This book, which is essentially an essay, argues that regular monthly menses is not a natural state in women and that it actually places them at risk for disease. The authors construct their arguments by first reviewing a historical frame of reference for menstruation, then providing evidence linking menstruation to disease. The suppression of menstruation, both naturally and medically is discussed next, followed by possible criticisms of the arguments. The authors are vigorous in their arguments supporting suppression of menstruation as a means of lowering medical risk. It is clear that they believe strongly in the notion that regular menstruation is outdated and harmful. They admit that their position may invite a feminist and political outcry, but also use the same means to further their argument, suggesting that incessant ovulation is a conspiracy by the medical and pharmaceutical industry to preserve the status quo. This book is written squarely for the lay public. It is primarily directed at women of reproductive age to take a critical look at their own menstrual patterns. Dr. Coutinho is a gynecologist who pioneered the use of an injectable contraceptive in his home country of Brazil. Dr. Sheldon Segal assisted Dr. Coutinho in the translation of the original Portuguese manuscript. This book takes readers through complex medical issues in an easily readable and organized style. Language appropriate for the audience is used, and tantalizing anecdotes such as one regarding Marilyn Monroe, in order to maintain the reader's interest, is inserted. However, much of the book is repetitive and tiresome in how it uses the same few facts to buttress the authors' arguments. It is notaltogether balanced and makes liberal assumptions regarding certain studies to support the authors' argument. For instance, the citation that gymnasts have higher bone density than non-athletes who menstruate regularly fails to address the fact that most gymnasts do menstruate regularly. However, of the ones who stop menstruating, bone density does decline. The book is interspersed with facts that are, in certain instances, highly circumstantial and, in others, plainly wrong. To his credit, the authors do provide useful and understandable information regarding menstruation and its associated diseases. They also address some possible arguments with their position, although he will often use ridicule rather than debate when discussing positions counter to theirs. They are careful to remind all patients to discuss their individual cases with their physicians before initiating any therapy. If one reviews this book from a lay perspective, then it does serve a useful purpose in providing meaningful information about a subject that is extremely common and highly ignored. However, the authors' assertion that incessant menstruation is harmful and, furthermore, the medical suppression of such menstruation will be beneficial, requires a huge leap in faith. Although many physicians have used the techniques proposed for many pathologic conditions, long-term use in normally menstruating women as a means of lowering future disease risk is clearly unproven. In that light, a book that argues for these techniques directly to the public without any supporting evidence is irresponsible.
Only a man could have written this book! Coutinho, a Brazilian gynecologist and family planning expert, argues that menstruation is not natural and is, in fact, not healthy. He supports this theory with a strange interpretation of historical and clinical evidence. Because women in primitive times had shorter life spans and spent most of their lives pregnant and breast-feeding, he notes, they had few or no periods. Now women live longer and start families later in life, so they have lots of periods--which, according to the author, causes anemia, endometriosis, and PMS. As a result, and in order to safeguard their health, Coutinho suggests that women should prevent their ovulation by using contraceptive pills continuously. This alternative and controversial view not only ignores the cultural significance of menstruation, it also lacks scientific foundation and is potentially harmful to women. It is however, an unusual interpretation of medical and historical data, distinct from classic works such as Janice Delaney's The Curse: A Cultural History of Menstruation (1976), which consider the social and cultural issues of menstruation but not its clinical aspects. This book is sure to get a lot of publicity because of its radical thesis, so, despite its circular and flawed logic it is recommended for academic and large public libraries.--Barbara M. Bibel, Oakland P.L., CA Copyright 1999 Cahners Business Information.
A Brazilian physician pioneer in contraceptive methods discusses views of menstruation from ancient times; how this process inspired therapeutic bloodletting; and provocatively advocates keeping non- childbearing women menstruation-free to avert PMS, anemia, endometriosis, and other health problems. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)
"This book is a wake-up call for women to really think about menstruation and its function in our lives. For centuries women have not questioned that this is a natural needed function. The authors make a convincing case to the contrary that challenges basic assumptions accepted for ages and jolts us into a whole new way of thinking. Read the book."—Janet Benshoof, President, Center for Reproductive Law and Policy
"Is Menstruation Obsolete? challenges the Holy Grail of one of the most intimate aspects of a woman's body and life experience. This uprecedented scientific analysis of the health and social consequences and role-defining power of menstruation is certian to trigger consternation and, hopefully, thoughtful consideration. Let the debate begin!"—Faye Wattleton, Former President, Planned Parenthood, President, Center for Gender Equality"This book will cause some overdue serious rethinking. Heresy will be seen in the forthright suggestion that the monthly flows are both unnecessary and preventable and may even contribute to women functioning at less than optimal levels in difficult situations. The thesis of ‘not necessary, not every month and not sacrosanct' has fascinating implications for all. The arguments and research are compelling and complete. This is a ‘must read' for all those concerned with women's health issues."—Margaret Carley-Carlson, former Deputy Health Minister of Canada, former President, Population Council"Continuous oral contraceptive use, with the aim of providing amenorrhea, is a wonderful option for women who do well taking them. It is the preferred mode of use for women with endometriosis, polycystic ovary syndrome, and dysmenorrhea."—Sarah L. Berga, M.D., Departments of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Psychiatry, The University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine"[Coutinho's] arguments are scientifically based, and his conclusions are thoroughly worked out in a definitely provocative but eminently worthwhile book that well may spend most of its prospective shelf-life off the shelf."—Booklist"In a brilliant and provocative book, Is Menstruation Obsolete?, Dr.s Elsimer Coutinho and Sheldon S. Segal, two of the world's most prominent contraceptive researcers, argue that this recent move to what they call"incessant ovulation" has become a serious problem for women's health."—The New Yorker
Reviewer: Raymond W. Ke, MD (University of Tennessee at Memphis College of Medicine)
Description: This book, which is essentially an essay, argues that regular monthly menses is not a natural state in women and that it actually places them at risk for disease. The authors construct their arguments by first reviewing a historical frame of reference for menstruation, then providing evidence linking menstruation to disease. The suppression of menstruation, both naturally and medically is discussed next, followed by possible criticisms of the arguments.
Purpose: The authors are vigorous in their arguments supporting suppression of menstruation as a means of lowering medical risk. It is clear that they believe strongly in the notion that regular menstruation is outdated and harmful. They admit that their position may invite a feminist and political outcry, but also use the same means to further their argument, suggesting that incessant ovulation is a conspiracy by the medical and pharmaceutical industry to preserve the status quo.
Audience: This book is written squarely for the lay public. It is primarily directed at women of reproductive age to take a critical look at their own menstrual patterns. Dr. Coutinho is a gynecologist who pioneered the use of an injectable contraceptive in his home country of Brazil. Dr. Sheldon Segal assisted Dr. Coutinho in the translation of the original Portuguese manuscript.
Features: This book takes readers through complex medical issues in an easily readable and organized style. Language appropriate for the audience is used, and tantalizing anecdotes such as one regarding Marilyn Monroe, in order to maintain the reader's interest, is inserted. However, much of the book is repetitive and tiresome in how it uses the same few facts to buttress the authors' arguments. It is not altogether balanced and makes liberal assumptions regarding certain studies to support the authors' argument. For instance, the citation that gymnasts have higher bone density than non-athletes who menstruate regularly fails to address the fact that most gymnasts do menstruate regularly. However, of the ones who stop menstruating, bone density does decline. The book is interspersed with facts that are, in certain instances, highly circumstantial and, in others, plainly wrong. To his credit, the authors do provide useful and understandable information regarding menstruation and its associated diseases. They also address some possible arguments with their position, although he will often use ridicule rather than debate when discussing positions counter to theirs. They are careful to remind all patients to discuss their individual cases with their physicians before initiating any therapy.
Assessment: If one reviews this book from a lay perspective, then it does serve a useful purpose in providing meaningful information about a subject that is extremely common and highly ignored. However, the authors' assertion that incessant menstruation is harmful and, furthermore, the medical suppression of such menstruation will be beneficial, requires a huge leap in faith. Although many physicians have used the techniques proposed for many pathologic conditions, long-term use in normally menstruating women as a means of lowering future disease risk is clearly unproven. In that light, a book that argues for these techniques directly to the public without any supporting evidence is irresponsible.
