PT - JOURNAL ARTICLE AU - Sarah Hillman AU - Jeremy Dale AU - Carol Bryce TI - GPPCOS: exploring women’s experience of the management of PCOS in general practice AID - 10.3399/bjgp19X702965 DP - 2019 Jun 01 TA - British Journal of General Practice PG - bjgp19X702965 VI - 69 IP - suppl 1 4099 - http://bjgp.org/content/69/suppl_1/bjgp19X702965.short 4100 - http://bjgp.org/content/69/suppl_1/bjgp19X702965.full SO - Br J Gen Pract2019 Jun 01; 69 AB - 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.