Kendall Soucie, an associate professor at the University of Windsor, has spoken with many people suffering with polycystic ovarian syndrome. She explains that in Canada, it can take anywhere from 5 to 15 years for a diagnosis. She tells us why studying the lived experiences of people with PCOS is an integral part to the research of this poorly-understood condition. Nam Kiwanuka speaks with Kendall about her hopes and how her own lived experience with it informs her work.

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Research links

Canadian PCOS Resource List: https://www.healuwindsor.com/copy-of-canadian-pcos-resources

Monash University: PCOS Guideline and Resources - Monash Centre for Health Research and Implementation (MCHRI)

PCOS Challenge: PCOS Challenge: The National Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Association

The Season's collective (Ontario-specific): The Seasons Collective | Thriving with PCOS

PCOS together: (Alberta): Home - PCOS.Together

H.E.A.L Lab: https://www.healuwindsor.com

Name change for ‘outdated’ PCOS term backed by majority of health professionals, patients: https://www.healio.com/news/womens-health-ob-gyn/20250606/name-change-for-outdated-pcos-term-backed-by-majority-of-health-professionals-patients

The under-researched and often misunderstood disorder that affects 1 in 8 women: https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/pcos-symptoms-name-change-meaning-b2759872.html

The Diagnostic Experiences of Women With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) in Ontario, Canada: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33213256/

“It Wasn’t Until I Took the Reins and Said….” Power and Advocacy in Canadian Women’s Narratives of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Diagnosis and Treatment: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/23293691.2022.2054671

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