What Women Need to Know: From Headaches to Heart Disease and Everything in Between

Women who do not or cannot talk freely to their doctors will find clear answers to many of their unasked questions in this brief, well-organized book that is authoritative without being authoritarian. Legato, a specialist in women's health at New York's Columbia University College of Physicians & Surgeons, and Colman, who have previously collaborated on The Female Heart, have constructed an easy-to-browse reference that arranges subjects alphabetically (Abortion to Yeast Infections) and uses a Q&A format to touch on a variety of subtopics. Not surprisingly, menstruation, pregnancy, fertility, contraception, menopause and other reproduction-related issues get the most attention. Up-to-date information is also given on medical tests, living wills and such specific diseases and conditions as high blood pressure, chronic fatigue syndrome and digestive disorders. Even minor problems like weak nails and dandruff earn serious attention. Many women will especially welcome finding straightforward answers to questions they feel would seem too silly (Can underwire bras cause cancer?) or too embarrassing (Is it normal to pass gas during sex?) to ask in person. The back-of-the-book resource list is also useful. (Jan.)