Essentials of Gynecologic and Obstetric Endocrinology

This book concisely presents the essential information in the field of gyneco- logic endocrinology. Textual material is extensively supplemented by schemes, tables, and diagrams to elucidate etiologies, pathophysiologic mechanisms, and natural histories of the various clinical disorders in the field. The most timely and up-to-date laboratory procedures and physiologic manipulations for diagnosis are presented. Management rationales based on the definitive diagnostic studies and on knowledge of the natural histories are also presented. Special emphasis is placed on the roles of suprahypothalamic as well as extragonadal and peripheral factors in the pathogenesis of many of the disorders of the menstrual cycle. These include the influence of diseases, altered physiologic states, and drugs-areas which are largely neglected in other presentations of this field. The material presented is based on courses in gynecologic endocrinology presented at the Lorna Linda University School of Medicine and at other institutions over the past several years. Extensive use is made of authoritative reviews in this field, and only highly controversial material is authenticated by specific references. I am deeply grateful to Mrs. Lucille Innes of the Audiovisual Department at Lorna Linda University for the artwork. The loyal secretarial help of Alice Hickman, Carol Guzman, and Robbie Cleek is gratefully acknowledged. Habeeb Bacchus, Ph.D., M.D., F.A.C.P.