Republic of the Philippines

SAINT MARY’S COLLEGE

Tagum City

CASE STUDY

In

Human Physiology

Entitled

PCOS: ITS DELETERIOUS EFFECTS ON SOCIAL LIFE

Submitted by:

MARGIE APOSTOL FERNANDO

 PCOS: ITS DELETERIOUS EFFECTS ON SOCIAL LIFE
MARGIE A. FERNANDO

Abstract

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome or PCOS is the manifestation of cysts in the ovaries. It

has been a challenge for women experiencing its symptoms, one of which is common
is the menstrual irregularity which might include delayed menarche,
oligomenorrhea, amenorrhea. It has become one of the common disorder due to its
prevalence in many women. Many are suffering its consequences physically,
emotionally and socially. PCOS has also been found out to be one of the causes of
infertility in menopausal women. Aside from bodily effects, PCOS can also affect the
social lives of a person (Miller 2008). The objectives of this case study paper is to
determine the experiences and effects of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome to some women.
Specifically, to describe the experiences of women with PCOS and to assess the social
effects of PCOS to some women. The study utilized the descriptive-qualitative design.
There were three participants interviewed. Results showed that PCOS indeed had
negative effects on the social lives of the participants.

Keywords: PCOS, social life, effects of PCOS

 INTRODUCTION

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome or PCOS is the manifestation of cysts in the

ovaries. It has been a challenge for women experiencing its symptoms, one of which

is common is the menstrual irregularity which might include delayed menarche,

oligomenorrhea, amenorrhea. It has become one of the common disorder due to its

prevalence in many women. Many are suffering its consequences physically,

emotionally and socially. PCOS has also been found out to be one of the causes of

infertility in menopausal women. Aside from bodily effects, PCOS can also affect the

social lives of a person (Miller 2008).

Most adolescents reported that the primary symptoms associated with PCOS

such as acne, obesity, hirsutism, infertility, and menstrual problems had the most

negative impact on their lives. These symptoms caused mood fluctuations that

affected personal relationships (Jones et.al 2011).

There has many studies conducted centering on the psychological effects of

PCOS on the lives of women which in turn affect their social lives. In a research

conducted by Monash University on 2018 shows that experiencing the symptoms of

PCOS, including excess hair growth, hair loss, acne, weight changes and fertility

problems, can negatively affect mood, self-confidence and body image. One in three

women with PCOS has low self-esteem, which in turn significantly increases the odds

of psychological distress and eating disorders.

In the Philippines, gynecologists say having PCOS means producing more

male hormones; thus triggers acne, oily skin, and excess body hair to most women.

With these physical problems, women tend to be conscious physically and have low

self-esteem.
 Moreover, this research aims to probe into the experiences of some women

with PCOS. This would further navigate how PCOS affects their lives socially and

how they are able to live with it and conquered everything, from symptoms to

treatment.

Objectives

The objectives of this case study paper is to determine the experiences and

effects of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome to some women. Specifically,

1. to describe the experiences of women with PCOS

2. to assess the social effects of PCOS to some women and know the coping

mechanisms they had gone through

 METHODOLOGY

Participants of the Study

There were ten (3) participants of the study of which two (2) of the

participants were professional teachers of Tagum City National Comprehensive High

School. The other one is a call center agent in Davao City.

Methods

The research utilized the qualitative research method which uses qualitative

data that were both collected and analyzed. Qualitative research methods search for

answers from the broader social context rather than isolating the subject of study.

Qualitative inquiry can generate hypotheses as well as test them, starting with a

blank slate and developing theory gradually from the data (Strauss et.al 1990).

Specifically, this used the qualitative descriptive design which is a comprehensive

summarization, in everyday terms, of specific events experienced by individuals or

groups of individuals (Lambert et.al 2012).

The researcher was able to contact the two participants having prior

knowledge of their PCOS medical history. The other participant was contacted

through the help of the other participant previously acquainted by the researcher.

Data collection of qualitative descriptive studies focuses on discovering the nature of

the specific events under study. Thus, data collection involves minimal to moderate,

structured, open-ended, individual or focus group interviews. For this study, the

researcher interviewed the three participants via face-to-face, phone call and social

media through the use of Facebook messenger.

 RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

This case study presented the experiences and social effects of Polycystic

Ovary Syndrome to the lives of some women. Based from the interview conducted,

participants number 1 (aged 27) and number 2 (aged 26) had one of their ovaries

affected by PCOS while participant number 3 (aged 31) had both of her ovaries

affected by the condition. Regardless which ovaries were affected, all of them

suffered dysmenorrhea at the onset of their PCOS. The irregular menstruation all of

them experienced ranged from two to three weeks duration in each month. Other

symptoms that they have also experienced were severe headaches, pain in the

breasts, loss of taste and missed periods. Participant 3 who had both of her ovaries

polycystic have also experienced hirsutism. Unwanted hairs are growing at the upper

sole of her feet. When their menstruation occurs, most of the time they become

bedridden because of the severe pain. Due to this, other tasks they wanted to achieve

cannot be done anymore. Participants 1 and 3 had their PCOS when they were still at

their teenage years while participant 2 is just having her PCOS until now. Participant

1 described how she was very conscious of her back while still studying. She was

afraid that anytime her menstruation would seep through her uniform considering

that menstrual blood flow is heavy. Due to this, she became shy on some occasions

and does not want to participate in some activities inside their classroom. Participant

3 had also experienced the same with participant 2. She had incurred many absences

every time she have her menstruation. Thus, her scholastic performance was also

affected at the time. For participant 2, her dysmenorrhea had led her to skip work

sometimes and avoid people. The three of them felt irritated with other people every

time they are having their menstruation.

 Their experiences were also parallel to the study of Jones on 2012 where he

summed up that most adolescents reported that the primary symptoms associated

with PCOS such as acne, obesity, hirsutism, infertility, and menstrual problems had

the most negative impact on their lives. These symptoms caused mood fluctuations

that affected personal relationships.

It was also evident among the participants their social isolation whenever they

are having menstruation. The psychological clinical concerns such as depression,

social isolation, anxiety, and mood disorders are the result of many of the

psychological changes that are experienced by adolescents and women with PCOS

that affects their psychological functioning. Due to the lifelong overwhelming

psychological effects of PCOS on the health outcomes of adolescents and women of

childbearing age, PCOS is now being viewed as a major concern for physical health

(Shannon et.al 2012).

Oral prescription given to the participants by their health care providers was

the pills. Among the brands they have used were the Diane-35 and YAZ. Participants

1 and 3 had taken the pills and in just few months their menstruation had become

regular. Meanwhile, participant 2 had not taken any pill at all and is still suffering

from PCOS. All of them were also required of a special diet that exclude sugar and

foods with preservatives.

Furthermore, the researcher believes that the findings of this study would be

beneficial to the various individuals. This will be a guide on what to do for some

patients suffering from PCOS. Medical practitioners will also be able to use this study

as a reference for PCOS cases they are handling with.

Recommendations

It is further recommended that following should also be explored by future

researchers:

1. a study comparing the experiences of women with PCOS considering variables

such as age, weight and profession

2. a study comparing the effectiveness of the different brand of pills considering

temporal variable
 REFERENCES

Jones, G. L., Hall, J. M., Lashen, H. L., Balen, A. H., Ledger, W. L. 2011. Health-
related.

Lambert V.A, Lambert, C.E. 2012. Qualitative Descriptive Research: An Acceptable

Design. Pacific Rim International Journal of Nursing Research. Vol. 16 No. 4

Miller, M. (2008). Case Study: Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS).

http://www.positivehealth.com/article/case-studies/case-study-polycystic-
ovarian-syndrome-pcos

Monash University. 2018. International evidence-based guideline for the assessment

and management of polycystic ovary syndrome. Melbourne, Australia.

Shannon, M., Wang, Y. Polycystic ovary syndrome: a common but often

unrecognized condition. J Midwifery Women’s Health. 2012; 57(3): 221-230.

Strauss AL, Corbin JM. 1990. Basics of Qualitative Research: Grounded Theory
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