Research on gynecological issues continue to be severely lacking even today. This means many people are misdiagnosed or ignored by the medical community. This book is a must read for everyone, since most people know someone who has suffered from gynecology related issues. Knowledge is power and the more we know when we arrive at the doctors office the more empowered we will feel to stand up for ourselves.

This should be required reading for every woman or anyone working in women's health. It is a comprehensive, easy to understand explanation of everything relating to female sexual health.

Dr. Karen Tang has written a welcome resource with IT'S NOT HYSTERIA: EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT YOUR REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH (BUT WERE NEVER TOLD).

Tang offers a historical grounding in part one and then delves into every imaginable topic in part two; here are only some of the chapters: fibroids, PCOS, endometriosis, urinary incontinence, infertility, gender diversity, inner sex, cancer. Part three covers treatments.

I found this to be a rich text, and there are no wasted words. Tang offers readers a firm understanding of so many areas and closes each chapter with a summary. For each condition, she discusses the pros and cons of various treatments, grounding it all in research. Additionally, she covers what various examinations would entail, which I found beneficial, as I appreciate going into situations with as much of an understanding of what's ahead as possible.

While the author expertly narrates the audiobook and I enjoyed listening to it, after this initial listen, I would favor a physical copy or an ebook of this title, as it would serve as a useful reference, allowing readers to flip to the sections most of value to them. Additionally, readers should realize this is a strong introduction but not meant to be fully comprehensive (as an example, knowing perimenopause and menopause will be on the horizon for me, I paid special attention to that chapter, and it offered a solid starting point, but I would need to seek out texts dedicated to that topic to further explore in more depth).

(I received a digital ALC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.)

Rating - 4.5 stars rounded off to 5

An inclusive and comprehensive guide to gynecological health.

Thanks NetGalley & Macmillan Audio for the ALC.

Narrated by the gyn surgeon and author Dr Karen Tang herself, this was such an eye opener about reproductive health, the most common problems women/people of the LGBTQ+ community face and pointers on how to deal with them and when to seek help. The narration was well paced, imbibing empathy, compassion & understanding.

Dr. Tang starts by touching upon some history on how women’s problems have always been stereotyped as ‘hysteria’. She then makes it her mission with the rest of the book to emphasize on how “it’s not hysteria” at all.

Next, we are introduced to the basics of pelvic anatomy, menstrual cycle and conception. This really sets the stage for the next chapters that delve deep into several topics, help us interpret the various terminologies better and connect with the right anatomical part. It’s alarming how much we don’t know about our own reproductive system, the related organs/structures!

Dr. Tang addresses various gynecological conditions in the subsequent chapters. Some of them include – endometriosis, PMS, PCOS, menopause, sexual health, infertility, miscarriage, fibroids, ovarian cysts, pelvic floor dysfunction/pelvic prolapse, common gynecological cancers, contraception, hysterectomy, tubal ligation, abortion etc.

The descriptions also includes risk factors, causes, gender diversity and inter-sex, further debunking several myths surrounding these issues and clarifying misinformation.

I appreciated the “take home points” listed at the end of every chapter, which guide us by posing thought provoking questions and provide suggestions about how to be well prepared before a consult or feel comfortable with a scan, plan conversations with our health care providers, ultimately getting the maximum benefits from the medical system.

Dr. Tang stresses upon the need for more funding for research on gynecological conditions, more data from clinical trials and better insurance provision to make health care more accessible, affordable and inclusive for all. My gratitude to her for giving us this book!

Highly recommend!

It takes a lot for me to read a non-fiction book. But i felt that this topic was important for me to listen in on as a woman and it was highly recommended. I will say that this book was very informative and made me feel a sense of comfort in what my journey has been as a woman and my health. I am thankful that this book was recommended to me and also that I was able to read it. I will definitely be recommending this book to others and also will refer back to it again in the future.

What an interesting book! There is so much going on in the female reproductive system that we are just not taught. Worth a read if you have the requisite anatomy.

I’m listening to the ARC through Netgalley audio and it has so much information on women’s health in an easy to digest, nonjudgmental way. This book is a safe space for all and in reading this book gives the readers the validation that women’s health is complicated and supports advocating for your health because a lot of the time these issues can be overlooked or dismissed. I also like how the author is working to normalize many issues that some are embarrassed to even address or hold stigma. If you have ever had pelvic floor pain, birthed a baby, questioned if you have endometriosis, etc. this book is for you.

I thought the author did a great job of making this content readable for anyone. It didn't feel like reading a textbook, which sometimes happens with nonfiction, and you don't have to be a Dr to understand everything. I thought this book was a very comprehensive overview of female reproductive issues from teen years through menopause. I imagine the book format would be easy to skip around to what you want to read about. I did listen to the whole audiobook because it was informative. I enjoyed the chapter summaries at the end of each chapter.

It’s Not Hysteria is a comprehensive beginners guide to reproductive health. Dr. Tang does a great job of highlighting many different conditions and medical needs and giving facts about history, symptoms, treatments and more. But she breaks it down in an effective, concise way that wouldn’t be overwhelming to someone who doesn’t normally read nonfiction. The book still has enough information behind it to engage someone who regularly reads nonfiction.

As someone who had to have open abdomen surgery for large fibroid removal, after multiple gynos discredited my pain for years. I think this gives people a good idea of things that could happen and a way to go into appointments asking the right questions.

I think this is a great way to understand some basics of your own health, and be able to have conversations with friends who may be having issues. I also really recommend this to anyone raising a daughter. I think it’s a great resource towards knowing what exists and training your girls to advocate for themselves in the future.

I really appreciated Karen’s inclusivity and how she even gave a chapter devoted to the health needs of transgender men and nonbinary patients as well.

I listened to the audiobook of this. Karen does a great job narrating and if you are someone who already consumes nonfiction in audiobook form, it’s a good listen. But I think some who may want to highlight facts or are more invested in certain conditions highlighted in the book, I would recommend the physical.

I have been reading more books about reproductive health for those with uteruses over the last few months due to my struggles with period pain. This book was a very well rounded book to cover a lot that you may need to know about reproductive health.

What I loved:
I absolutely love that this book is written by an OBGYN but is easily read for someone who has little medical knowledge. This book is for anyone and everyone to learn more.
I loved the “take home points” at the end of each section. It made for a nice wrap up in a more scientic book.
I love the use of intentional and inclusive language.

I listened to this audiobook, and I really enjoyed the narrator. Their voice kept me focused throughout the book.
I think this is a great book to listen to and have to reference later. But I also think that a physical copy would be great for referencing later. I suggest choosing your favorite way to consume non-fiction books for yourself!

Thank you, Macmillan Audio for providing me with an advanced listener copy of this audiobook! I received a copy of this audiobook from Macmillan Audio in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

I appreciate this book beyond measure. As someone who has been struggling with various symptoms for YEARS to finally get a “it’s probably endometriosis” diagnosis, I wish I would have had this information sooner. The author explores various gynecological conditions providing information on symptoms, causes (if known), treatment, and other relevant things. Hearing just the basic descriptions of endometriosis had me almost in tears because of how I have displayed so many of the symptoms for years and not a single provider ever presented the possibility of endo. I recommend this book to anyone who has struggled with their reproductive health or anyone who is interested in learning more.

I will start with the positives: I liked the narrator of the audiobook and I enjoyed how the book was laid out, especially since there was "take home points" at the end of each section.

That being said, the full price for the physical book is $40 CAD and I do not think that this is anywhere near worth that. I think almost all of this information could be found very quickly, easily, and accessibly online. The author is popular on TikTok and I think all of this information completely fits in a quick TikTok video and makes sense for that format. I do not think it made sense to make a whole book out of this as it just isn't worth your time or money. Additionally, there was nothing extra there to keep me engaged or interested. Perhaps this would be a good book to have as a reference guide, but like I said, you could easily just use google. While, in general, I like the narrator of the audiobook I do think the audiobook itself was hard to follow since it was basically a list of facts.

This is a very informative book that covers a multitude of questions that women may have related to the anatomy and physiology unique to our female bodies. There are topics covered that I had been curious about and too embarrassed or not willing to talk to a doctor about but was comforted to know that I am not alone in facing these issues.

Not every concern is something that requires a doctor’s attention. It was interesting to hear various options and the pros/cons and various considerations. I had considered seeking medications or treatment for low libido and pre-menopause symptoms so understanding the side effects and alternatives was helpful to learn more about.

There were some chapters that did not apply to things I am currently facing or have faced personally, but I know other women who have dealt with these topics so it is good to be more informed or would be nice to have a physical copy of this book to use over time as a reference. I also have a daughter who is not quite at the age to visit a gynecologist yet (but will be soon) and I learned some information that I could share with her to make her more comfortable with some of the questions to ask the doctor and to know what they may be looking for as part of the exams.

Thanks go out to @Macmillan.Audio and @NetGalley, for the honor of reviewing this advanced release.
#MacAudio2024

I am rating this as a 2nd year medical student studying for my boards exams right now - I love this book/audiobook. This is my 3rd book about women's health this year, and it is definitely the most detailed and medically accurate. This really focuses on women's health and healthcare, rather than general social issues. If you are a person with a uterus/vagina who wants a guidebook on your health, this is the book. Additionally, it is language inclusive and very professional. Dr. Karen Tang has successfully married her medical education, passion, and accessibility for this book, and although I listened to it on audiobook, I'll definitely be purchasing a hard copy for future reference. I will be recommending this to my classmates and colleagues for sure.

THIS!! THIS IS THE BOOK THAT EVERY MAN, WOMAN, AND CHILD NEEDS!! Or maybe even a teen version for young girls. This book is amazing and I wish for more people to find it and read it. It is definitely going on my library shelf and I will be shouting from the shelves about it.

I could not have loved this book more. As a provider of gynecologic care to college students, I can't help but adore how reachable Dr Tang's explanations of reproductive health are to anyone with an inquiring mind. I literally recommended the book to a patient today.

Dr. Tang so importantly does not shy away from medically accurate information about gender diversity, intersex people, and abortion, describing each with the scientific evidence and respect each topic deserves. In a time where healthcare has been so politicized, Dr Tang's voice is more crucial than ever.

This user-friendly guide to gynecology is packed full of valuable information, advice and resources for anyone curious about or struggling with their reproductive health!

📣📖 PUB DAY REVIEW 📖📣 It's Not Hysteria: Everything You Need To Know About Your Reproductive Health (But Were Never Told)

Dang, if only people throughout the ages could have had access to such an excellent and educational resource. It's Not Hysteria centers on the reproductive health of all who identify as women, people assigned female at birth, inclusive of non-binary, trans, and intersex people.

I really appreciated the breadth of information and topics that Dr. Tang covers, aiming to give all readers a baseline for understanding reproductive health of people with female reproductive organs. She clears up myths and misinformation and educates on ways to communicate concerns and advocate to healthcare providers.

Each chapter is full of facts, definitions, and explanations of conditions and procedures. It may feel like a lot if you are reading the book all at once. But each chapter also concludes with a list of takeaways to distill the critical points. I anticipate going back through this book as a resource for my own health and questions, and I foresee the "Take Home" chapter sections will be helpful in reminding where to look.

Don't sleep on this approachable, inclusive, and much needed guide that sheds light on taboo topics surrounding the female reproductive system. Really, this stuff should be taught in high school biology or health classes so people can be educated about their own bodies (or the health of their loved ones).

Dr. Tang narrates the audiobook herself and she does an excellent job. She has a nice tone of voice and pace that are easy to take in. There is a lot of information dumping by virtue of the subject matter, though, so I anticipate picking up a hard copy as a reference. I'm grateful to have received this audiobook through Macmillan Audio's influencer program and Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.

From the Publisher's summary:
Reproductive healthcare, from abortion to gender-affirming care, is under siege. The onus continues to fall on patients to find and advocate for the care they need. Dr. Karen Tang is on a mission to transform how women engage with their bodies and their healthcare.

“Your story is more than enough. You already know why these topics are vitally important. Your experience is one of millions that are both completely individual and terribly similar.”

My Thoughts: Just wow. Non-fiction is never high up on my list, but when I saw this available in the Macmillan Audio Influencer form I knew I need to check it out. Even as a woman, it is not easy to understand the different gynecologic issues that can affect our bodies, so it was important to me to give this book a shot. I am so glad I did! The way Dr. Tang presents the information made it easy to understand and as though I was discussing these topics with an old friend instead of reading through a textbook. Her commitment to using inclusive language was appreciated and impressive. Dr. Tang also did an incredible job narrating. Her calm demeanor and direct language made listening to this book enjoyable.

I especially loved the section Self-Assessment and Communicating with Your Healthcare Provider. So often we do not have much time with our healthcare providers, so to have a well developed list of questions to help direct your conversation with your provider. While I loved and highly suggest the audiobook, I personally want to get an additional print version for reference, loan out to friends or family, and to help compile my thoughts prior to appointments.

Thank you so much to Macmillan Audio for access to this ALC.

This is the first audiobook I read as part of Macmillan’s Audio Influencer Program, and while I don’t usually read nonfiction, this book drew me to it for not only being out of my comfort zone but also for being relevant to me as a woman and person with a uterus.

My first impression was that I was glad it was read by the author, @karentangmd , because I think someone unfamiliar with medicine would have been missing some je ne sais quoi quality that Dr. Tang possessed in order to make the content sound conversational and less dry or text-booky. My second impression was how glad I was that Dr. Tang addressed her use of inclusive language at the beginning of the book and stuck to her plan of inclusive dialogue throughout.

I don’t usually immediately want to share a book I just read with everyone I know, everyone has different tastes and timetables, or may not enjoy reading 😱, but if I could afford to gift this book to every woman and person with a uterus in my life, I absolutely would without a doubt.

Sure, there was a lot of information in here that I was lucky enough to have already learned either from school or life itself, but as with most things, there was so much more information I didn’t even know I needed in my life—and not everyone is so privileged with the education they receive! I appreciated that this book didn’t come off as preachy or fear-mongering. I also feel like it was totally kismet this book came into my life when it did as I’ve had a little health thing come up that this book made me feel much less stressed about because it was so informative.

In the Acknowledgments, Dr. Tang states that she wants this book to start a movement to transform gynecologic health and understanding, and I strongly believe it can and it should. I give this book all the stars and will recommend it to everyone I know who requires gynecologic care.