Lack of provider support
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“ It seems to be like I’m usually the one googling how to deal with this. I’m usually being my own doctor.”
-Josie (patient)
According to recent data, 68% of patients reported a lack of guidance from physicians, which means that many health decisions are made by the patient themselves. Although providers offer initial advice on medications and lifestyle changes, many women feel unsupported and unsure how to actually carry out those goals. Minimal follow-up can break down trust with the provider and lead to reliance on inaccurate resources that can mislead or worsen the clarity surrounding the condition. If this is how you feel, you are not alone. As we shed light on these struggles, the hope is that you will feel empowered to advocate for yourself in a medical setting, and doctors may be more cognizant of the ways in which they can support patients.
“But then there was no follow-up…It’s always up to you to figure out what you should be doing and who you should be seeing.” -Vanessa (patient)
Although many providers do their best to guide their patients, limited data on PCOS treatments can lead to these feelings of frustration. If you are in a situation where you feel unsupported by your provider, it is normal and encouraged to seek another opinion. However, getting into specialists can present another challenge due to limited schedules and long waiting times; not to mention, copays for visits can quickly add up. If you continually feel like standard medicine is insufficient, researching supplements and holistic treatments on your own may be a useful alternative. Holistic therapies do not require a prescription and, therefore, can more easily be managed without the complexity of a medical system. Although every individual’s circumstances are different, these alternate options may be useful for those struggling to find a doctor that adequately fulfills their needs.
**RESOURCES TO FIND SOCIAL WORKERS THAT MAY HELP YOU FIND NEW PROVIDERS/OPTIONS: