@article {Hillmanbjgp19X702965, author = {Sarah Hillman and Jeremy Dale and Carol Bryce}, title = {GPPCOS: exploring women{\textquoteright}s experience of the management of PCOS in general practice}, volume = {69}, number = {suppl 1}, elocation-id = {bjgp19X702965}, year = {2019}, doi = {10.3399/bjgp19X702965}, publisher = {Royal College of General Practitioners}, 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{\textquoteright}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{\textquoteright} perspectives as to how PCOS is managed in general practice, whether it is being viewed as a {\textquoteleft}multisystem{\textquoteright} 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{\textquoteright}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.}, issn = {0960-1643}, URL = {https://bjgp.org/content/69/suppl_1/bjgp19X702965}, eprint = {https://bjgp.org/content}, journal = {British Journal of General Practice} }