Thomas Rabe – författare

Reproductive health - the new concept involving an integrated approach to all inter­ ventions dealing with the reproductive process and organs - has been the subject of two recent world forums: the 1994 International Conference on Population and Development in Cairo and the 1995 Women's Conference in Beijing. It is therefore very timely for Benno Runnebaum and Thomas Rabe to produce the English translation of the second edition of their text book Gynecological Endo­ crinology and Reproductive Medicine. The two volumes bring the reader up to date on the enormous progress mad- in just a few years - in the field of reproduction. A selected group of coauthors have provided the breadth of knowledge necessary to cover fields as diverse as physiology, endocrinology, endoscopic surgery, ultrasonography, genetics, and on­ cology. The first volume describes physiological events, especially the complex interplay of factors leading to ovulation occurring during menstrual cycle, and the patholog­ ical changes that can alter it. This is preceded by a careful review of the wide range of hormones active in the female reproductive process, their mechanisms of action, interactions with receptors, therapeutic applications, indications, contrain­ dications, and modes of action. Sex differentiation, puberty, fertility, and reproduc­ tion are carefully detailed, including management of the hyperandrogenic state and other disorders, including endocrine oncology. Special care is taken in describing the control of human fertility, its many facets, methods, and problems.

Contraceptives have always provided ground for controversy. This book describes and discusses latest findings concerning the advantages as well as hazard and risk factors of contraception. The clinical impact of oral contraceptives on metabolism is particularly highlighted. In addition, behavioral methods, intrauterine devices, implants and modern approaches in animal and clinical research in the field of immunization against pregnancy are considered. Last, but not least, the book summarizes the complex ethical, religious and political aspects of family planning and contraception.

Dedication to Professor Dr. med. Dr. h. c. mult. Benno Runnebaum on his 65th Anniversary The name of Benno Runnebaum is closely tied to the status of gynaecological endocrinology and reproductive medicine. Therefore, we would like to dedicate this conference book entitled "Fertility Control" to him in recognition of his achieve- ments. Who is Benno Runnebaum? Benno Runnebaum was born on 22 July, 1933, in Ruschendorf, Germany. After taking his A-levels, he studied medicine in Munster, Bonn and Cologne. He graduated from Cologne University in 1961 and then prepared his doctoral thesis on the "Identificati- on and quantification of progesterone, 20a-dihydroprogesterone, 20~-dihydroproge- sterone and 17a-hydroxyprogesterone in the plasma of human placental blood". This Benno Runnebaum VI Preface publication was the first to describe the progestin cycle in the feto-placental unit. His thesis was supported by Professor Dr. med. Dr. h. c. Josef Zander. It was graded "sum- ma cum laude" and won him a scholarship from the National Institute of Health for training in steroid biochemistry at the Biochemical Institute in Salt Lake City (Profes- sor Samuels) in 1962 and 1963.After his return to Germany he worked at the Univer- sity Women's Hospital of Cologne. He received his further specialist training in 1964 at the Heidelberg Women's Hospital, under the chairmanship of his teacher, Professor Zander.

Die Nachfolgebände der "Gynäkologischen Endokrinologie" (1987) signalisieren bereits im Titel die Erweiterung des Fachgebiets, die aus den zahlreichen Neuentwicklungen der letzten Jahre resultiert. Hierzu zählen z.B. der Nachweis und die Bedeutung neuer Hormone, neue Funktionsteste, die Therapie mit weiblichen Sexualhormonen, die Untersuchung von Umwelteinwirkungen sowie diagnostische und operative Techniken der Fertilitätschirurgie. Damit ist für den deutschsprachigen Raum der aktuelle Kenntnisstand dieses Spezialgebiets umfassend und ausführlich dargestellt. Mit zahlreichen Graphiken und Tabellen sowie ausgezeichnetem Bildmaterial sind deshalb die Bände Gynäkologische Endokrinologie und Fortpflanzungsmedizin für den Gynäkologen in der Klinik wie in der Praxis ein wichtiger Begleiter.