Symptoms of PCOS include; infertility, mental health issues, hirsutism, insulin resistance, absence of menstruation, obesity, acne, and more.

PCOS Symptoms

Women diagnosed with PCOS are more at risk for developing life-threatening health conditions such as type 2 diabetes and coronary artery disease, among others.

PCOS Health Risks

While PCOS can cause infertility and is a source of significant physical and psychological distress for people with the syndrome, focusing only on the reproductive aspect, be it from providers or patients themselves, can minimize and even obscure symptoms impacting all aspects of well being. PCOS fits the definition of chronic illness but is not always presented as a "serious" or multifaceted disorder. 

Infertility Focus: Framing PCOS as a Chronic Illness Rather Than a Reproductive Disorder

Given that PCOS is viewed primarily as a reproductive concern as opposed to a lifelong illness, well meaning practitioners advocate for weight loss (especially normal BMIs) as a primary goal for management. However, without the acknowledgement that there is no cure for PCOS and that it is a chronic illness requiring daily maintenance of symptoms, there is a risk for unhealthy thinking and behavior patterns that can exacerbate the disorder, including disordered eating, noncompliance, and more. 

Long Term Approach to Treatment: Why the Push for Weight Loss Can Be Harmful Without Perspective 

Polycystic ovarian syndrome, or PCOS, is an endocrine disorder that is diagnosed in 4% to 12% of women (who are of reproductive age). Unfortunately, PCOS does not have a cure and includes several life debilitating symptoms.

Grand Valley State University

Oakland University

Physical chronic diseases/disorders limit mobility and most often occur as a result of an anatomical problem(s) within the body. Common chronic physical illnesses include asthma, arthritis, back problems, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, heart problems, and diabetes. 

Physical Chronic Diseases

Sheehan, M. T. (2004). Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome: Diagnosis and Management. Clinical Medicine &amp; Research, 2(1), 13–27. Retrieved July 18, 2022, from http://www.clinmedres.org/content/2/1/13.full.pdf. 

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome:
Diagnosis and Management

Clauw, D. J. (2009). Fibromyalgia: An Overview. The American Journal of Medicine, 122(12), S3–S13. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.amjmed.2009.09.006

Fibromyalgia: An Overview

Fibromyalgia is an illness which presents itself as widespread and a variety of other impairing symptoms. This condition is classified under ‘diseases of the musculoskeletal system and connective tissue’ in the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10).

Fibromyalgia

Gnoth, C., Godehardt, E., Frank-Herrmann, P., Friol, K., Tigges, J., &amp; Freundl, G. (2005). Definition and prevalence of subfertility and infertility. Human Reproduction, 20(5), 1144–1147. https://doi.org/10.1093/humrep/deh870 

Definition and prevalence of subfertility and infertility

HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is a virus that attacks cells that help the body fight infection, making a person more vulnerable to other infections and diseases. If left untreated, HIV can become AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome).

HIV/AIDS

What are HIV and AIDS? (2022, June 15). HIV.gov. https://www.hiv.gov/hiv-basics/overview/about-hiv-and-aids/what-are-hiv-and-aids 

HIV and Aids

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)

Chronic Kidney Disease is identified by abnormal measurements of the actual or estimated glomerular filtration rate (GFR, rate of kidney function/ filtration and flow of plasma across kidney membranes) for a minimum of 3 months, though usually this lasts for years and many consider it a lifelong condition. This condition is associated with chronic pain and a myriad of other serious symptoms and may lead to kidney failure and death.

Kidney Disease

While Chronic Kidney Disease is one of the most notable and common of any conditions associated with the kidneys resulting in disability, various miscellaneous diseases and conditions also exist, causing chronic pain, disability, and possibly death.

Miscellaneous Diseases and Injuries of the Kidneys

Lupus (Systemic Lupus Erythematosus)

ME/CFS (Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/ Chronic Fatigue Syndrome) is a disorder distinguished by symptoms of severe fatigue as well as cognitive impairments, sleep disturbances, and pain. Research has shown that this disorder is not a psychiatric disorder, but many doctors still believe it to be psychosomatic in nature and treat it with interventions intended for psychological disorders, such as cognitive behavioral therapy and graded exercise therapy, which can be harmful to the outcome of ME/CFS patients. Thus, it is important for clinical psychologists to better understand this disorder.

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