The Challenges with Managing Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Qualitative Study of Women’s and Clinicians’ Experiences

    May 2021 in “ Patient education and counseling ”
    Tessa Copp, Danielle M Muscat, Jolyn Hersch, Kirsten McCaffery, Jenny Doust, Anuja Dokras, Ben Willem J. Mol, Jesse Jansen
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    TLDR Managing PCOS is hard because it varies a lot, treatments are limited, and there's a lot of false information online.
    This qualitative study involved 36 clinicians and 26 women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and identified challenges in managing the condition due to its heterogeneous nature and the limitations of current treatment options. Clinicians struggle with treating diverse symptoms with limited and often ineffective treatments, while women are dissatisfied with treatments that seem to mask symptoms without addressing underlying issues. Both groups face difficulties with online misinformation and the long-term nature of PCOS management. The study suggests that personalized counseling, managing patient expectations, and a multidisciplinary approach could improve care. However, there is a discrepancy between women's expectations for follow-up care and what is provided, highlighting the need for better management strategies and more evidence-based treatments for PCOS.
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