The lived experience of women diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome.
OBJECTIVE
To uncover the meaning of living with polycystic ovary syndrome.


METHODS
Phenomenology.


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


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


METHODS
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.
Snyder
Barbara S
BS
School of Nursing, The College of New Jersey, Ewing, NJ 08628, USA. bsnyder@tcnj.edu
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D001294:Attitude to Health; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D033262:Narration; D009511:New England; D009730:Nursing Assessment; D011085:Polycystic Ovary Syndrome / Q000451:nursing / Q000523:psychology*; D011788:Quality of Life; D012649:Self Concept; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016387:Women's Health