Polycystic ovary syndrome: Perceptions and attitudes of women and primary health care physicians on features on PCOS and renaming the syndrome

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dc.contributor.authorTeede, H.
dc.contributor.authorGibson-Helm, M.
dc.contributor.authorNorman, R.
dc.contributor.authorBoyle, J.
dc.date.issued2014
dc.description.abstractCONTEXT: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is an under-recognized, common, and complex endocrinopathy. The name PCOS is a misnomer, and there have been calls for a change to reflect the broader clinical syndrome. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to determine perceptions held by women and primary health care physicians around key clinical features of PCOS and attitudes toward current and alternative names for the syndrome. DESIGN: We conducted a cross-sectional study utilizing a devised questionnaire. SETTING: Participants were recruited throughout Australia via professional associations, women’s health organizations, and a PCOS support group. PARTICIPANTS: Fifty-seven women with PCOS and 105 primary care physicians participated in the study. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Perceptions of key clinical PCOS features and attitudes toward current and alternative syndrome names were measured. RESULTS: Irregular periods were identified as a key clinical feature of the diagnosis by 86% of the women with PCOS and 90% of the primary care physicians. In both groups, 60% also identified hormone imbalance as a key feature. Among women with PCOS, 47% incorrectly identified ovarian cysts as key, 48% felt the current name was confusing, and 51% supported a change. Most primary care physicians agreed that the name is confusing (74%) and needs changing (81%); however, opinions on specific alternative names were divided. CONCLUSIONS: The name “polycystic ovary syndrome” is perceived as confusing, and there is general support for a change to reflect the broader clinical syndrome. Engagement of primary health care physicians and consumers is strongly recommended to ensure that an alternative name enhances understanding and recognition of the syndrome and its complex features.
dc.description.statementofresponsibilityHelena Teede, Melanie Gibson-Helm, Robert J. Norman, and Jacqueline Boyle
dc.identifier.citationJournal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism, 2014; 99(1):E107-E111
dc.identifier.doi10.1210/jc.2013-2978
dc.identifier.issn0021-972X
dc.identifier.issn0021-972X
dc.identifier.orcidTeede, H. [0000-0001-7609-577X]
dc.identifier.orcidNorman, R. [0000-0002-3118-3896]
dc.identifier.urihttp://hdl.handle.net/2440/81552
dc.language.isoen
dc.publisherEndocrine Society
dc.rightsCopyright © 2013 by The Endocrine Society
dc.source.urihttps://doi.org/10.1210/jc.2013-2978
dc.subjectHumans
dc.subjectPolycystic Ovary Syndrome
dc.subjectCross-Sectional Studies
dc.subjectAttitude of Health Personnel
dc.subjectAttitude to Health
dc.subjectPerception
dc.subjectAdult
dc.subjectMiddle Aged
dc.subjectPhysicians
dc.subjectPrimary Health Care
dc.subjectFemale
dc.subjectTerminology as Topic
dc.subjectGeneral Practitioners
dc.subjectSurveys and Questionnaires
dc.titlePolycystic ovary syndrome: Perceptions and attitudes of women and primary health care physicians on features on PCOS and renaming the syndrome
dc.typeJournal article
pubs.publication-statusPublished

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