App Impact on Quality of Life and Symptoms in PCOS
This study is investigating if a new app designed for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) can make a real difference in how people feel and manage their condition. Many people with PCOS find it impacts their daily life and wellbeing. We’re comparing two groups: one will use the app for 12 weeks alongside their usual care, and the other will continue with their usual care only. We want to find out if using the app leads to improvements in quality of life and helps with PCOS symptoms. The study will be done online, last about seven months in total, and involve 220 participants. The results will help us understand if apps like this can be a helpful tool for people with PCOS in the future.
At a glance
What is this study about?
If you have Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), you know it can sometimes affect how you feel day-to-day. This study is exploring a new idea: could a special app help people with PCOS feel better and manage their symptoms more easily? We want to see if using this "PCOS-App" can improve your quality of life – meaning how well you feel overall and how much PCOS impacts your daily activities – and help with your symptoms.
We’re comparing two groups of people. One group will use the PCOS-App for 12 weeks, as an addition to the care they usually receive from their doctor. The other group will simply continue with their usual care, without using the app. This way, we can see if any changes are truly due to the app. The study will be run online, and we'll ask participants to fill out some questionnaires to tell us how they're feeling.
The aim of this research is to learn more about whether digital tools, like this app, can offer a new way to support people with long-term conditions like PCOS. The findings will help us understand if this app is effective and will also guide how we might design similar tools in the future to help even more people.
Key takeaways
- This study explores if a new app helps people with PCOS.
- It lasts for 12 weeks and is done completely online.
- Half of the participants will use the app, the other half won't, alongside their usual care.
- The goal is to see if the app improves quality of life and symptoms.
- Results will help design future digital support tools for PCOS.
Who may be eligible?
To join this study, you need to be a woman living in Germany, aged between 18 and 65 years old. It's important that you have a confirmed diagnosis of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) from your doctor. You'll also need to have a smartphone (either an iPhone or Android), access to the internet, and an email address so you can use the app and complete the online questionnaires. We're looking for people who are willing to regularly use the app and fill out surveys, and you should be comfortable understanding German.
There are some reasons why you wouldn't be able to join. For example, if you've recently changed or plan to change certain medications, like hormone therapy, metformin, or anti-androgen medicines, this study might not be right for you. Also, if you're pregnant, breastfeeding, or currently having fertility treatment, you won't be able to take part.
We also can't include people who are currently using weight-loss medications, experiencing certain mental health treatments or psychotherapy, or if you've previously used a similar health app called "Endo-App" or other digital health applications. If you're currently in another medical study or receiving specific nutritional counselling or weight loss programmes, you wouldn't be eligible either.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- Are you a woman living in Germany, aged 18 to 65?
- Do you have a confirmed PCOS diagnosis from your doctor?
- Do you own a smartphone with internet access and an email address?
- Are you comfortable using an app and filling out online questionnaires?
- Have you recently changed (or plan to change) certain medications like hormones or metformin in the last 8 weeks or next 12 weeks? (If yes, you may not be eligible.)
What does participation involve?
If you join this study, it will run for about 12 weeks for you. You won't need to visit a clinic; everything will be done online. At the start of the study, and again after 12 weeks, you'll be asked to fill out some questionnaires online about your quality of life and PCOS symptoms. If you're in the group using the app, you'll be able to use the PCOS-App as much as you like throughout the 12-week study period, alongside your usual medical care. If you're in the other group, you'll just continue with your usual care and won't use the app during this time. The total study is expected to last seven months from start to finish for all participants.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- Endo Health GmbHVerified postcodeChemnitz, Germany
Common questions
What is the PCOS-App?
It's a special app designed to help people who have Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS).
How long will I need to be in the study?
You would be involved for 12 weeks, which is about three months.
Do I need to go to a clinic?
No, this study is completely online, so you won't need to make any visits.
Will using the app replace my usual doctor's care?
No, the app is meant to be used alongside your usual medical care, not instead of it.
What if I change my mind about taking part?
You can leave the study at any time, and it won't affect the care you receive from your doctor.
How to find out more
Teresa Götz, M.Sc.
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
Discussion
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