Wow. I have known for a while that there is a giant gap in proper knowledge and education on the female reproductive system, but some of the information in this book blew my mind. As a girly with both endometriosis and PMDD, this was both eye-opening and comforting at the same time. I listened via audiobook and enjoyed the narration.

I would say anyone with a uterus should read this book, but even if you don't have one, you should read this book!!

Advanced Reader’s Copy provided by NetGalley, and Macmillan Audio in exchange for an honest review.

It's Not Hysteria is exactly the kind of book that is needed. Dr. Karen Tang writes in a way that makes this material accessible to non-medical staff, while still giving all the information needed to understand a variety of different topics. This book made me feel seen, supported and normal. It makes me want to learn how to take care of myself better, and even advocate for myself more. We shouldn't have to fight for good medical care, and the "taboo" topics in this book are exactly the things we need to start discussing.

I will start by saying that I love the title and cover of this book! One of my all-time favorite "fun facts" is that the word hysteria/hysterical comes from ancient times to describe the ailments of women. I enjoyed the exploration of this term. I was excited to see a book about women's health, but again (this is the second book I've read this year on this topic) felt disappointed with the product. This felt like a list of all the problems women can have and then a little bit more of a synopsis and treatment of said problem. I didn't find anything in this book to fit the bill of "everything I need to know and was never told." It felt a bit like someone reading off what I could have googled.

I also felt a bit frustrated with some of the topics. I understand that inclusivity is in-vogue, but it's really frustrating to get a lecture gender affirming care and the differences between gender and sex every time I pick up a book about women's health. This always makes a book feel a bit political. I don't think that changing the decor in OB/GYN offices to cater to a few patients makes sense... among other things.

This was another author I chose not to look into until I finished the book and lo and behold it is a doctor on TikTok. I think this book was probably better as short videos snipits, as it doesn't feel like a valuable resource for the bookshelf. I did appreciate that this was narrated by the author, as this is always ideal for non-fiction texts.

Thank you to NetGalley, Macmillan Audio, and the author Dr. Karen Tang for an ALC of this audiobook!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Huge thanks to NetGalley, Flatiron Books & Macmillan Audio for this audio ARC of It’s Not Hysteria. Narrated by the author, Karen Tang, MD, this book is going to be an amazing resource for anything you could want or need to know about women’s reproductive health. Will be available for purchase on May 7, 2024.

I learned A TON from listening to this, but I will say having a physical copy or ebook to go along would have make it 1000% easier to use as a reference. In hindsight, I also should have read this in phases over several days so it didn’t feel like I was listening to a textbook being read to me. I gave this 5⭐️ because of the vast amounts of useful information that every single uterus haver should read at least once in their lives, but I did find myself zoning out several times, but that’s completely on me not planning.

I retained absolutely nothing from Sex Ed and I imagine a lot of people are the same way.. then let’s factor in it’s been over 20 years. I truly believe it would be beneficial for everyone to read or listen to this book at least once and they can skip chapters that don’t apply to them, i.e. endometriosis, vaginal prolapse or miscarriage. I love and am appreciative of her use of inclusive language.

#NetGalley #netgalleyarc #nonfiction #nonfictionbooks #drkarentang #itsnothysteria #advancedreadercopy #womenshealth #reproductivehealth

An inclusive self help book for women and those assigned female at birth

I was really interested in reading this book as it addresses how women have been gaslit in regards to their reproductive health. I’m one of those women. When I moved to the US, I found the gynecologists to be incredibly out of date with their opinions and I was unable to get the medication I needed

I had to research and be my own advocate in order to get the treatment I knew I needed

This book is factually informative and helped my confidence grow in order to continue to advocate for myself

I’m grateful for Dr Tang for taking a frustrating subject and making it clear and easy to understand.

I listened to each chapter, narrated by Dr Tang and enjoyed her easygoing manner. I’d probably want to have the book too, as it’s easier to reference. However, the audio made for an easy listening experience

Thanks to Netgalley and Macmillan Audio for access to this audiobook ARC in exchange for my honest review

Anyone with a uterus needs to read this book. There is so much information, not only on common complaints associated with gynecology, but also how and when to seek help. This was a fantastic read that broke down the physiology in a way that was easy to comprehend, while also framing many of the conditions in their historical, social, and political context. This was a compelling and informative read and I learned so much!

As a current student midwife, I loved this audiobook. It was the perfect mix of technical and patient-friendly language, and really helped me to develop my understanding of some of the common conditions associated with gynecological and reproductive care. This book was so compelling, and didn't feel like I was reading from a textbook, yet I gained so much information. Some of the treatment options listed were those I had never heard of, and I cannot express how great of a resource this book is.

This audio was so insanely informative.

I dont personally suffer from PCOS or intense periods, but I really liked how intense it went into the history of hysteria and how much I learned and gained knowledge wise!