What the World Needs to Know About PCOS: Addressing Interpersonal and Structural Aspects of Healthcare
Abstract
Polycystic ovary syndrome is an endocrine disorder that affects one in ten individuals with female reproductive traits. PCOS has been linked with increased risk for major physical (e.g., diabetes, heart disease) and mental (depression and anxiety) health problems. Psychological distress is often attributed to PCOS symptoms that are stigmatizing such as hirsutism (excess body/facial hair), menstrual irregularities, weight gain, and infertility. Despite the prevalence and known risks of PCOS, the condition is understudied and frequently underdiagnosed. As a result, individuals with PCOS report feeling invisible and receiving delayed diagnosis. As such, the present study asked participants to specify what they think the world should know about PCOS. Qualitative data from hour-long interviews with 50 participants of diverse age (M=29, min=19, max=46 years), race/ethnicity (54% from underrepresented ethnic/racial groups), and gender (52% reported being transgender, nonbinary, or genderqueer) were analyzed using Reflexive Thematic Analysis. Through our engagement with the data, we identified three major themes. First, participants reported that the world should know about the harm of loved ones, healthcare providers, and individuals with PCOS being uneducated about the disorder. Harms included misconceptions about PCOS and lackluster healthcare and treatment options; shamed about symptoms, delayed or lack of diagnosis, providers’ lack of awareness of PCOS, or dismissive comments experiences. Second, participants reported the world should know about gender dynamics in PCOS, with participants describing both gender differences and gender issues being ignored in medical treatment. These first two themes led to the third theme of fostering a more compassionate culture, which supports PCOS patients both interpersonally (more empathy toward symptoms and experiences) and structurally (increased research, faster diagnosis, and more receptivity to patients’ desired treatment plans). Implications and suggested avenues for future research will be discussed.
Start Time
15-4-2026 2:30 PM
End Time
15-4-2026 3:30 PM
Room Number
311
Presentation Type
Oral Presentation
Presentation Subtype
Grad/Comp Orals
Presentation Category
Social Sciences
Student Type
Graduate
Faculty Mentor
Stacey Williams
What the World Needs to Know About PCOS: Addressing Interpersonal and Structural Aspects of Healthcare
311
Polycystic ovary syndrome is an endocrine disorder that affects one in ten individuals with female reproductive traits. PCOS has been linked with increased risk for major physical (e.g., diabetes, heart disease) and mental (depression and anxiety) health problems. Psychological distress is often attributed to PCOS symptoms that are stigmatizing such as hirsutism (excess body/facial hair), menstrual irregularities, weight gain, and infertility. Despite the prevalence and known risks of PCOS, the condition is understudied and frequently underdiagnosed. As a result, individuals with PCOS report feeling invisible and receiving delayed diagnosis. As such, the present study asked participants to specify what they think the world should know about PCOS. Qualitative data from hour-long interviews with 50 participants of diverse age (M=29, min=19, max=46 years), race/ethnicity (54% from underrepresented ethnic/racial groups), and gender (52% reported being transgender, nonbinary, or genderqueer) were analyzed using Reflexive Thematic Analysis. Through our engagement with the data, we identified three major themes. First, participants reported that the world should know about the harm of loved ones, healthcare providers, and individuals with PCOS being uneducated about the disorder. Harms included misconceptions about PCOS and lackluster healthcare and treatment options; shamed about symptoms, delayed or lack of diagnosis, providers’ lack of awareness of PCOS, or dismissive comments experiences. Second, participants reported the world should know about gender dynamics in PCOS, with participants describing both gender differences and gender issues being ignored in medical treatment. These first two themes led to the third theme of fostering a more compassionate culture, which supports PCOS patients both interpersonally (more empathy toward symptoms and experiences) and structurally (increased research, faster diagnosis, and more receptivity to patients’ desired treatment plans). Implications and suggested avenues for future research will be discussed.
