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.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) affects millions of women, however the personal experiences of those living with it is often overlooked. My research takes a sociological approach, focusing on how women in the UK experience the journey of diagnosis, healthcare interactions, and how they seek information and support.
By sharing your story, you can help highlight the struggles people with PCOS face when seeking healthcare. This research looks at how gender and medical authority influence the way healthcare professionals treat and respond to people with PCOS. An all-too-common frustration regarding PCOS treatment in the UK is that concerns are dismissed or not taken seriously, leading many to seek answers elsewhere—through online communities, support groups, or personal research. By understanding these experiences, we can push for better care and recognition of PCOS in the healthcare system.
Your story can really make a difference in showing where care is falling short and how PCOS is often overlooked in the healthcare system. If you’re in the UK and have PCOS, I’d love to hear how you’ve managed your diagnosis and treatment—whether that’s been through doctor’s visits, online support groups, or simply figuring things out on your own.
This research involves one-to-one interviews conducted via Zoom or Microsoft Teams, where we can discuss your experiences and insights in more detail. Your experiences matter and can help create a clearer picture of what needs to change in how PCOS is treated and understood.
If you are interested in taking part, please reach out to me via email: mk713@exeter.ac.uk
Verity - The PCOS charity 