Monika, I want to add to your post about a"Bill of Rights" for pcos cysters, only I have termed it"Fifteen Tips for PCOS Physicians". Everyone, please feel free to add to it.
Fifteen Tips for PCOS Physicians
Stacy Korfist, LMFT
1. Please do not minimize, downplay, disregard or discourage our researching on the internet. PCOS is a chronic condition, one that requires our understanding of what is happening to our bodies. That cannot occur in a 20 minute doctor’s appointment and to take better care of ourselves we need to have a full understanding of a very complicated endocrine system.
2. If you do have concerns however, please ask which websites we are obtaining our information from, be familiar with them and either offer better alternatives or affirm the resources we have.
3. When assessing degree of hirsutism please be sure to ask about our maintenance practices. Sometimes it can look fairly mild but it is misleading because we spend an extraordinary amount of time plucking.
4. Be conscientious, but thorough when addressing weight. For those that are not obese, but hovering around the high end of the normal BMI range or over, it’s probably not ok with us. Please do not say that we are ok and not to worry. We are worried. Worried that we will stay that way, worried that we will continue to gain, worried about plenty.
5. If you do not know the answer to something, please just say so. We know doctors aren’t taught everything in medical school. It will earn our respect. In fact, if we teach you something don’t be shy to tell us so.
6. Please do not tell us to exercise more and eat less without also referring us to a dietitian. Have the name of several good dietitians that treat pcos and develop a professional relationship with them as well.
7. In fact, work with a multidisciplinary approach. Ask if we are interested in seeing a psychotherapist if needed. Know of various referral sources such as hair removal clinics, acupuncture centers, infertility support programs.
8. Be aware of each and every medication, herb and supplement we are taking.
9. When we make our appointment, ask us to be prepared with questions and concerns upon our arrival so that we may make good use of your time.
10. Allow us to take part in the decisions being made about our health. Inform us of respected alternative therapies, even if it’s something you may not provide or even agree with.
11. Be certain we are aware of all health risks related to pcos, now and over the lifespan. There are many and this will take time. Be sure we understand strategies for prevention. If we are minors be sure our parents know how to best support our needs.
12. Stay current with treatment approaches and healthcare industry trends. Be an advocate and get involved. Step out and teach others.
13. Make a follow up appointment with us.
14. Explain the lab work. Don’t just say everything is in normal range, especially if it’s something that shows deterioration. Allow us to ask questions.
15. Most importantly, treat us as an individual and not just be a cookie-cutter practitioner. This can only be accomplished with good listening skills.
If you are a physician and have taken the time to read this then you are one of the good ones.
Stacy Korfist, LMFT Redondo Beach, CA
310 720-6443