Diagnostic and treatment characteristics of polycystic ovary syndrome: descriptive measurements of patient perception and awareness from 657 confidential self-reports

BACKGROUND: This investigation was undertaken to describe patient perception and awareness of the polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), the most common cause of anovulation/oligoovulation among women of reproductive age. METHODS: Fifteen parameters were evaluated by a computer-based research instrument accessed by a large, unscreened population. Incomplete questionnaires were not entered, and responses were electronically tabulated to block duplicate submissions. RESULTS: From 657 participants, the majority (63%) were between 26–34 years old; mean BMI was 30.4 kg/m(2). 343 of 657 had at least one pregnancy and 61% of the study group had taken fertility medicine (any type) at least once. Physicians were the most common provider of PCOS information for all study participants, irrespective of age. Patient emotions associated with the diagnosis of PCOS included "frustration" (67%), "anxiety" (16%), "sadness" (10%), and "indifference" (2%). Self-reported patient aptitude regarding PCOS was scored as high or "very aware" in >60% of women. Respondents were also asked: "If your PCOS could be safely and effectively helped by something else besides fertility drugs or birth control pills, would that interest you?" Interest in alternative PCOS treatments was expressed by 99% of the sample (n = 648). CONCLUSIONS: In our study population, most women associated negative emotions with PCOS although the self-reported knowledge level for the disorder was high. While these women regarded their obstetrician-gynecologist as integral to their PCOS education, traditional PCOS therapies based on oral contraceptives or ovulation induction agents were regarded as unsatisfactory by most women

Obesity management in women with polycystic ovary syndrome

Copyright © 2007 Future MedicineObesity and insulin resistance play an important role in initiating or maintaining ill health in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). This implies that treatment that reduces body weight and insulin resistance would alleviate the symptoms of PCOS. Lifestyle modification has been found to be effective in restoring reproductive function in up to 80% of individuals who achieve at least 5% weight loss. However, long-term weight maintenance is a challenge. This article provides a review of reduced glycemic load diets, including low glycemic index, very low carbohydrate, high-protein and high monounsaturated fat diets, on metabolic and reproductive health in PCOS and non-PCOS populations. Dietary trials in non-PCOS women suggest that higher-protein, reduced glycemic load diets were probably more beneficial than the conventional low-fat, high-carbohydrate diet but further studies are required to confirm this in PCOS women. Similarly, the optimal exercise regime for PCOS women remains to be investigated.Siew S Lim, Peter M Clifton, Manny Noakes & Robert J Norma