Female Gender Scheme Is Disturbed by Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Qualitative Study from Iran

February 2014 in “ Iranian Red Crescent Medical Journal ”

Fatemeh Nasiri Amiri, Fahimeh Ramezani Tehrani, Masoumeh Simbar, R A Mohammadpour Tahamtan, Niloofar Shiva

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome PCOS excess hair disrupted menstrual cycle obesity infertility

TLDR Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) affects Iranian women's feelings of femininity and self-image.

In a 2014 study involving 23 Iranian women diagnosed with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), researchers found that PCOS significantly impacted the participants' self-perception and feelings of femininity. Four main themes were identified: lack of physical attractiveness, loss of womanhood, interruption of sexual role, and disruption of fertility potential. These feelings were associated with symptoms such as excess hair, disrupted menstrual cycle, obesity, and infertility. The study concluded that healthcare providers should consider these psychological impacts when managing PCOS, in addition to the physical symptoms.

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research The Prevalence of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome in a Community Sample of Iranian Population: Iranian PCOS Prevalence Study

215 citations , January 2011 in “Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology”

About 7% to 15% of Iranian women have polycystic ovary syndrome, depending on the criteria used to diagnose it.

research Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Complex Condition with Psychological, Reproductive, and Metabolic Manifestations That Impacts Health Across the Lifespan

926 citations , June 2010 in “BMC Medicine”

Polycystic ovary syndrome is a complex condition that affects women's mental, reproductive, and metabolic health throughout their lives.

research A Simple Screening Approach for Assessing Community Prevalence and Phenotype of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome in a Semiurban Population in Sri Lanka

120 citations , June 2008 in “American Journal of Epidemiology”

A simple screening method found that 6.3% of women in a semiurban area in Sri Lanka have polycystic ovary syndrome, with most showing menstrual irregularities.

research Mood and Sexual Function in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

68 citations , January 2008 in “Seminars in reproductive medicine”

Women with PCOS often feel stigmatized and have mood issues, which can lower their sexual satisfaction, but proper treatment and support can help.

research Criteria for Defining Polycystic Ovary Syndrome as a Predominantly Hyperandrogenic Syndrome: An Androgen Excess Society Guideline

1744 citations , November 2006 in “The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism”

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome should be seen mainly as a condition of excess male hormones, with a focus on this in its definition.

research Metformin Treatment of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Improves Health-Related Quality of Life, Emotional Distress, and Sexuality

105 citations , March 2006 in “Human reproduction”

Metformin improves quality of life, emotional health, and sex life in women with polycystic ovary syndrome.

research Revised 2003 Consensus on Diagnostic Criteria and Long-Term Health Risks Related to Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

4025 citations , January 2004 in “Human Reproduction”

The 2003 consensus updated PCOS diagnosis criteria and linked PCOS to higher risks of diabetes and heart problems, recommending lifestyle changes to lower these risks.