title: Polycystic ovary syndrome: perceptions and attitudes of women and primary health care physicians on features of PCOS and renaming the syndrome.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is an under-recognized, common, and complex endocrinopathy. The name PCOS is a misnomer, and there have been calls for a change to reflect the broader clinical syndrome.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The aim of the study was to determine perceptions held by women and primary health care physicians around key clinical features of PCOS and attitudes toward current and alternative names for the syndrome.
  
  
  METHODS
  We conducted a cross-sectional study utilizing a devised questionnaire.
  
  
  METHODS
  Participants were recruited throughout Australia via professional associations, women's health organizations, and a PCOS support group.
  
  
  METHODS
  Fifty-seven women with PCOS and 105 primary care physicians participated in the study.
  
  
  METHODS
  Perceptions of key clinical PCOS features and attitudes toward current and alternative syndrome names were investigated.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Irregular periods were identified as a key clinical feature of PCOS by 86% of the women with PCOS and 90% of the primary care physicians. In both groups, 60% also identified hormone imbalance as a key feature. Among women with PCOS, 47% incorrectly identified ovarian cysts as key, 48% felt the current name is confusing, and 51% supported a change. Most primary care physicians agreed that the name is confusing (74%) and needs changing (81%); however, opinions on specific alternative names were divided.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The name "polycystic ovary syndrome" is perceived as confusing, and there is general support for a change to reflect the broader clinical syndrome. Engagement of primary health care physicians and consumers is strongly recommended to ensure that an alternative name enhances understanding and recognition of the syndrome and its complex features.
authors.affiliation: Women's Public Health Research (H.T., M.G.-H., J.B.), Monash Centre for Health Research and Implementation, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Clayton 3168, Victoria, Australia; Diabetes and Vascular Medicine Unit (H.T.), Monash Health, Clayton 3168, Victoria, Australia; and The Robinson Institute (R.J.N.), The University of Adelaide, North Adelaide SA 5006, South Australia, Australia.
authors.forename: Helena
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Teede
authors.forename: Melanie
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Gibson-Helm
authors.forename: Robert J
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: Norman
authors.forename: Jacqueline
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Boyle
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D001294:Attitude to Health; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D058005:General Practitioners / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D010465:Perception; D010820:Physicians / Q000523:psychology; D011085:Polycystic Ovary Syndrome / Q000145:classification* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology*; D011320:Primary Health Care; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D009626:Terminology as Topic