Dietary approaches to the management of polycystic ovary syndrome trial
This study is investigating a new healthcare approach for women aged 18-45 with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) who are also overweight. It will explore whether a low-energy, low-carbohydrate eating plan, combined with support from practice nurses, can help with weight loss and improve PCOS symptoms. The main goal is to see if this programme can be successfully delivered through local GP surgeries across the UK. Participants will be invited by their GP and will attend several appointments to monitor their progress. The study hopes to make it easier for people with PCOS to get practical support for their condition closer to home.
Överblick
Vad handlar denna studie om?
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a common condition affecting many women, often causing symptoms like irregular periods and difficulties with getting pregnant. It can also lead to other health issues. While about 2% of women between 15 and 45 years old are officially diagnosed with PCOS, many more might have it without knowing, making it a condition that needs more attention and better support for those affected.
This study, called POST, is looking into a new way to help women with PCOS manage their symptoms and weight. This approach involves a carefully designed eating plan that is lower in energy and carbohydrates, along with regular support from nurses at local GP practices. The main aim is to see if this programme can be successfully carried out in GP surgeries, as this would make it much easier for women across the country to access help. The study also wants to measure how this approach affects weight and common PCOS symptoms.
The programme has been developed using 'real food' principles to support people in managing their condition themselves. This approach has been tested before in a similar study for people with type 2 diabetes and was found to be effective and manageable for both patients and nurses. By making it realistic for the NHS, the hope is to provide better, more accessible care for women with PCOS in the future.
Viktiga punkter
- A study looking at dietary changes and nurse support for PCOS.
- Aims to help women with PCOS manage weight and symptoms.
- Will assess if the programme can be delivered in local GP surgeries.
- Participation is by invitation only from your GP.
- Involves regular appointments and measurements over 6 months.
- No significant risks identified; potential benefits include weight loss support.
Vem kan vara berättigad?
This study is only for women who are invited to take part by their GP. To be considered, you need to be a woman aged between 18 and 45 years old. You should have a diagnosis of PCOS from a healthcare professional and also be overweight (with a BMI of 27 kg/m2 or higher, or 30 kg/m2 or higher if you are of white ethnicity).
You won't be able to join if you are currently pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you are undergoing fertility treatment. Using certain types of hormonal contraception or hormone replacement therapy in the last three months would also mean you couldn't take part. Other reasons for not being able to join include having certain medical conditions like type 1 diabetes, active cancer treatment (except for non-melanoma skin cancer), or specific heart conditions.
You also can't take part if you've recently had a heart attack or stroke, have an eating disorder, or are unwilling to consider changing your diet. If your doctor feels that for other health reasons (like mental health or upcoming surgery) it wouldn't be safe or appropriate for you to participate, you would also be excluded.
Kan denna studie passa dig?
Svara på dessa snabba frågor för att se om du kan vara berättigad. Detta är endast en vägledning — forskarteamet fattar det slutgiltiga beslutet.
- Are you a woman aged between 18 and 45?
- Do you have a diagnosis of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)?
- Are you currently considered overweight (BMI of 27 or above, or 30+ if white ethnicity)?
- Are you able to attend appointments at your local GP practice?
- Are you willing to consider making changes to your diet?
- Are you currently not pregnant, breastfeeding, or undergoing fertility treatment?
Vad innebär deltagande?
If you are invited and interested, you'll first have a brief phone chat with the study team to check if you might be suitable. If so, you'll have an appointment at your GP surgery with a nurse. They will confirm if you can join, explain everything in detail, and ask for your permission to take part. At this visit, they'll also measure your height, weight, blood pressure, and take a blood sample.
You will then be randomly put into one of two groups: an 'intervention' group that follows the new eating plan with nurse support, or a 'control' group that receives usual care. If you are in the intervention group, you'll have six extra appointments with the nurse over six months. For everyone in the study, your measurements (weight, blood samples, etc.) will be repeated at 3 and 6 months after you start. You'll also fill out some short questionnaires. You will be compensated for your time at the 3 and 6-month visits.
Potentiella risker och fördelar
Platser (12)
- South Central RRDNObekräftadSouthampton, England
- North East and North Cumbria RRDNObekräftadNewcastle upon Tyne, England
- Yorkshire and Humber RRDNObekräftadLeeds, England
- North West RRDNObekräftadManchester, England
- East Midlands RRDNObekräftadLeicester, England
- West Midlands RRDNObekräftadWolverhampton, England
- East of England RRDNObekräftadNorwich, England
- North London RRDNObekräftadLondon, England
- South London RRDNObekräftadLondon, England
- South East RRDNObekräftadLondon, England
- South West Central RRDNObekräftadBristol, England
- South West Peninsula RRDNObekräftadExeter, England
Vanliga frågor
What is PCOS?
PCOS stands for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. It's a common condition that affects how a woman's ovaries work and can cause irregular periods, problems getting pregnant, and other health issues.
Måste jag betala för att delta i studien?
No, you will not have to pay anything to take part in this study. In fact, you'll be compensated for your time for some of your visits.
What kind of eating plan is it?
It's a food-based eating plan designed to be lower in energy (calories) and carbohydrates. It focuses on 'real food' to help you manage your weight and PCOS symptoms.
Hur länge kommer jag att vara med i studien?
The study will involve appointments and monitoring over a period of 6 months.
Can I still take my regular medicines?
Some medications might mean you can't join the study. This is something the study nurse will discuss with you during your eligibility checks.
Hur du får reda på mer
Jadine Scragg
Prata alltid med din läkare eller specialist innan du bestämmer dig för att delta i en studie.
Diskussion
Gemenskapsdiskussion
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