The below blog post has been written by the research team, and details of how to participate in the research can be found at the bottom of this post. Verity have sighted the ethics approval granted for the recruitment of this study.
About the study
We are conducting a qualitative research project to explore the unique experiences and challenges related to eating behavior among women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). Your insights will contribute to a better understanding of the impact of PCOS on daily life and help inform support strategies.
Why participate?
Make a Difference: Your experiences can contribute to a broader understanding of PCOS.
Community Support: Connect with others facing similar challenges in a supportive and confidential environment.
Empowerment: Share your story to empower others and break the stigma surrounding PCOS.
How to participate?
- Express Your Interest: email us at the address below
- Brief Screening: We’ll contact you for a brief chat to ensure you meet the criteria (18+, confirmed PCOS diagnosis and live in UK)
- Schedule: Choose a convenient time for your virtual interview
- Spread the Word!
Tag friends, share, and help us reach as many amazing women with PCOS as possible! Your voice matters, and together, we can make a meaningful impact.
Contact us
If you are interested in participating, please email: s5322659@bournemouth.ac.uk
About me
NIMRA ASIF (RESEARCHER)
MSc Nutrition and Behaviour
The study has been granted ethical approval by Bournemouth University Ethics Committee (ETHICS ID: 53825)
Verity - The PCOS charity 
I was diagnosed with pcos when I was 19 yrs of age. From the age of 11 I suffered with stabbing pains in my side which would literally cripple me where I could not stand up straight or walk properly but I didn’t actually start my periods till I was 14 and a half years old. After having my first period it was about another 2 months before I had another one and so the irregular cycle continued, sometimes I could bleed for 2 to 3 weeks none stop and other times nothing. The pains in my side continued and my periods were really heavy and extremely painful to the point I had to take time off school or work. When I was 19 I wS admitted into hospital with suspected appendicitis. I had severe right sided pain that wouldn’t go and was constant. On arrival to a&e I was given morphine for the pain and all blood test and rectal exam was clear but I was admitted for further investigation, that dud a scan and that’s when I was diagnosed with pcos, that told both sides where effected and that my right one looked worse and may have to be removed. I remember being in shock and my mum just crying saying ill never be able to have children. Thankfully the ovary was not as bad as they first thought and no surgery was required. Fast forward 26 yrs later and her I am still suffering. I did go on to conceive naturally and have two daughters after one miscarriage. But over the years I have had chronic pelvic pain, 2 laporoscopies, first one where they found the start of endometriosis, my right ovary was stuck to the wall of my uterus and they removed it from the wall. They told me that because I had the mirena coil it had prevented it from developing properly. I’ve had the mirna coil in for over 10 yrs, I’m scared of not having it and always get it replaced because the thought of going back to that really heavy bleeding and pain scares me so much and I’m scared if I dnt keep it there the endometriosis will continue to grow. Second laparoscopy I was told they didn’t find nothing but before that I was told I had an hemmoragic cyst that they needed to remove, I was made to feel stupid and that the pain is psychological, here I am 26 yrs later and still have chronic pelvic pain and back pain and leg pain, sometimes vaginal pain. About 2 yrs ago they wanted to open me up again but I refused, I just felt like an experiment and was really upset that they wanted me to have another laparoscopy to tell me they’d found nothing again so I said no. I too suffer with thinning hair, chin hair and anxiety and depression, mood swings and chronic fatigue with low energy levels. What I have noticed I crave lots of sweet things but I’m in the rare 30% that has lean pcos abd has never had any issues with my weight.