Fertility, Cycles & Nutrition

Rating:
Summary: A worthwhile book
Review: I found this book to contain some good information, some of it not available in other fertility books I've read. Its biggest drawback is probably its length- it's about 140 pages, and much of that space is spent discussing general nutrition, as well as more controversial topics such as fertility and night lighting. I would therefore recommend it as a supplement to a more comprehensive book, not as the only book to buy. Women who experience PMS, irregularity or menstruation problems will find some good help in this book and should probably buy it.

This book is written by a Catholic author and published by the Couple to Couple league, so it takes a Catholic view on many issues. Those who cannot tolerate Catholic thought might not enjoy this book for that reason, as is evident from a few of the reviews below. However, the book does *not* discuss any issue that is not directly related to fertility and/or nutrition. It will therefore be very useful to anyone interested in these topics, Catholic or not.

Rating:
Summary: You will regain power over your body after you read this
Review: I have been trying to get pregnant for 14 months, with no success. Since I already have a two year old, I thought it would be no problem at all. I have always had irregular cycles and have suffered from different forms of PMS, indicitive of hormone imbalance. My OB is pushing Chlomid, but I am too paranoid about the side effects of this drug. I bought this book because I thought I could change my body. Amazing!! The advice this book gives about vitamins and other natural methods is fantastic. I even determined that I am still slightly lactating from my first child, which could be preventing my second pregnancy!! Of course, M.S. offers natural methods to remedy this situation! I am putting my husband on Androvite and I will be taking a reduced amount of Optivite, plus flax and kelp supplements. I hope this does the trick! It is amazing what we expect the "experts" in the medical field to tell us to help us through this very trying time in our lives. I guess the medical profession has given up on the obvious.....nutrition and exercise!! Wish me luck, and you too. (P.S.....my favorite part of the book is when M.S. says that by no means does "relaxing" help in the conception of a child. If you have heard to "just relax" as much as I have, you will be as happy as I was to see that "relaxing" has no benefit, in print!! Good luck!

Rating:
Summary: Getting results!
Review: I have recommended this book to a variety of people and in many different stages of their female life. It was even helpful to a few males, as Marilyn adds proven ideas to them, also. Just her recommendations for vitamins at different stages, and sources to abtain, them have improved my and my sisters lives tremendously. In fact, I bought her recommendations for my mother-in-law and daughters. They can be gotten at discount stores such as Marc's in our area. Her suggestion about flax oil seed sounded "Greek to me", but I ventured into a health food store for the first time and bought it (capsule form only!) My peri-menopause time is going so smoothly I can't believe it. Neither can my doctor! My four sisters have thyroid problems needing prescription medicine. I started to see a doctor about a thyroid problem but with her suggestions, I was recently released and told I wouldn't need medicine after all! Marilyn gives down-to-earth advice knowing that we have to enjoy life, too. Whether in her values, which are beautiful, or scientific knowledge, you'll get your money's worth in this easy to read gem. Hint: Buy a high-lighter, also, as you'll be marking up the details like we did. My only regret is that the book wasn't published when I was younger and ... I paid full price...and could have gotten it even cheaper here!!

Rating:
Summary: This book has been a HUGE help to me
Review: I'm a nutrition book fanatic, and this is the best women's nutrition book I've ever read. I think every woman would benefit from reading it, especially those who have had problems with their cycles or infertility. I largely credit this book for helping me clear up some longstanding health issues I had that prescription drugs were not able to fix.

Be warned that the author is a devout Catholic and occasionally makes comments that reflect her morals. This may be annoying to some people, but you're doing yourself a disservice to skip the book altogether because of it.

Rating:
Summary: Fertitly, Cycles, and Nutrition-- Worth Reading!
Review: This book has really helped me with my struggle with infertility. The doctors can't really tell me why we can't conceive. None of them had actually advised that I take charge of my own health and body, just given prescriptions for drugs. This book has been a godsend of information! It has helped me to realize that there are things I can do and ways I can become more aware of what is going on inside my own body.
Yes, this book is written from a very particular point of view, which at times was strange for me as a reader who does not necessarily share the same point of view. But you can just skip over the two or three weird parts and use the very helpful information. Highly recommended!

Rating:
Summary: An Excellent Book --- Very Informative and Well Researched
Review: This comprehensive book clearly explains the relationship between nutrition and fertility. The well-written, referenced chapters are easy to follow and truly are essential reading for anyone interested in learning how nutrition affects fertility. Furthermore, most of the information is not readily shared or known by many physicians, so it's not like you will learn it during a doctor's visit. If you are trying to conceive and are experiencing any difficulties, I would **highly** recommend this resource as a knowledgeable guide.

You will not encounter any "birth control mentality" in this book since the author is Catholic. However, her objectivity is clearly not sacrificed as another reviewer commented. Therefore, this book would be very helpful to both Catholics and non-Catholics alike. Another excellent resource is "The Art of Natural Family Planning" by John and Sheila Kippley. With these two books, I was able to successfully remedy some infertility problems. At age 38 after repeat early miscarriages, I am expecting! The wisdom and recommendations shared in the pages of "Fertility, Cycles & Nutrition" have played a large part in this pregnancy. Throughout the pregnancy and post-partum period, I will continue to follow Marilyn Shannon's expert nutritional recommendations.

The third edition of this book includes a wealth of information in the Appendix that is not to be missed. How I wish Marilyn could update this book on an annual basis since she is definitely very aware of the latest research and findings that affect fertility.

Hands down, this book is my top recommendation if you would like to learn how nutrition affects your fertility, if you are experiencing cycle irregularities, or if you are seeking pregnancy. This well-written, informative text will provide THE answers that you will not find elsewhere.