jh n Managing Polycystic Ovary Syndrome What Our Patients Are Telling Us

Women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) experience symptoms such as irregular menses, hirsut-ism, and acne, and are at heightened risk for developing obesity, metabolic syndrome, diabetes mellitus, infertility, and some cancers. Data also indicate an inverse correlation between PCOS and health-related quality-of-life indicators and self-image. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to describe the lived experience of women with PCOS in the management of their disorder and the meaning of that experience for them. Design: This qualitative study was conducted using a phenomenological approach based on the guidelines of Van Manen. Method: Individual, semistructured interviews were completed with 10 participants who were diagnosed with PCOS and managed by a health care practitioner(s) within the past 5 years. Data were analyzed using the process of hermeneutic phenomenological reflec-tion. Findings: The four major themes that described women’s lived experience of managing PCOS were frustration, confusion, searching, and gaining control. Conclusions: Women with PCOS face many challenges in managing their disorder and desire to gain control, balance, and well-being through a comprehensive treatment plan. The findings have implications for health care providers in addressing quality of life issues and overall health outcomes