The research
states that two among three women are affected by this waiting-time.
‘Diagnosis of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) needs to be improved, and the diverse set of metabolic, reproductive and psychological features need to be understood and addressed.’
Polycystic
Ovarian Syndrome
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is a chronic health condition
that affects one in 10 women in their child-bearing age.
It occurs due to the imbalance of the reproductive hormones. This
hormonal imbalance impacts the ovaries. Ovaries produce and release eggs as
part of the monthly menstrual cycle. But in PCOS, the eggs are either not
produced or released during ovulation.
It is characterized by metabolic and reproductive problems.
Women suffering from PCOS are at an
increased risk of developing metabolic disorders like diabetes and
obesity. Around 40% of the women suffering from diabetes between the ages 20-50
years have PCOS.
PCOS
causes reproductive issues like infertility and irregular
menstruation. It
is responsible for 70% of infertility-related problems.
Psychological problems like depression and anxiety are also
triggered by PCOS.
Around 9% to 18% of the women in their child-bearing age suffer
from PCOS, according to the currently accepted Rotterdam diagnosis,
international prevalence studies and guidelines.
Less than 50% of the women are diagnosed with PCOS leaving the
remaining undiagnosed.
"Given the prevalence of PCOS, it is
important for women and healthcare professionals to be more aware of the
condition," said one of the study's authors, Helena Teede, FRACP, PhD, of
Monash University in Melbourne, Australia. "Despite the misleading name,
PCOS is not primarily an ovarian condition, but instead is a hormonal
disturbance with diverse health effects that is largely inherited. The process
of diagnosing PCOS needs to be improved, and the diverse set of metabolic,
reproductive and psychological features need to be understood and
addressed."
A Few Key Features of
PCOS are:
- Having increased number of immature
eggs in the ovaries, which is detected through ultrasound.
- Higher levels of testosterone characterized
by clinical features like excess body hair.
- Irregular menstrual cycle or
absences of menses.
Survey
Researchers conducted an international cross-sectional study. The
initial studies were conducted in Australia and then the researchers approached
two large international PCOS patient support groups - U.S based PCOS Challenge
and U.K based Verity.
Questionnaires were distributed to the participants through their
website.
Eligibility criteria for the study:
- Women should be over 18 years of age
- They should be diagnosed with PCOS
"We were interested in women's
diagnosis experience and satisfaction with information and educational
materials they received at the time of diagnosis," Teede said.
Initially 1550 women from 32 countries responded to the survey.
But 165 participants were excluded because they did not fit
into the
eligibility criteria.
So a total of
1385 women were enrolled for the survey.
Response from
Survey
Nearly half of the women surveyed internationally
saw three or more healthcare providers before they were diagnosed.
For a third
of the respondents, the diagnostic process took more than two
years.
Some of the respondents reported
waiting for months or years for a diagnosis. They
also had to visit multiple healthcare professionals.
A wait of six months
or longer for diagnosis increased
the level of dissatisfaction among women compared to those who were diagnosed in a shorter period.
"Our findings show women are
dissatisfied with the diagnosis experience and that there are clear
opportunities to improve awareness, diagnosis and health outcomes for women
with PCOS," Teede said.
Less than a quarter of the survey
respondents were satisfied with the information they received about common
treatments for PCOS, including lifestyle management and medications, when they
were diagnosed with the condition.
More than half reported that they had
not received any information
about long-term PCOS complications or emotional counseling or support.
The survey results, along with new
international guidelines and awareness education initiative, will be used to
improve PCOS education and care.
The study
titled "Delayed Diagnosis and a Lack of Information
Associated with Dissatisfaction in Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome,
" is published in the Endocrine Society's
Journal
of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism.
References :- Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome - (https://www.womenshealth.gov/publications/our-publications/fact-sheet/polycystic-ovary-syndrome.html)
- What is PCOS? - (http://www.pcosfoundation.org/what-is-pcos)
Source: Medindia
Careers
