A Practitioner's Toolkit for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Counselling

Abstract

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a frequently occurring health issue, has a significant effect on the cosmetic, metabolic, psychosocial and fertility aspects of women. A multidisciplinary team approach based on the core pillars of screening, assessment and counselling to detect, prevent and treat physiological and psychological issues in PCOS is very essential. Women are treated medically, but the psychosocial part is often forsaken. Hence, counselling forms an integral part of PCOS management that enables enhanced clinical outcomes and patient satisfaction. Digital tools and PCOS support groups have built an opportunity for physicians to create awareness, help timely diagnosis and overcome PCOS symptoms. The absence of clear guidelines to tackle the often less discussed aspects of PCOS warrants the need for consensus on PCOS counselling. This review summarizes the biopsychosocial health, clinical assessment and treatment strategies of PCOS and associated co-morbidities. The review article will discuss the clinician's role in patient education with the special focus on counselling of females with PCOS regardless of age group.

Keywords

• biopsychosocial health
• counselling
• patient education
• polycystic ovary syndrome