Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), also known as Polycystic Ovarian Disease (PCOD) is one of the most common endocrine diseases faced by women in the reproductive age group worldwide, with an expected prevalence rate between 5–15%. PCOS is the most common endocrine disorder consulted by health providers, yet it is a long-stigmatized condition which stigma is increased because of stereotypes related to cultural and community beliefs associated with traditional feminine body ideals, beauty/fertility.

Common female body image concerns diagnosed with PCOS (irregular periods, infertility, weight gain, acne) and/or hirsutism are often at odds with socially defined femininity. As a result,

Those affected women with PCOS frequently adopt these societal expectations, perceiving themselves as “less feminine” or inadequate due to their helplessness to meet cultural norms related to appearance and reproductive roles.

Also, the social stigma with PCOS further perpetuates misconceptions around the disorder like that it only results from poor lifestyle choices, or it only affects those of reproductive ages. This misunderstanding can trigger blame, lack of empathy and no social support. Also, stigma is not only associated with society but within healthcare environments as well, where patients may suffer emotional distress due to being undiagnosed for a long time and low levels of awareness.

Theoretical perspectives, including Erving Goffman’s stigma theory, explain how individuals can be classified and sidelined when they are deviating from social norms. For PCOS, physically obvious signs of conveniently available weight problems.