Abstract
Background Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) affects up to one in five women, with the diagnosis and management mostly occurring in general practice. The condition can affect many parts of a woman’s physical and mental health. Recent evidence shows that women often experience a delay in diagnosis and that there is a high rate of underdiagnosis.
Aim To research patients’ perspectives as to how PCOS is managed in general practice, whether it is being viewed as a ‘multisystem’ condition rather than just one of fertility, and how the long-term effects of the syndrome are being addressed.
Method A questionnaire was designed to investigate women’s experience of how PCOS is being diagnosed, treated, and managed in general practice, including consideration of its longer-term potential consequences. Women were signposted to the questionnaire through websites/social media of four charities/patient support networks and BBC Radio Leicester.
Results In total 333 women completed the questionnaire. Only 12% of women recalled having been told by a GP about the risk of developing diabetes and none recalled being told about endometrial hyperplasia. Although 74% felt PCOS had impacted on their mental health only 39% had discussed this with their GP. In 116 cases (35%) women did not recall their weight being addressed despite having a body mass index of ≥25.
Conclusion PCOS appears not to be viewed as a chronic metabolic condition, with women not able to recall being told of their higher risks for comorbid conditions. Concurrent mental health problems are often not being addressed.
- © British Journal of General Practice 2019