Living with Grief: A Phenomenological Analysis of the Lived Experience of PCOS

The study conducted in 2016 involved 10 young women diagnosed with Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a prevalent endocrine condition affecting 5-18% of reproductive-aged women. The study aimed to understand the psychosocial experience of these women as they adjusted to the bodily changes caused by PCOS. The findings revealed four main themes: Isolation, Helplessness, Resilience, and Grief. The study concluded that more support is needed for women during the diagnostic process and after treatment has started. The stigma associated with PCOS often leads to avoidance behaviors and isolation, which should be recognized by healthcare professionals to facilitate open conversations, reduce misinformation, minimize distress, and improve overall quality of life. The study suggested that healthcare professionals could help women develop adaptive coping strategies to establish a more positive self-image not defined by their illness.