Dear Editor,
Khan, et al.’s
“The lived experiences of women with
polycystic ovary syndrome and its psychological challenges: A systematic review
and meta-synthesis” provides a timely synthesis of the psychological and
psychosocial dimensions of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). The condition has
recently been renamed polyendocrine
metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS) following international consensus
recommendations, reflecting a broader conceptualization that recognizes its
metabolic and endocrine features alongside reproductive manifestations.
A notable
strength of the review is its application of a biopsychosocial framework to
illuminate the psychological burden associated with PCOS, including anxiety,
depression, body image concerns, and identity-related distress. The authors
further demonstrate how sociocultural expectations surrounding femininity,
appearance, and fertility shape lived experiences. These insights contribute
meaningfully to patient-centered approaches in both research and clinical care.
At the same
time, the review acknowledges the challenges of interpreting psychological
experiences across diverse cultural settings and cautions against uncritical
cultural generalization. This limitation points to an important opportunity for
future work. While broad sociocultural influences are recognized, understanding
how distress is experienced within particular cultural contexts may benefit
from engagement with locally grounded theoretical frameworks.
In the
Philippine context, Sikolohiyang
Pilipino offers one such framework. As described by Pe-Pua and
Protacio-Marcelino, this indigenous perspective emphasizes kapwa, or shared
identity, which situates the self within relational networks rather than
as an autonomous individual. From this viewpoint, health experiences are
understood not solely as personal concerns but also in relation to family and
community relationships. Given the continuing importance of family ties and
relational obligations in many Filipino communities, such a perspective may
provide useful insights into how women interpret and navigate reproductive and
metabolic health concerns.
Within this
relational orientation, concepts such as hiya and utang na loob may offer additional perspectives for
understanding responses to illness. Hiya, often
associated with sensitivity to social
propriety and the perceptions of others, may shape how individuals
interpret and communicate health concerns. Similarly, utang na loob, which reflects reciprocal obligations within relationships, may influence how
health experiences are understood in relation to family expectations and
responsibilities. Rather than serving as direct explanations for psychological
outcomes, these concepts may help contextualize the social meanings through
which distress is experienced and expressed.
The
biopsychosocial model remains essential for understanding the psychological
impact of PCOS. However, its explanatory scope may be enriched through
culturally grounded frameworks that illuminate local meanings and lived
realities. Such contextual interpretation should remain theoretically grounded
and applied with caution to avoid overgeneralization or speculative cultural
attribution.
Khan et al.
provide an important foundation for understanding the psychological dimensions
of PCOS. Building on this work, future research may benefit from incorporating
indigenous psychological frameworks that can illuminate how distress is
understood within specific cultural settings. In the Philippine context, Sikolohiyang Pilipino may help reveal
dimensions of experience that are not readily captured by broader cultural
categories, thereby contributing to a more context-sensitive understanding of
women's experiences with PCOS.
Respectfully,
Regine L. Pace
University
of La Salette, Inc.
Dubinan
East, Santiago City, Philippines
References