Uncertainty, Anxiety and Isolation: Experiencing the COVID-19 Pandemic and Lockdown as a Woman with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

Abstract

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic and the related lockdown measures presented a significant risk to physical and mental wellbeing in affected populations. Women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are predisposed to several cardio-metabolic risk factors which increase the susceptibility to severe COVID-19 and also exhibit increased likelihood of impaired mental health wellbeing. Therefore, these women who usually receive care from multiple primary and specialist healthcare services may be disproportionately impacted by this pandemic and the related restrictions. This study aimed to explore the lived experience of the first UK national lockdown as a woman with PCOS. Methods: As part of a larger cross-sectional study, 12 women with PCOS living in the UK during the first national COVID-19 lockdown were recruited to a qualitative study. Telephone interviews were conducted in June/July of 2020, and data collected were subjected to thematic analysis. Results: Five themes were identified. “My PCOS Journey” describes participants’ experiences of diagnosis, treatment and ongoing management of their PCOS. “Living Through Lockdown” describes the overall experience and impact of the lockdown on all aspects of participants’ lives. “Self-care and Managing Symptoms” describe multiple challenges to living well with PCOS during the lockdown, including lack of access to supplies and services, and disruption to weight management. “Healthcare on Hold” describes the uncertainty and anxiety associated with delays in accessing specialised healthcare for a range of PCOS aspects, including fertility treatment. “Exacerbating Existing Issues” captures the worsening of pre-existing mental health issues, and an increase in health anxiety and feelings of isolation. Conclusion: For the women with PCOS in this study, the COVID-19 pandemic and the first national lockdown was mostly experienced as adding to the pre-existing challenges of living with their condition. The mental health impact experienced by the study participants was increased due to lack of access to their normal support strategies, limitations on healthcare services and uncertainty about their risk of COVID-19.

Depressive Symptoms and Control of Emotions among Polish Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

“…Women with PCOS are vulnerable to a deterioration in their mental well-being [ 53 ]. PCOS patients are substantially exposed to an increase in depressive disorders, stress levels, sleep quality disturbances, or difficulty maintaining weight during the COVID-19 pandemic [ 54 ].…”

“…PCOS patients are substantially exposed to an increase in depressive disorders, stress levels, sleep quality disturbances, or difficulty maintaining weight during the COVID-19 pandemic [ 54 ]. A mental state may be associated with lots of restrictions as difficult access to medical services, including infertility treatment, limited interpersonal contacts, or socioeconomic difficulties because of loss of employment during the lockdown [ 53 , 55 ].…”

Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on the Quality of Life of IBD Patients

“…The emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic constitutes a new event with devastating effects around the world, which has led to changes in human behavior, lifestyle, and the reality in which we live. The pandemic has caused feelings of uncertainty, along with isolation, anxiety, and sadness [ 20 ].…”

COVID-19 and metabolic syndrome

“…COVID-19 pandemic posed unprecedented challenges to health care systems. People with metabolic syndrome experienced weight gain [95] , variable effects on glucose control [96] , deteriorating blood pressure control [97] , anxiety, uncertainty, isolation and other mental health issues [98] .…”