{"status":"ok","message-type":"work","message-version":"1.0.0","message":{"indexed":{"date-parts":[[2026,9,21]],"date-time":"2026-09-21T15:00:54Z","timestamp":1790002854509,"version":"4.0.1"},"reference-count":71,"publisher":"Springer Science and Business Media LLC","issue":"1","license":[{"start":{"date-parts":[[2026,2,1]],"date-time":"2026-02-01T00:00:00Z","timestamp":1769904000000},"content-version":"tdm","delay-in-days":0,"URL":"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by\/4.0"},{"start":{"date-parts":[[2026,2,12]],"date-time":"2026-02-12T00:00:00Z","timestamp":1770854400000},"content-version":"vor","delay-in-days":11,"URL":"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by\/4.0"}],"funder":[{"DOI":"10.13039\/100007648","name":"Durban University of Technology","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","id":[{"id":"10.13039\/100007648","id-type":"DOI","asserted-by":"crossref"}]}],"content-domain":{"domain":["link.springer.com"],"crossmark-restriction":false},"short-container-title":["Arch Womens Ment Health"],"published-print":{"date-parts":[[2026,2]]},"abstract":"<jats:title>Abstract<\/jats:title>\n                  <jats:sec>\n                    <jats:title>Purpose<\/jats:title>\n                    <jats:p>Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) presents psychological challenges in women due to persistent symptoms such as hirsutism, irregular menstruation, and weight gain, and long-term complications like infertility. Women with PCOS face higher risks of depression, anxiety, body image dissatisfaction, and social challenges. Research often overlooks the psychological burden of PCOS, despite its documented effects. This systematic review aims to explore the lived psychological experiences of women with PCOS, encompassing mental health challenges, emotional well-being, and psychosocial factors. It also aims to identify sociocultural variations in psychosocial challenges.<\/jats:p>\n                  <\/jats:sec>\n                  <jats:sec>\n                    <jats:title>Methods<\/jats:title>\n                    <jats:p>A systematic search was conducted across six bibliographic databases (MEDLINE, Web of Science, Cochrane, CINAHL, PubMed, and SCOPUS) from inception to April 2024. Qualitative and mixed-methods studies in English exploring the psychological experiences of women with PCOS were included. Study quality was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute Qualitative Assessment and Review Instrument (JBI-QARI), and findings were synthesized using a JBI-guided pragmatic meta-aggregation approach.<\/jats:p>\n                  <\/jats:sec>\n                  <jats:sec>\n                    <jats:title>Results<\/jats:title>\n                    <jats:p>A total of 43 studies were included, yielding 240 unequivocal findings and 46 credible findings which were meta-aggregated into two themes: (1) Mental Health Challenges associated with PCOS (2) Psychosocial Challenges associated with PCOS.<\/jats:p>\n                  <\/jats:sec>\n                  <jats:sec>\n                    <jats:title>Conclusion<\/jats:title>\n                    <jats:p>Depression, anxiety, body image dissatisfaction, and social stigma significantly impact women with PCOS. Hirsutism and being overweight are prominent stressors, particularly affecting psychological well-being in this group. Sociocultural factors play a role in shaping psychological experiences. Effective PCOS care requires mental health support, fertility counselling, and culturally sensitive interventions to improve health outcomes.<\/jats:p>\n                  <\/jats:sec>","DOI":"10.1007\/s00737-025-01636-4","type":"journal-article","created":{"date-parts":[[2026,2,12]],"date-time":"2026-02-12T01:39:21Z","timestamp":1770860361000},"update-policy":"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1007\/springer_crossmark_policy","source":"Crossref","is-referenced-by-count":10,"title":["The lived experiences of women with polycystic ovary syndrome and its psychological challenges: A systematic review and meta-synthesis"],"prefix":"10.1007","volume":"29","author":[{"ORCID":"https:\/\/orcid.org\/0009-0002-6148-2405","authenticated-orcid":false,"given":"Faathimah","family":"Khan","sequence":"first","affiliation":[],"role":[{"vocabulary":"crossref","role":"author"}]},{"ORCID":"https:\/\/orcid.org\/0000-0002-4047-6340","authenticated-orcid":false,"given":"Nalini","family":"Govender","sequence":"additional","affiliation":[],"role":[{"vocabulary":"crossref","role":"author"}]},{"ORCID":"https:\/\/orcid.org\/0000-0002-9942-1846","authenticated-orcid":false,"given":"Sara Bibi","family":"Mitha","sequence":"additional","affiliation":[],"role":[{"vocabulary":"crossref","role":"author"}]},{"ORCID":"https:\/\/orcid.org\/0000-0003-4169-2296","authenticated-orcid":false,"given":"Yasmeen","family":"Thandar","sequence":"additional","affiliation":[],"role":[{"vocabulary":"crossref","role":"author"}]}],"member":"297","published-online":{"date-parts":[[2026,2,12]]},"reference":[{"key":"1636_CR1","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"1","DOI":"10.1186\/s12905-015-0272-4","volume":"15","author":"S Abdolvahab Taghavi","year":"2015","unstructured":"Abdolvahab Taghavi S, Bazarganipour F, Hugh-Jones S, Hosseini N, Taghavi SA (2015) Health-related quality of life in Iranian women with polycystic ovary syndrome: a qualitative study. BMC Womens Health 15:1\u20138. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1186\/s12905-015-0272-4","journal-title":"BMC Womens Health"},{"issue":"2","key":"1636_CR2","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"107","DOI":"10.22074\/ijfs.2022.550111.1310","volume":"17","author":"H Alsumri","year":"2023","unstructured":"Alsumri H, Szatkowski L, Gibson J, Fiaschi L, Bains M (2023) Psychosocial impacts of infertility among Omani women with polycystic ovarian syndrome: a qualitative study. Int J Fertil Steril 17(2):107\u2013114. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.22074\/ijfs.2022.550111.1310","journal-title":"Int J Fertil Steril"},{"issue":"2","key":"1636_CR3","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"230","DOI":"10.1016\/j.xfre.2021.03.003","volume":"2","author":"S Alur-Gupta","year":"2021","unstructured":"Alur-Gupta S, Koelper N, Chemerinski A, Chen A, Raper J, Dokras A (2021) Racial differences in anxiety, depression, and quality of life in women with polycystic ovary syndrome. F&S Rep 2(2):230\u2013237. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1016\/j.xfre.2021.03.003","journal-title":"F&S Rep"},{"key":"1636_CR4","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","unstructured":"Alur-Gupta S, Dokras A (2022) PCOS and its association with mental health. In: Pal L, Seifer DB (eds) Polycystic ovary syndrome: current and emerging concepts. Springer, pp 377\u2013392. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1007\/978-3-030-92589-5_19","DOI":"10.1007\/978-3-030-92589-5_19"},{"issue":"2","key":"1636_CR5","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"1","DOI":"10.5812\/ijem.13612","volume":"12","author":"FN Amiri","year":"2014","unstructured":"Amiri FN, Ramezani Tehrani F, Simbar M, Montazeri A, Thamtan RAM (2014a) The experience of women affected by polycystic ovary syndrome: a qualitative study from Iran. Int J Endocrinol Metab 12(2):1\u20138. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.5812\/ijem.13612","journal-title":"Int J Endocrinol Metab"},{"issue":"2","key":"1636_CR6","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","DOI":"10.5812\/ircmj.12423","volume":"16","author":"FN Amiri","year":"2014","unstructured":"Amiri FN, Ramezani Tehrani F, Simbar M, Thamtan RAM, Shiva N (2014b) Female gender scheme is disturbed by polycystic ovary syndrome: a qualitative study from Iran. Iran Red Crescent Med J 16(2):e12423. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.5812\/ircmj.12423","journal-title":"Iran Red Crescent Med J"},{"key":"1636_CR7","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","DOI":"10.46658\/JBIMES-24-01","volume-title":"JBI manual for evidence synthesis","author":"E Aromataris","year":"2024","unstructured":"Aromataris E, Lockwood C, Porritt K, Pilla B, Jordan Z (2024) JBI manual for evidence synthesis. JBI Global, Adelaide"},{"issue":"10","key":"1636_CR8","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"952","DOI":"10.3390\/jpm11100952","volume":"11","author":"L Atkinson","year":"2021","unstructured":"Atkinson L, Dewhurst S, Haywood A, Murray M, Williams S (2021) Uncertainty, anxiety and isolation: experiencing the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown as a woman with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). J Pers Med 11(10):952. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.3390\/jpm11100952","journal-title":"J Pers Med"},{"issue":"5","key":"1636_CR9","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"487","DOI":"10.1016\/j.ando.2020.07.1110","volume":"81","author":"M Authier","year":"2020","unstructured":"Authier M, Normand C, Jego M, Gaborit B, Boubli L, Courbiere B (2020) Self-reported experiences of infertile women with polycystic ovary syndrome through online discussion forums: a qualitative study. Ann Endocrinol (Paris) 81(5):487\u2013492. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1016\/j.ando.2020.07.1110","journal-title":"Ann Endocrinol (Paris)"},{"issue":"1","key":"1636_CR10","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"224","DOI":"10.51253\/pafmj.v74i1.11187","volume":"74","author":"M Bhatti","year":"2024","unstructured":"Bhatti M, Amin N, Satti IA, Khan HG, Rauf A, Zahra RT (2024) Association of socio-demographic factors with polycystic ovarian syndrome: a comparative study. Pak Armed Forces Med J 74(1):224","journal-title":"Pak Armed Forces Med J"},{"issue":"2","key":"1636_CR11","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"128","DOI":"10.1080\/0167482X.2017.1311319","volume":"39","author":"L Borghi","year":"2018","unstructured":"Borghi L, Leone D, Vegni E, Galiano V, Laven JSE, Veltman-Verhulst SM, Garoli D, Agazzi S, Sulpizio P, Bosi E, Vegni M (2018) Psychological distress, anger and quality of life in polycystic ovary syndrome: associations with biochemical, phenotypical and socio-demographic factors. J Psychosom Obstet Gynaecol 39(2):128\u2013137. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1080\/0167482X.2017.1311319","journal-title":"J Psychosom Obstet Gynaecol"},{"key":"1636_CR12","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"9","DOI":"10.2147\/DHPS.S4388","volume":"1","author":"C Brady","year":"2009","unstructured":"Brady C, Mousa SS, Mousa SA (2009) Polycystic ovary syndrome and its impact on women\u2019s quality of life: more than just an endocrine disorder. Drug Healthc Patient Saf 1:9\u201315. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.2147\/DHPS.S4388","journal-title":"Drug Healthc Patient Saf"},{"key":"1636_CR13","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"63","DOI":"10.1016\/j.psyneuen.2017.08.007","volume":"85","author":"CE Cesta","year":"2017","unstructured":"Cesta CE, Kuja-Halkola R, Lehto K, Iliadou AN, Land\u00e9n M (2017) Polycystic ovary syndrome, personality, and depression: a twin study. Psychoneuroendocrinology 85:63\u201368. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1016\/j.psyneuen.2017.08.007","journal-title":"Psychoneuroendocrinology"},{"issue":"12","key":"1636_CR14","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"3339","DOI":"10.1093\/humrep\/der338","volume":"26","author":"N Cinar","year":"2011","unstructured":"Cinar N, Kizilarslanoglu MC, Harmanci A, Aksoy DY, Bozdag G, Demir B, Yildiz BO (2011) Depression, anxiety and cardiometabolic risk in polycystic ovary syndrome. Hum Reprod 26(12):3339\u20133345. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1093\/humrep\/der338","journal-title":"Hum Reprod"},{"issue":"5","key":"1636_CR15","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"1075","DOI":"10.1093\/humrep\/dex044","volume":"32","author":"LG Cooney","year":"2017","unstructured":"Cooney LG, Lee I, Sammel MD, Dokras A (2017) High prevalence of moderate and severe depressive and anxiety symptoms in polycystic ovary syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Hum Reprod 32(5):1075\u20131091. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1093\/humrep\/dex044","journal-title":"Hum Reprod"},{"key":"1636_CR16","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","DOI":"10.1093\/hropen\/hoz026","volume":"4","author":"T Copp","year":"2019","unstructured":"Copp T, Misso M, Teede H, Williams K, Shepherd H, Dodd R, Hersch J, McCaffery K (2019) The benefits and harms of receiving a polycystic ovary syndrome diagnosis: a qualitative study of women\u2019s experiences. Hum Reprod Open 4:hoz026. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1093\/hropen\/hoz026","journal-title":"Hum Reprod Open"},{"issue":"4","key":"1636_CR17","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"256","DOI":"10.1177\/0898010111398660","volume":"29","author":"J Crete","year":"2011","unstructured":"Crete J, Adamshick P (2011) Managing polycystic ovary syndrome: what our patients are telling us. J Holist Nurs 29(4):256\u2013266. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1177\/0898010111398660","journal-title":"J Holist Nurs"},{"issue":"4","key":"1636_CR18","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"261","DOI":"10.4103\/jhrs.JHRS_95_18","volume":"13","author":"R Deswal","year":"2020","unstructured":"Deswal R, Narwal V, Dang A, Pundir CS (2020) The prevalence of polycystic ovary syndrome: a brief systematic review. J Hum Reprod Sci 13(4):261. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.4103\/jhrs.JHRS_95_18","journal-title":"J Hum Reprod Sci"},{"issue":"4","key":"1636_CR19","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"338","DOI":"10.1016\/j.steroids.2011.12.008","volume":"77","author":"A Dokras","year":"2012","unstructured":"Dokras A (2012) Mood and anxiety disorders in women with polycystic ovary syndrome. Steroids 77(4):338\u2013341. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1016\/j.steroids.2011.12.008","journal-title":"Steroids"},{"key":"1636_CR20","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","unstructured":"Ee C, Pirotta S, Mousa A, Moran L, Lim S (2021) Providing lifestyle advice to women with PCOS: an overview of practical issues affecting success. BMC Endocr Disord 21:234. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1186\/s12902-021-00890-8","DOI":"10.1186\/s12902-021-00890-8"},{"issue":"4","key":"1636_CR21","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"341","DOI":"10.4103\/ijnmr.IJNMR_276_19","volume":"25","author":"M Ekramzadeh","year":"2020","unstructured":"Ekramzadeh M, Hajivandi L, Noroozi M, Mostafavi F (2020) Psychological experiences of adolescent girls with polycystic ovary syndrome: a qualitative study. Iran J Nurs Midwifery Res 25(4):341\u2013347. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.4103\/ijnmr.IJNMR_276_19","journal-title":"Iran J Nurs Midwifery Res"},{"key":"1636_CR22","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","DOI":"10.3389\/fendo.2023.1175548","volume":"14","author":"M Elghobashy","year":"2023","unstructured":"Elghobashy M, Deeks A, Boyle J, Moran L, Joham AE, Misso M, Costello M, Teede H (2023) Concerns and expectations in women with polycystic ovary syndrome vary across age and ethnicity: findings from PCOS pearls study. Front Endocrinol 14:1175548. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.3389\/fendo.2023.1175548","journal-title":"Front Endocrinol"},{"issue":"12","key":"1636_CR23","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"5801","DOI":"10.1210\/jc.2003-030562","volume":"88","author":"S Elsenbruch","year":"2003","unstructured":"Elsenbruch S, Hahn S, Kowalsky D, Offner AH, Schedlowski M, Mann K, Janssen OE (2003) Quality of life, psychosocial well-being, and sexual satisfaction in women with polycystic ovary syndrome. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 88(12):5801\u20135807. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1210\/jc.2003-030562","journal-title":"J Clin Endocrinol Metab"},{"issue":"5","key":"1636_CR24","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"535","DOI":"10.1176\/ajp.137.5.535","volume":"137","author":"GL Engel","year":"1980","unstructured":"Engel GL (1980) The clinical application of the biopsychosocial model. Am J Psychiatry 137(5):535\u2013544. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1176\/ajp.137.5.535","journal-title":"Am J Psychiatry"},{"issue":"4","key":"1636_CR25","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"391","DOI":"10.4103\/ijnmr.IJNMR_139_22","volume":"28","author":"Z Farajzadegan","year":"2023","unstructured":"Farajzadegan Z, Kazemi A, Salehi M, ZareMobini F (2023) Psychological experiences in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: a qualitative study. Iran J Nurs Midwifery Res 28(4):391\u2013397. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.4103\/ijnmr.IJNMR_139_22","journal-title":"Iran J Nurs Midwifery Res"},{"issue":"5","key":"1636_CR26","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"323","DOI":"10.1530\/EC-17-0053","volume":"6","author":"M Hadjiconstantinou","year":"2017","unstructured":"Hadjiconstantinou M, Mani H, Patel N, Levy M, Davies M, Khunti K, Stone M, Sherifali D, Gray LJ (2017) Understanding and supporting women with polycystic ovary syndrome: a qualitative study in an ethnically diverse UK sample. Endocr Connect 6(5):323\u2013330. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1530\/EC-17-0053","journal-title":"Endocr Connect"},{"key":"1636_CR27","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","unstructured":"Hajivandi L, Noroozi M, Mostafavi F, Ekramzadeh M (2022) Health system-related needs for healthy nutritional behaviors in adolescent girls with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS): a qualitative study in Iran. BMC Health Serv Res 22:998. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1186\/s12913-022-08334-2","DOI":"10.1186\/s12913-022-08334-2"},{"issue":"3","key":"1636_CR28","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"911","DOI":"10.1210\/jc.2014-3886","volume":"100","author":"R Hart","year":"2015","unstructured":"Hart R, Doherty DA (2015) The potential implications of a PCOS diagnosis on a woman\u2019s long-term health using data linkage. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 100(3):911\u2013919. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1210\/jc.2014-3886","journal-title":"J Clin Endocrinol Metab"},{"key":"1636_CR29","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","unstructured":"Holbrey S, Coulson NS (2013) A qualitative investigation of the impact of peer to peer online support for women living with polycystic ovary syndrome. BMC Womens Health 13:51. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1186\/1472-6874-13-51","DOI":"10.1186\/1472-6874-13-51"},{"issue":"3","key":"1636_CR30","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"189","DOI":"10.1097\/JXX.0000000000000125","volume":"31","author":"CS Hopkins","year":"2019","unstructured":"Hopkins CS, Kimble LP, Hodges HF, Koci AF, Mills BB (2019) A mixed-methods study of coping and depression in adolescent girls with polycystic ovary syndrome. J Am Assoc Nurse Pract 31(3):189\u2013197. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1097\/JXX.0000000000000125","journal-title":"J Am Assoc Nurse Pract"},{"issue":"1\u20132","key":"1636_CR31","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"e188","DOI":"10.1093\/milmed\/usad241","volume":"189","author":"D Hopkins","year":"2024","unstructured":"Hopkins D, Walker SC, Wilson C, Siaki L, Phillips AK, Wallen GR (2024) The experience of living with polycystic ovary syndrome in the military. Mil Med 189(1\u20132):e188\u2013e197. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1093\/milmed\/usad241","journal-title":"Mil Med"},{"issue":"2","key":"1636_CR32","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"387","DOI":"10.1002\/ijgo.14988","volume":"164","author":"R Hu","year":"2024","unstructured":"Hu R, Chen Y, Sun Y, Zhao Y, Wang Y, Xu L, Li M (2024) New insights into the interaction between polycystic ovary syndrome and psychiatric disorders: a narrative review. Int J Gynaecol Obstet 164(2):387\u2013420. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1002\/ijgo.14988","journal-title":"Int J Gynaecol Obstet"},{"key":"1636_CR33","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","unstructured":"Ismayilova M, Yaya S (2022) \u201cI felt like she didn\u2019t take me seriously\u201d: a multi-methods study examining patient satisfaction and experiences with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in Canada. BMC Womens Health 22:47. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1186\/s12905-022-01630-3","DOI":"10.1186\/s12905-022-01630-3"},{"key":"1636_CR34","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","unstructured":"Ismayilova M, Yaya S (2023) \u2018I'm usually being my own doctor\u2019: women's experiences of managing polycystic ovary syndrome in Canada. Int Health 15:56\u201366. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1093\/inthealth\/ihac028","DOI":"10.1093\/inthealth\/ihac028"},{"issue":"9","key":"1636_CR35","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"668","DOI":"10.1016\/S2213-8587(22)00163-2","volume":"10","author":"AE Joham","year":"2022","unstructured":"Joham AE, Boyle J, Ranasinha S, Zoungas S, Teede HJ (2022) Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. Lancet Diabetes Endocrinol 10(9):668\u2013680. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1016\/S2213-8587(22)00163-2","journal-title":"Lancet Diabetes Endocrinol"},{"issue":"5","key":"1636_CR36","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"577","DOI":"10.1111\/j.1552-6909.2011.01279.x","volume":"40","author":"GL Jones","year":"2011","unstructured":"Jones GL, Hall JM, Lashen HL, Balen AH, Ledger WL (2011) Health-related quality of life among adolescents with polycystic ovary syndrome. JOGNN 40(5):577\u2013588. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1111\/j.1552-6909.2011.01279.x","journal-title":"JOGNN"},{"issue":"3","key":"1636_CR37","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"327","DOI":"10.1177\/13591053030083004","volume":"8","author":"A Keegan","year":"2003","unstructured":"Keegan A, Liao LM, Boyle M (2003) \u201cHirsutism\u201d: a psychological analysis. J Health Psychol 8(3):327\u2013345. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1177\/13591053030083004","journal-title":"J Health Psychol"},{"issue":"3","key":"1636_CR38","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"349","DOI":"10.1016\/S0277-9536(01)00034-X","volume":"54","author":"C Kitzinger","year":"2002","unstructured":"Kitzinger C, Willmott J (2002) \u201cThe thief of womanhood\u201d: women\u2019s experience of polycystic ovarian syndrome. Soc Sci Med 54(3):349\u2013361. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1016\/S0277-9536(01)00034-X","journal-title":"Soc Sci Med"},{"issue":"3","key":"1636_CR39","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"796","DOI":"10.1016\/j.fertnstert.2016.12.014","volume":"107","author":"I Lee","year":"2017","unstructured":"Lee I, Cooney LG, Saini S, Sammel MD, Allison KC, Dokras A (2017) Increased risk of disordered eating in polycystic ovary syndrome. Fertil Steril 107(3):796\u2013802. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1016\/j.fertnstert.2016.12.014","journal-title":"Fertil Steril"},{"issue":"1","key":"1636_CR40","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","DOI":"10.1186\/s12902-019-0434-8","volume":"19","author":"S Lim","year":"2019","unstructured":"Lim S, Smith CA, Costello MF, MacMillan F, Moran L, Ee C (2019) Barriers and facilitators to weight management in overweight and obese women living in Australia with PCOS: a qualitative study. BMC Endocr Disord 19(1):106. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1186\/s12902-019-0434-8","journal-title":"BMC Endocr Disord"},{"issue":"3","key":"1636_CR41","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"179","DOI":"10.1097\/XEB.0000000000000062","volume":"13","author":"C Lockwood","year":"2015","unstructured":"Lockwood C, Munn Z, Porritt K (2015) Qualitative research synthesis: methodological guidance for systematic reviewers utilizing meta-aggregation. Int J Evid Based Healthc 13(3):179\u2013187. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1097\/XEB.0000000000000062","journal-title":"Int J Evid Based Healthc"},{"issue":"2","key":"1636_CR42","first-page":"237","volume":"23","author":"S Moreira","year":"2010","unstructured":"Moreira S, Soares E, Tomaz G, Maranh\u00e3o T, Azevedo G (2010) Polycystic ovary syndrome: a psychosocial approach. Acta Med Port 23(2):237\u2013242","journal-title":"Acta Med Port"},{"key":"1636_CR43","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","DOI":"10.4103\/jehp.jehp_1008_20","volume":"10","author":"T Morshedi","year":"2021","unstructured":"Morshedi T, Salehi M, Farzad V, Hassani F, Shakibazadeh E (2021) Relationship between coping strategies and quality of life in women with polycystic ovary syndrome. J Educ Health Promot 10:402. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.4103\/jehp.jehp_1008_20","journal-title":"J Educ Health Promot"},{"key":"1636_CR44","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","DOI":"10.1186\/1471-2288-14-108","volume":"14","author":"Z Munn","year":"2014","unstructured":"Munn Z, Porritt K, Lockwood C, Aromataris E, Pearson A (2014) Establishing confidence in the output of qualitative research synthesis: the conqual approach. BMC Med Res Methodol 14:108. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1186\/1471-2288-14-108","journal-title":"BMC Med Res Methodol"},{"issue":"2","key":"1636_CR45","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","DOI":"10.5812\/ijem.13612","volume":"12","author":"F Nasiri Amiri","year":"2014","unstructured":"Nasiri Amiri F, Ramezani Tehrani F, Simbar M, Montazeri A, Mohammadpour Thamtan RA (2014) The experience of women affected by polycystic ovary syndrome: a qualitative study from Iran. Int J Endocrinol Metab 12(2):e13612. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.5812\/ijem.13612","journal-title":"Int J Endocrinol Metab"},{"issue":"2","key":"1636_CR46","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"327","DOI":"10.1177\/09720634211015467","volume":"23","author":"G Pathak","year":"2021","unstructured":"Pathak G (2021) An ecosocial perspective on barriers to the management of polycystic ovary syndrome among women in urban India. J Health Manag 23(2):327\u2013338. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1177\/09720634211015467","journal-title":"J Health Manag"},{"issue":"2","key":"1636_CR47","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"167","DOI":"10.1080\/07399332.2016.1236108","volume":"38","author":"G Pfister","year":"2017","unstructured":"Pfister G, R\u00f8mer K (2017) \u201cIt\u2019s not very feminine to have a mustache\u201d: experiences of Danish women with polycystic ovary syndrome. Health Care Women Int 38(2):167\u2013186. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1080\/07399332.2016.1236108","journal-title":"Health Care Women Int"},{"key":"1636_CR48","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","unstructured":"Percy CA, Gibbs T, Potter L, Boardman S (2009) Nurse-led peer support group: experiences of women with polycystic ovary syndrome. J Adv Nurs 65:2046\u20132055. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1111\/j.1365-2648.2009.05061.x","DOI":"10.1111\/j.1365-2648.2009.05061.x"},{"issue":"3\u20134","key":"1636_CR49","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"143","DOI":"10.1055\/s-0041-1735456","volume":"39","author":"S Pirotta","year":"2021","unstructured":"Pirotta S, Joham AE, Moran LJ, Skouteris H, Lim SS (2021) Implementation of the polycystic ovary syndrome guidelines: a mixed method study to inform the design and delivery of a lifestyle management program for women with polycystic ovary syndrome. Nutr Diet 78(5):476\u2013486. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1111\/1747-0080.12670","journal-title":"Semin Reprod Med"},{"issue":"6","key":"1636_CR50","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"431","DOI":"10.3109\/09513590.2015.1009437","volume":"31","author":"A Podfigurna-Stopa","year":"2015","unstructured":"Podfigurna-Stopa A, Luisi S, Regini C et al (2015) Mood disorders and quality of life in polycystic ovary syndrome. Gynecol Endocrinol 31(6):431\u2013434. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.3109\/09513590.2015.1009437","journal-title":"Gynecol Endocrinol"},{"issue":"4","key":"1636_CR51","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"955","DOI":"10.12740\/PP\/OnlineFirst\/93105","volume":"53","author":"D Rodriguez-Paris","year":"2019","unstructured":"Rodriguez-Paris D, Remlinger-Molenda A, Krysiak R et al (2019) Psychiatric disorders in women with polycystic ovary syndrome. Psychiatr Pol 53(4):955\u2013966","journal-title":"Psychiatr Pol"},{"key":"1636_CR52","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"e42","DOI":"10.1016\/j.pedn.2019.08.010","volume":"49","author":"M Saei Ghare Naz","year":"2019","unstructured":"Saei Ghare Naz M, Ramezani Tehrani F, Ahmadi F, Alavi Majd H, Ozgoli G (2019a) Threats to feminine identity as the main concern of Iranian adolescents with polycystic ovary syndrome: a qualitative study. J Pediatr Nurs 49:e42\u2013e47. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1016\/j.pedn.2019.08.010","journal-title":"J Pediatr Nurs"},{"key":"1636_CR53","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"715","DOI":"10.2147\/PRBM.S207727","volume":"12","author":"M Saei Ghare Naz","year":"2019","unstructured":"Saei Ghare Naz M, Ramezani Tehrani F, Ozgoli G (2019b) Polycystic ovary syndrome in adolescents: a qualitative study. Psychol Res Behav Manag 12:715\u2013723. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.2147\/PRBM.S207727","journal-title":"Psychol Res Behav Manag"},{"issue":"4","key":"1636_CR54","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"571","DOI":"10.1177\/09593535211030748","volume":"31","author":"T Samardzic","year":"2021","unstructured":"Samardzic T, Soucie K, Schramer K, Katzman R (2021) \u201ci didn\u2019t feel normal\u201d: young Canadian women\u2019s experiences with polycystic ovary syndrome. Fem Psychol 31(4):571\u2013590. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1177\/09593535211030748","journal-title":"Fem Psychol"},{"issue":"3","key":"1636_CR55","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"225","DOI":"10.15171\/jcs.2015.023","volume":"4","author":"M Sayyah-Melli","year":"2015","unstructured":"Sayyah-Melli M, Alizadeh M, Pourafkary N et al (2015) Psychosocial factors associated with polycystic ovary syndrome: a case\u2013control study. J Caring Sci 4(3):225\u2013231. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.15171\/jcs.2015.023","journal-title":"J Caring Sci"},{"issue":"3","key":"1636_CR56","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"385","DOI":"10.1111\/j.1552-6909.2006.00047.x","volume":"35","author":"BS Snyder","year":"2006","unstructured":"Snyder BS (2006) The lived experience of women diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome. J Obstet Gynecol Neonatal Nurs 35(3):385\u2013392. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1111\/j.1552-6909.2006.00047.x","journal-title":"J Obstet Gynecol Neonatal Nurs"},{"key":"1636_CR57","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","DOI":"10.1186\/s12905-015-0272-4","volume":"15","author":"SA Taghavi","year":"2015","unstructured":"Taghavi SA, Bazarganipour F, Hugh-Jones S, Hosseini N (2015) Health-related quality of life in Iranian women with polycystic ovary syndrome: a qualitative study. BMC Womens Health 15:111. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1186\/s12905-015-0272-4","journal-title":"BMC Womens Health"},{"issue":"3\u20134","key":"1636_CR58","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"133","DOI":"10.1055\/s-0041-1727191","volume":"39","author":"CT Tay","year":"2021","unstructured":"Tay CT, Moran LJ, Joham AE et al (2021) Polycystic ovary syndrome models of care: a review and qualitative evaluation of a guideline-recommended integrated care. Semin Reprod Med 39(3\u20134):133\u2013142. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1055\/s-0041-1727191","journal-title":"Semin Reprod Med"},{"key":"1636_CR59","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"41","DOI":"10.1186\/1741-7015-8-41","volume":"8","author":"H Teede","year":"2010","unstructured":"Teede H, Deeks A, Moran L (2010) Polycystic ovary syndrome: a complex condition with psychological, reproductive and metabolic manifestations that impacts on health across the lifespan. BMC Med 8:41. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1186\/1741-7015-8-41","journal-title":"BMC Med"},{"issue":"2","key":"1636_CR60","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","DOI":"10.1177\/2055102919896238","volume":"6","author":"C Thorpe","year":"2019","unstructured":"Thorpe C, Arbeau KJ, Budlong B (2019) I drew the parts of my body in proportion to how much PCOS ruined them\u201d: experiences of polycystic ovary syndrome through drawings. Health Psychol Open 6(2):2055102919896238. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1177\/2055102919896238","journal-title":"Health Psychol Open"},{"key":"1636_CR61","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","unstructured":"Tomlinson J, Pinkney J, Adams L, Stenhouse E, Bendall A, Corrigan O, Letherby G (2017) The diagnosis and lived experience of polycystic ovary syndrome: a qualitative study. J Adv Nurs 73:2318\u20132326. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1111\/jan.13300","DOI":"10.1111\/jan.13300"},{"issue":"1","key":"1636_CR62","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","DOI":"10.1080\/0167482X.2023.2218987","volume":"44","author":"G Wang","year":"2023","unstructured":"Wang G, Liu X, Zhu S, Lei J (2023) Experience of mental health in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: a descriptive phenomenological study. J Psychosom Obstet Gynaecol 44(1):2218987. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1080\/0167482X.2023.2218987","journal-title":"J Psychosom Obstet Gynaecol"},{"issue":"6","key":"1636_CR63","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"709","DOI":"10.1111\/j.1552-6909.2011.01299.x","volume":"40","author":"TR Weiss","year":"2011","unstructured":"Weiss TR, Bulmer SM (2011) Young women\u2019s experiences living with polycystic ovary syndrome. J Obstet Gynecol Neonatal Nurs 40(6):709\u2013718. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1111\/j.1552-6909.2011.01299.x","journal-title":"J Obstet Gynecol Neonatal Nurs"},{"issue":"2","key":"1636_CR64","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","DOI":"10.1177\/2055102915603051","volume":"2","author":"S Williams","year":"2015","unstructured":"Williams S, Sheffield D, Knibb RC (2015) Everything\u2019s from the inside out with PCOS: exploring women\u2019s experiences of living with polycystic ovary syndrome and comorbidities through Skype\u2122 interviews. Health Psychol Open 2(2):2055102915603051. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1177\/2055102915603051","journal-title":"Health Psychol Open"},{"issue":"6","key":"1636_CR65","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"1170","DOI":"10.1177\/1359105314547941","volume":"21","author":"S Williams","year":"2016","unstructured":"Williams S, Sheffield D, Knibb RC (2016) A snapshot of the lives of women with polycystic ovary syndrome: a photovoice investigation. J Health Psychol 21(6):1170\u20131182. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1177\/1359105314547941","journal-title":"J Health Psychol"},{"issue":"7","key":"1636_CR66","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"1728","DOI":"10.1111\/jan.14371","volume":"76","author":"PJ Wright","year":"2020","unstructured":"Wright PJ, Dawson RM, Corbett CF (2020) Social construction of biopsychosocial and medical experiences of women with polycystic ovary syndrome. J Adv Nurs 76(7):1728\u20131736. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1111\/jan.14371","journal-title":"J Adv Nurs"},{"key":"1636_CR67","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"296","DOI":"10.1016\/j.jad.2022.05.028","volume":"310","author":"MXC Yin","year":"2022","unstructured":"Yin MXC, Leng LL, Liang Z, Chen XY, Chan CHY, Chan CLW (2022) Objectification and ambiguity of body image in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: a mixed-method study. J Affect Disord 310:296\u2013303. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1016\/j.jad.2022.05.028","journal-title":"J Affect Disord"},{"issue":"4","key":"1636_CR68","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"348","DOI":"10.1080\/24694193.2019.1679278","volume":"43","author":"CC Young","year":"2020","unstructured":"Young CC, Sagna AO, Monge M, Rew L (2020) A theoretically grounded exploration of individual and family self-management of polycystic ovary syndrome in adolescents. Compr Child Adolesc Nurs 43(4):348\u2013362. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1080\/24694193.2019.1679278","journal-title":"Compr Child Adolesc Nurs"},{"key":"1636_CR69","unstructured":"Zaikova AV (2021) \u201cBetrayed by my body\u201d: the views of women with polycystic ovarian syndrome on their experiences in their intimate partner relationships. Dissertation, Adler University"},{"issue":"6","key":"1636_CR70","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"402","DOI":"10.1093\/abm\/kaz057","volume":"54","author":"R Zhaoyang","year":"2020","unstructured":"Zhaoyang R, Scott SB, Smyth JM, Kang J-E, Sliwinski MJ (2020) Emotional responses to stressors in everyday life predict long-term trajectories of depressive symptoms. Ann Behav Med 54(6):402\u2013412. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1093\/abm\/kaz057","journal-title":"Ann Behav Med"},{"key":"1636_CR71","unstructured":"Aromataris E, Lockwood C, Porritt K, Pilla B, Jordan Z, editors. (2020) JBI Manual for Evidence Synthesis. JBI"}],"container-title":["Archives of Women's Mental Health"],"original-title":[],"language":"en","link":[{"URL":"https:\/\/link.springer.com\/content\/pdf\/10.1007\/s00737-025-01636-4.pdf","content-type":"application\/pdf","content-version":"vor","intended-application":"text-mining"},{"URL":"https:\/\/link.springer.com\/article\/10.1007\/s00737-025-01636-4","content-type":"text\/html","content-version":"vor","intended-application":"text-mining"},{"URL":"https:\/\/link.springer.com\/content\/pdf\/10.1007\/s00737-025-01636-4.pdf","content-type":"application\/pdf","content-version":"vor","intended-application":"similarity-checking"}],"deposited":{"date-parts":[[2026,6,16]],"date-time":"2026-06-16T18:07:22Z","timestamp":1781633242000},"score":1,"resource":{"primary":{"URL":"https:\/\/link.springer.com\/10.1007\/s00737-025-01636-4"}},"subtitle":[],"short-title":[],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2026,2]]},"references-count":71,"journal-issue":{"issue":"1","published-print":{"date-parts":[[2026,2]]}},"alternative-id":["1636"],"URL":"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1007\/s00737-025-01636-4","relation":{},"ISSN":["1434-1816","1435-1102"],"issn-type":[{"value":"1434-1816","type":"print"},{"value":"1435-1102","type":"electronic"}],"subject":[],"published":{"date-parts":[[2026,2]]},"assertion":[{"value":"22 April 2025","order":1,"name":"received","label":"Received","group":{"name":"ArticleHistory","label":"Article History"}},{"value":"16 December 2025","order":2,"name":"accepted","label":"Accepted","group":{"name":"ArticleHistory","label":"Article History"}},{"value":"12 February 2026","order":3,"name":"first_online","label":"First Online","group":{"name":"ArticleHistory","label":"Article History"}},{"order":1,"name":"Ethics","group":{"name":"EthicsHeading","label":"Declarations"}},{"value":"Not applicable.","order":2,"name":"Ethics","group":{"name":"EthicsHeading","label":"Clinical trial number"}},{"value":"None.","order":3,"name":"Ethics","group":{"name":"EthicsHeading","label":"Conflict of interest"}}],"article-number":"39"}}