All in Her Head: The Truth and Lies Early Medicine Taught Us About Women’s Bodies and Why It Matters Today

In chapters organized by the systems of the body, Comen, a physician, scientist, and clinician, lays out the evidence that shows how the female body has been wronged by Western medicine throughout time. Some of the reasons include calculated oppression, social-sexual mores, or just plain misunderstanding. She juxtaposes historical anecdotes spanning from the earliest written medical records to modern times with personal stories from her own practice. The content is relatable in its focus on common maladies, plus the book has a conversational tone and prose that steers clear of undefined medical jargon. Clearly practiced in the art of explaining complex medical issues to her patients, the author writes about the most personal bodily functions with candor and a healthy sense of humor. While she does not offer a counterpoint to her main argument, the well-researched evidence is hard to refute. Backmatter includes extensive notes and references for further reading, plus an index to look up specific topics.