Update: The pathogenesis and treatment of PCOS

HER LIFESTYLE: a mneumonic for addressing polycystic ovary syndrome in adolescents

PCOS affects up to 10 percent of women of childbearing age, including adolescents. The emotional and physical consequences of PCOS can be significant. Early diagnosis and initiation of lifestyle changes can have a positive impact on risk for long-term sequelae.

The Lived Experience of Women Diagnosed With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

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.

Effects of obesity on women's reproduction and complications during pregnancy

Obesity is increasing rapidly among women all over the world, and more women in fertile ages become overweight and obese. Among all other problems, women who are obese have higher rates of amenorrhoea and infertility. Obese women have a higher risk of complications during pregnancy such as hypertensive diagnoses and gestational diabetes, and delivery complications such as higher rates of caesarean sections and prolonged time of delivery. The aim of this article is to review the consequences of being obese during the reproductive life of a woman.