Page 189 - Petelin, Ana, ur. 2024. Zdravje delovno aktivnih in starejših odraslih / Health of Working-Age and Older Adults. Zbornik povzetkov z recenzijo ▪︎ Book of Abstracts. Koper: Založba Univerze na Primorskem/University of Primorska Press

Promotion of a healthy lifestyle and the role of healthcare workers
in women with Polycystic ovaries

Tjaša Kobal, Sandra Martinuč
University of Primorska Faculty of Health Sciences, Izola, Slovenia

Introduction: Polycystic ovaries can occur as a stand-alone condition or as a polycys-
tic ovary syndrome (in hereafter referred to as PCOS), which, in addition to the cha-
racteristic ultrasound picture, also includes other symptoms, such as menstrual cycle
disturbances and clinical signs. hyperandrogenism. This complex syndrome can have a
profound reproductive impact, metabolic and psychological health, and women‘s qu-
ality of life. The aim of this paper is to to determine the effects of a healthy lifestyle in
women with PCOS and the disadvantages of counselling, that health professionals pro-
vide in the context of healthy lifestyle promotion for women with PCOS.
Methods: The research is based on a review of domestic and foreign literature col-
lected between October 2022 and February 2023, accessed from ProQuest, Scien-
ceDirect and Google Scholar. We used the following keywords: polycystic ovaries,
lifestyle, healthcare, workers, treatment, polycystic ovaries, lifestyle, healthcare, wor-
kers, treatment. The following criteria were considered for the selection of the litera-
ture: publication in Slovene and English, open accessibility of the articles, relevance to
the selected topic, publication between 2003 and 2023.
Results: Of the 24,823 hits identified, 10 articles were included in the final analysis.
It was found that health professionals encourage women to make lifestyle changes. posterji | poster presentations
They take a dietary history to determine their eating habits and educate them about
the importance of adequate body weight and meal quantity. In case of problems with
hirsutism and acne, they are suggested to see a dermatologist and informed about
treatment options. In this way, the possibility of complications resulting from an un-
healthy lifestyle is reduced. However, barriers for health professionals are insufficient
knowledge about PCOS and lack of time for consultation.
Discussion and conclusions: PCOS is often unrecognised, which can lead to serious com-
plications. Early detection and comprehensive treatment involving lifestyle changes are
essential to manage the disease, with health professionals playing an important role in
providing information, support and motivation. Educating patients about their disea-
se and supporting self-help groups are also essential. A holistic approach is key to su-
ccessfully managing polycystic ovary syndrome and reducing the risk of complications.
Keywords: polycystic ovary syndrome, lifestyle, health professionals, treatment

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