Ovarian Cysts Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Ovarian Cysts, including details on causes, treatment, symptoms, infertility.

Health-related quality of life issues in women with polycystic ovary syndrome.

McCook JG, Reame NE, Thatcher SS

East Tennessee State University College of Nursing, Johnson City, TN, USA. mccook@etsu.edu

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the influence of obesity, fertility status, and androgenism scores on health-related quality of life in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). DESIGN: Cross-sectional, correlational. SETTING: Private reproductive endocrinology practice in two southeast U.S. cities. PARTICIPANTS: Convenience sample of 128 women with PCOS, half of whom were attempting to conceive in addition to being treated for PCOS. Most were White (97%), married (78%), with a mean age of 30.4 years (SD +/- 5.5). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The Health-Related Quality of Life Questionnaire (PCOSQ) for women with polycystic ovary syndrome. A laboratory panel and clinical measures, including body mass index, waist-to-hip ratio, and degree of hirsutism. RESULTS: The most common health-related quality of life concern reported by women with PCOS was weight, followed in descending order by menstrual problems, infertility, emotions, and body hair. CONCLUSIONS: The psychological implications of PCOS are easily underestimated and have been largely ignored. Nursing has a pivotal role in recognizing these concerns and implementing therapy to improve quality of life in women with PCOS.

Published 27 January 2005 in J Obstet Gynecol Neonatal Nurs, 34(1): 12-20.
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