Great audiobook!

it was narrated by Karen Tan herself, she did a great job. The book is very informative about everything you need to know from the very basics to serious illnesses and symptoms that sometimes we don't recognize as part of our reproductive, sex area, she explains everything in a way that makes you understand your body and how everything should be working.

is great that many doctors are now finally speaking up about menopause, perimenopause, and other women-related ailments that we've been waiting to hear about or to get help.

I listen to It's Not Hysteria because I'm going through an early menopause that was induced, so I've been reading and searching for more books about the subject and this book was eye-opening I'm happy to learn more about everything about what is going on inside my body.

It is a great book, with great information, solutions, and more.

Thank you, Netgalley and Macmillan Audio, for the advanced audio copy of It's Not Hysteria
Everything You Need to Know About Your Reproductive Health (but Were Never Told) in exchange for my honest review.

Karen Tang has written a book that is a must read for anyone with a uterus...and honestly, the people that love them as well. Very informative and worth having a hard copy on hand as a reference. If you are a parent...buy your daughter a copy. This information is invaluable and laid out very well. Easy to understand and leaves you feeling empowered to take control of your medical care. Thank you Karen for such a wonderful book.

Thank you to Netgalley/MacMillan Audio for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.

It's Not Hysteria: Everything You Need to Know About Your Reproductive Health (but Were Never Told) by Dr. Karen Tang is such an informative read/listen. It's comprehensive, covering every aspect of reproductive health for people who were assigned female at birth or identify as female. It's very gender-inclusive, covering issues of gender identity as well as all things related to female reproductive anatomy. At first, I thought I might not learn too much that I didn't already know, but I'm happy to report that I learned quite a bit. This book/audiobook covers everything from anatomy and physiology to birth control, and gender identity to miscarriage. Pelvic pain is widely covered as well. Dr. Tang is on a mission to change reproductive healthcare, and it shows in all the best ways.

Thanks to Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for a review copy of this audiobook.

It’s Not Hysteria
Dr Karen Lang
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This book is a must read for anyone who identifies as a female or anyone who loves anyone who identifies as a female. It should also be required reading for anyone running for any office anywhere since they have decided to make uninformed decisions about laws that impact half of the population.

I listened to an advanced audiobook copy (thanks Netgalley and Macmillan Audio) but I’m considering purchasing a hardcover copy to have on hand as a reference copy for me (51) and my daughter (17). I rarely do this unless I absolutely LOVE a book.

Thanks @karentangmd for sharing this important information with us!

Publication date 5/7/24

As a woman who experienced a traumatic birth, this book resonated with me on a deeply personal level. Dr. Yang deep-dives into various reproductive health and gynecological issues with compassion and insight that you don’t commonly see (or at least I didn’t) from medical professionals. I have my own experiences with being dismissed, invalidated, and silenced throughout the pregnancy and birth of both my children, but especially my second.

A large barrier I found throughout my healthcare journey is the miscommunication between patient and doctor. I would try my best to convey something in the only words I know how, but the doctor may have heard something entirely different, and vice versa. A personal example is when I gave birth at a teaching hospital, they said that “students would be participating in my c-section.” I had absolutely no idea that meant a student would be performing my surgery while the attending watched, despite the excessive time it took and the mistakes that were made that caused major bleeding. I never would have consented to that, but my doctors firmly believed they accurately conveyed that message to me.

While I appreciated the various topics Dr. Tang touched on related to pregnancy, including infertility and miscarriage, I would have liked to hear more about birth trauma and the birthing process.

That said, there is no questioning Dr. Tang’s commitment to advocacy and dismantling biases within the healthcare industry. I think she did a wonderful job conveying her expertise in a way that is easy to understand for the average reader. And I love when an author narrates their own books!

At the beginning of this book, Dr. Tang talks about how Hippocrates was thinking that every problem in female body was because of wandering uterus. Now that's what I call hysterical. Is this the same Hippocrates that new doctors repeat the oath of? Because we would be fine if he left it at "first do no harm".

Joke aside, I think this is a very important book. For most of the people who don't get a sex education or it is not up to standards, this could be a good reference book. Dr. Tang explains the reproductive systems and problem associated with it in layman terms to avoid any confusion. It sheds the prejudice around most of the conditions.

There should be a program where this book should be sent to women in need in poor and/or hidden corners of the country, so every woman would get information without feeling ashamed (they shouldn't have to begin with).

I am adding this to my list of physical books to buy ASAP! This book had so much helpful information-- seriously! It doesn't read like a textbook, but the information is so good. I really want this on my shelf to refer to when I have questions or need help talking to my doctor. Books like this one are so necessary, and so helpful as I navigate infertility and difficult menstrual cycles. I especially think the descriptions of certain procedures that are common in an OB's office are so helpful.

Overall, I think this is SUCH a great resource!

I cannot express fully how essential books like <i>It’s Not Hysteria</i> are in this day and age. I do hope that we will one day achieve a society where we don’t need books with this sort of title. Our medical world and system should really develop toward one that is more inclusive, knowledgeable, and kind. I, too, have known far too many women who have been failed by the medical system for one reason or another. For that reason, I can’t help feeling that Dr. Karen Tang’s book is so incredibly important. Of course, the information here is something women should learn even when we live in a world that takes women’s health more seriously.

I learned a lot while reading this, whether it was developing a more in-depth understanding of a condition I was already mildly or moderately aware of or learning about something entirely new. I will definitely be recommending this read to every woman I know and every man who has an interest and care for the health of a woman in his life who might have one of these conditions. It never hurts to be more aware about what many of us may deal with.

I will, of course, always hope for a day where we do not live in a world where women’s health problems are written off. The fact that this book’s title even has relevancy in referencing hysteria is important, but sad.

I loved the narrator for this audiobook as well; she did an excellent job.

It's Not Hysteria by Karen Tang is a comprehensive book covering pretty much all topics of women's reproductive health. Each chapter covers a different topic and gives a wealth of information that is easily digestible. The writing isn't dull, it doesn't read like a textbook, and the author has a nice voice for the audible. I listened to the entire book, but I would imagine most people would pick and choose chapters as they're applicable or of interest. If you're looking to understand what is going on in your female body, this is the book to choose.

I loved the audio even more than the eBook - Dr. Tang's compassion and verve come through in the narration incredibly well. It is like the dream of having your doctor take the time to explain everything to you.

This book is going to change lives across the country. If you have suffered and tried to get help only to be dismissed as stressed or told it was all in your head or treated like a life of pain is just something to deal with, this book is for you. Dr. Karen Tang has created a lively, evidenced-based discussion of reproductive health along with practical advice on how to advocate for yourself that is one of the most empowering books I’ve ever read.

Here is the alchemy of Dr. Tang’s writing for me: First, it gives historical and systemic context so we can understand that it isn’t just one of us alone who is being blown off as hysterical, but that we are operating in a society whose foundation is built on devaluing and dismissing women’s medical needs. Fantastic that the symptoms of endometriosis aren’t blamed on witchcraft anymore—thanks guys!—but the continued lack of research, funding, and treatment options mean we’re still likely to be sent on a years-long wild goose through the healthcare system for treatment. Second, the book gives evidenced-based, but easy to understand explanations for how our reproductive organs and their neighbors work as well as the different ways things can go wrong. What is so special is that is done in a lively and informative, but not terrifying way. Finally, there are self-assessments, plans for talking to your obgyn, and a series of questions under “Weighing Your Options” to help put everything together as you decide how to advocate for your treatment.

This is fantastically done, incredibly informative and readable. I think this is something that all girls and women can and maybe even should read, because we are criminally under-taught about our own bodies.

Karen Tang blew my mind with this, which truthfully is embarrassing because I'm an owner of a vag!na myself and thought I knew what was going on in my own body.

When MDs write to an audience outside of their own field I often find myself lost - in searching through context for definitions, pausing to Google procedures, nervously WebMDing the likelihood I'll be their next patient. Tang doesn't leave you hanging; the effort put into ensuring layman's terms must have been enormous.

I am genuinely thankful to have read this book. I feel WAY more in the know on my body, how and why it works the way it does, how science has clarified and muddied up our understandings of living things, where our impossible standards for body image likely began, and the list goes on.

I know I've found a killer nonfiction book when I hit everyone I know with fun facts from it. This had so many fun facts I couldn't even share them all.

(Thank you bunches to NetGalley & publisher McMillan Audio for this ARC Audiobook in exchange for an honest review!)

It's Not Hysteria is the all encompassing tell all about female health. Dr. Karen Tang really has made it easy to understand the ins and outs of reproductive health. This the self help book all people with an uterus and ovaries should read. If you would like the language to go into your next doctor's appointment, this is it. We must start demanding better research and comprehensive information about our health!

This is a nice one stop shop for all things lady parts and I enjoyed listening to it. Thanks NetGalley and Macmillan Audio

"How is it possible that there is so little funding, research, and attention given to these problems? how are gyno health issues so abysmally under researched, underfunded, and undertreated?" "All too often, medical problems that affect women are simply expected to be tolerated."

THIS BOOK. This book should be given to every person with a uterus and/or designated female at birth as a right of passage. It should be given to every father, male relative, and every employer of those same people. It's Not Hysteria is an extremely valuable resource written (and narrated in this case) by Dr Karen Tang, MD, MPH, a board-certified gynecologist/gynecologic surgeon and breaks down the exceedingly common things that are natural and normal in DFAB folks' lives, how best to seek or manage treatment, and the philosophy that people really, really need to hear: certain things are statistically normal, although care is undertreated, and you are not alone.

Some gems: That there is no medical reason to have a period if you are not trying for children, the underdiagnosis (read: racism) for things like fibroids for Black women, the purpose of estrogen and why taking a birth control pill WITH estrogen is actually a balance against that a body already produces from the ovaries, and really importantly to me, throughout, the inclusion of gender inclusive language and how someone who is a transman would interact with just being informed due to having been born with a uterus, and the existence and health management of intersex people.

Everything from potential diagnoses to medication and treatment options are so well-laid out and easy to understand and I definitely want to buy a physical copy of this book just to have as an easy to refer to guide at home. Dr Tang is compassionate and knowledgeable and you really get the sense that she wants every human to just be INFORMED on not only the potential things that can go on with our bodies but what we can do to manage and mitigate things regarding it, and the choices we do have even if we have to fight harder than those who are designated male at birth.

I do personally wish that there was a little more focus on things that affect women/DFAB folks that aren't tied to reproduction (as I personally am never birthing children) like lipedema, the presentation of heart attacks, autoimmune disorders that disproportionately affect women, even how taking estrogen/progesterone affect transfemme people, but there was already a ton of information in this book, AND the majority of people with uteruses use or want to use them to birth babies so! I understand and acknowledge the focus here.\

Absolutely essential reference reading.

Thank you to NetGalley and MacMillan Audio for the ALC in exchange for review!

This is the type of book I definitely needed when I was 17. This is a valuable resource that goes into a good depth on everything from STIs, pregnancy, infertility, abortion, sexual activity, pleasure, reproductive health issues, gender, and more. And I say good depth because it's informative, but not so much that it feels like reading a textbook or gets too in the weeds. For many who are starting out on learning and identifying potential issues with their reproductive health, it could serve as a great starting point from which they can seek deeper information from professional sources. I also appreciated the author's commitment to gender inclusive language and recognizing that women are not the only people who have uteruses.

After reading It's Not Hysteria, I believe this book should be required reading for females age 13-18. I had heavy, painful, irregular periods throughout my teens and used prescription painkillers for my cramps and missed school every single month, ultimately accepting birth control pills as my only option for relief at 19. 10 years later, my husband and I decided we wanted to try and conceive and had challenges with that. I believe birth control masked issues that I was having rather than getting to the source of the problem. I was so uneducated I just accepted my doctor's word that birth control was the only choice that I had.

I'm not knocking birth control as bad, but I just wish that I had been armed with more information that I could have brought to my doctor to find a solution for the issues I was having. In It's Not Hysteria, Dr. Karen Tang is on a mission to transform how women engage with their bodies and their healthcare. This book was very informative about common conditions that women face with their bodies and potential treatment options, as well as sample questions one could bring to their provider.

I would give It's Not Hysteria a 4.5 star rating. The thing that would have knocked this book out of the park for me would have been if there was a chapter about efforts women have taken to get female reproductive health to be further recognized. Thank you to NetGalley, Macmillan Audio, and Dr. Karen Tang for this audio ARC in exchange for my honest review.

3.5 ⭐️
This book is important. It thoughtfully makes medicine accessible to people with vaginas. The author continually uses intention and inclusive language. Each chapter focused on a different aspect of women’s health—from cysts to menstrual cycles to menopause.
I read this book via audiobook. I think that perhaps it would be a better format as a paper book. I found myself zoning out on chapters that seemed like they do not (or maybe do not presently) impact me—like the menopause chapter for example.
The content was helpful and approachable. One of the aspects I thought was so key was when the author would go through things someone should think about before addressing an issue with their doctor—preparing folks for their appointments and what they might experience or be asked!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this advanced copy audiobook!

I learned so much from this book. There was so much interesting and useful history but also it had so much practical information. The audio narration was very easy to follow. I highly recommend this book.

A must read/listen for anyone looking to learn a little more about gynecological health from anatomy to surgical procedures, medical gaslighting, and beyond. It's not overly detailed which makes for an easier read as opposed to a textbook you'd read in school with too much fluff and the main points can be lost with trying to absorb so much information. Dr. Tang has a way of being extremely informative in a way that is easily understandable to the reader. I definitely learned some new things while reading this book and I wish a book like this was around when I was growing up. I'm glad topics such as the ones in this book are being talked about more in order to bring more awareness to women's/reproductive issues in an effort to make these things less "taboo" in society. I thoroughly enjoyed this book as well as the wonderful narration by Dr. Tang that kept my attention. She reads at just the right speed for me and has a great voice for audio that makes it feel as though a friend is talking to you directly.

In It's Not Hysteria: Everything You Need to Know About Your Reproductive Health (But Were Never Told), Karen Tang expertly yet simply explains various topics related to sexual and reproductive health, ranging from sex ed to information about endometriosis and ovarian cysts. Tang is comprehensive and informative, however, the book is set up in way that it is easy to skip around and find the parts that most apply to the reader, if they are not interested in reading the book in its entirety. My only issues is that I didn't think the book had a great flow. Overall, I would recommend this to women of all ages (and men if they are interested in this topic). I work for the Department of Health in my state and I will definitely be recommending the sexual and reproductive health team read this book at our next subcommittee meeting!

Thank you to Net Galley for sending me this book in exchange for an honest review!