The lived experience of women diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome

Abstract

Objective: To uncover the meaning of living with polycystic ovary syndrome.

Design: Phenomenology.

Setting: A women's health care practice in northeast United States.

Participants: A purposive sample consisting of 12 women, ages 21 to 48 years, who had been previously diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome.

Data collection: Semistructured interviews.

Results: Analysis of the participants' responses revealed the following themes: (a) identifying differences, (b) wanting to be normal, (c) searching for answers, (d) gaining control, (e) attempting to achieve femininity, (f) letting go of guilt, and (g) dealing with it.

Conclusions: Polycystic ovary syndrome is a syndrome that impacts women both physically and psychosocially. Nurses can play a key role in assisting women afflicted with this hormonal disturbance through education and support.