"It is always on my mind": women's experiences of their bodies when living with hirsutism.
Many women suffer from excessive hair growth, often in combination with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). It is unclear how hirsutism influences such women's experiences of their bodies. Our aim is to describe and interpret women's experiences of their bodies when living with hirsutism. Interviews were conducted with 10 women with hirsutism. We used a qualitative latent content analysis. Four closely intertwined themes were disclosed: the body was experienced as a yoke, a freak, a disgrace, and as a prison. Hirsutism deeply affects women's experiences of their bodies in a negative way.
Ekback
Maria
M
Department of Dermatology, Orebro University Hospital, Orebro, Sweden. maria.palmetun-ekback@orebroll.se
Wijma
Klaas
K
Benzein
Eva
E
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000739:Anecdotes as Topic; D001828:Body Image; D005260:Female; D006628:Hirsutism / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D011085:Polycystic Ovary Syndrome / Q000523:psychology*; D012649:Self Concept; D012928:Social Desirability; D013240:Stereotyping; D013548:Sweden; D016387:Women's Health; D055815:Young Adult