Medicalisation and Autonomy of Women Affected by Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome

Abstract

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder that affects approximately 10% of women of childbearing age. Although it is primarily known for its effects on fertility, PCOS is considered a risk factor for type 2 diabetes. It is also associated with conditions such as hormone-dependent cancers, psychiatric disorders and cardiovascular disease. The desire to prevent associated conditions may lead to greater medicalization of women with PCOS, including possible screening. This article examines the potential factors that may contribute to the medicalization of these women and how their autonomy may be affected by this phenomenon. Among other things, the article highlights how medicalization shapes collective and individual representations of health, illness and its treatment. From a relational perspective of autonomy, it draws attention to the importance of recognizing how medicalization influences these representations and the potential impact this may have on women. Encouraging the demedicalization of PCOS through a supportive health approach challenges these representations and is part of the solution to empower women with PCOS. It then becomes possible not only to control the disease, but also to support health, or even to do both depending on the individual situation.