The psychosocial experiences of women diagnosed with PMOS in Trinidad and Tobago: a qualitative inquiry.

Abstract

Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS) is a globally prevalent endocrine disorder affecting reproductive-aged women and associated with numerous long-term health risks. While growing international research on PMOS examines both medical and non-medical aspects of this condition, few studies exist within the Caribbean region, mostly focused on the clinical aspects. Thus, the current study explores the possible psychosocial impacts of women diagnosed with PMOS in Trinidad and Tobago. A qualitative study was conducted with 24 women aged 18-45 years with a physician-confirmed PMOS diagnosis. Participants were recruited through purposive and snowball sampling in April-June 2025. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews conducted both face-to-face and online via Zoom and were thematically analyzed using Dedoose (v.9.0.17). Three key themes emerged from the data: fertility and wellbeing; weight gain and weight stigma; and bodily changes and surveillance. Concerns around fertility were present despite no confirmed infertility diagnosis and were shaped by societal expectations of childbearing and motherhood. Weight gain triggered feelings of guilt, self-blame, and personal failure, compounded by weight stigma from family, healthcare providers, and professional colleagues. Also, bodily changes including hirsutism, acne and hyperpigmentation led to negative social reactions and increased body surveillance. Across all themes, psychosocial impacts were shaped by social interactions grounded in gendered cultural norms surrounding femininity and womanhood. Therefore, there is the need for a more holistic approach to PMOS care and management that moves beyond addressing clinical features and includes measures that address the psychologically and socially produced experiences associated with the condition.