Project Proposal 

Myths related to PCOS in Pakistan  

 

   
 
Anosha Nangraj (07583) 
Dua Mohtashim
 
 
 
 
Poly cystic ovary syndrome is a commonly found endocrine disorder in women of

reproductive age. Mostly the patients suffering from PCOS are within the age bracket of 15-

30 years. (Rizvi et al , 2014 ) According to a consensus workshop held in Rotterdam during

2003, it was concluded that PCOS is a syndrome in which ovarian dysfunctionality is

observed along with hyperandrogenism. (Rotterdam ESHRE/ASRM-Sponsored PCOS

consensus workshop group 2004) The symptoms of PCOS range from obesity, acne,

menstrual abnormalities and infertility. Along with these severe symptoms, the most

concerning impact of PCOS is the perceived stress and depression among women who report

PCOS. A study conducted by Australian Longitudinal Study of Women's Health (ALWSH)

indicated that women who report PCOS are prone to depression, stress and anxiety more as

compared to the ones who don’t report it. (Damone et al., 2018) Risk factors that can lead to
PCOS potentially are lack of exercise, inherited diabetes, history of infertility and irregular

menstrual cycles.

With such complications in view, the worst reality is that the preconceived myths regarding

PCOS leads to misconceptions and spread of inaccurate information. Some of the myths

include the understanding that PCOS can be identified by single symptom. However, more

than one symptom and deeper analysis is needed to declare the condition as PCOS. Recently

European Society for Human Reproduction and Embryology and the American Society for

Reproductive Medicine (ESHRE/ASRM) defined PCOS is presence of polycystic ovaries,

anovulation. (Hart et al., 2004) The second myth regarding PCOS is that women affected by

the disorder might not conceive ever in their life. This myth needs to be rectified since

women with PCOS might have complications but they can eventually conceive. Lastly, it is

also a connotation attached with PCOS that the women suffering from the disorder can be

prone to weight gain and can barely lose wight. However, irrespective of the fact that they

have disorder or not they can continue to lose weight alongside taking required medicines to

cope with their condition. Alongside this, the connotation attached to obesity also includes

that woman who weigh more are more prone to PCOS. On the contrary, PCOS can be

prevalent in people who weigh less as well.  

In order to analyze and bust such myths an artefact will be designed to better understand

PCOS and avoid such misunderstandings. 

 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
Bibliography:  
 
Rotterdam ESHRE/ASRM-Sponsored PCOS consensus workshop group (2004).
Revised 2003 consensus on diagnostic criteria and long-term health risks related to
polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Human reproduction (Oxford, England), 19(1),
41–47. https://doi.org/10.1093/humrep/deh098 
 

Damone, A., Joham, A., Loxton, D., Earnest, A., Teede, H., & Moran, L. (2019).
Depression, anxiety and perceived stress in women with and without PCOS: A
community-based study. Psychological Medicine, 49(9), 1510-1520.
doi:10.1017/S0033291718002076 
 

 
Hart, R., Hickey, M., & Franks, S. (2004, August 25). Definitions, prevalence and
symptoms of polycystic ovaries and polycystic ovary syndrome. Best Practice &
Research Clinical Obstetrics & Gynaecology. Retrieved October 18, 2022,
from
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1521693404000914 
 
 

World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research et al.. World Journal of ... (n.d.).

Retrieved October 18, 2022, from https://wjpr.s3.ap-south-
1.amazonaws.com/article_issue/1623923778.pdf 

 
Rizvi , M., Mir, H., Afzal , A., Arif , S., Sundrani , M., Ali , Z., Sabah , A., Tanwir, S., &
Abbas , A. (n.d.). PERCEPTION AND ATTITUDE OF PATIENTS REGARDING
POLYCYSTIC OVARIAN SYNDROME (PCOS) IN TERTIARY CARE HOSPITALS OF
PAKISTAN - A SURVEY BASED STUDY. Retrieved October 24, 2022, from
http://www.ijptjournal.com/File_Folder/147-152.pdf