How patient stories are changing PCOS research

Kendall Soucie, an associate professor at the University of Windsor, has spoken with many people suffering with polycystic ovarian syndrome. She explains that in Canada, it can take anywhere from 5 to 15 years for a diagnosis. She tells us why studying the lived experiences of people with PCOS is an integral part to the research of this poorly-understood condition. Nam Kiwanuka speaks with Kendall about her hopes and how her own lived experience with it informs her work. Got a question or comment? Email us at: [email protected] If you, or someone you know, is struggling with mental health, visit any of the following resources for support: Canada.ca/mental-health Kids Help Phone Call 1-800-668-6868 (toll-free) or text CONNECT to 686868. The Government of Ontario's Mental Health Support Resources: https://www.ontario.ca/page/find-mental-health-support Follow TVO on social: https://www.youtube.com/theagenda https://www.instagram.com/mistreatedtvo Join our newsletter: https://www.tvo.org/newsletters Visit the TVO Today website for current affairs journalism, documentaries and podcasts: https://www.tvo.org Research links Canadian PCOS Resource List: https://www.healuwindsor.com/copy-of-canadian-pcos-resources  Monash University:  PCOS Guideline and Resources - Monash Centre for Health Research and Implementation (MCHRI)  PCOS Challenge: PCOS Challenge: The National Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Association  The Season's collective (Ontario-specific): The Seasons Collective | Thriving with PCOS   PCOS together: (Alberta): Home - PCOS.Together  H.E.A.L Lab: https://www.healuwindsor.com  Name change for ‘outdated’ PCOS term backed by majority of health professionals, patients: https://www.healio.com/news/womens-health-ob-gyn/20250606/name-change-for-outdated-pcos-term-backed-by-majority-of-health-professionals-patients  The under-researched and often misunderstood disorder that affects 1 in 8 women: https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/pcos-symptoms-name-change-meaning-b2759872.html  The Diagnostic Experiences of Women With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) in Ontario, Canada: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33213256/  “It Wasn’t Until I Took the Reins and Said….” Power and Advocacy in Canadian Women’s Narratives of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Diagnosis and Treatment: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/23293691.2022.2054671 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.