LAUSR

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.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.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.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.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.