O. In addition to the medical facts, readers will easily relate to the poignant stories of real women with Syndrome O, whose long journeys of education, meditation, and self-improvement have given them the knowledge and will to overcome the impact of Syndrome O upon their lives.

For more information on PCOS, please visit www.PCOStrategies.org
To purchase Dr. Feinberg’s book, please visit www.amazon .com