The Risks of PCOS Misinformation | Full Episode | Big [If True]

UPDATE: This episode aired before PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome) was renamed to PMOS (polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome). PMOS is a condition that impacts between six and 13 per cent of reproductive-aged women worldwide, according to the WHO. In Canada, some estimates say as many as 1.4 million women are living with PMOS. PMOS is a hormonal condition that can cause a variety of symptoms, but despite what the name suggests, it isn't actually considered a disease of the ovaries. That's according to AskPMOS / AskPCOS, an evidence-based website and app created by researchers at Melbourne, Australia's Monash University. People who have it are at risk of developing serious comorbidities including, but not limited to, infertility, cardiovascular disease, and cancer of the womb. There is no known cure. The condition was first identified in detail nearly a century ago, yet it remains poorly understood because of a lack of research funding into the topic. Experts say that the lack of understanding funnels down to doctor’s offices, meaning that when people who have the condition — or suspect that they have the condition — bring up their concerns, they are often dismissed, leading to frustration. So, many go online, where they encounter an onslaught of information; some of it unreliable and misleading, some of it outright false. Host Molly Thomas speaks with Nam Kiwanuka, host of TVO's (MIS)Treated podcast, which focuses on how medicine has — and still is — failing women, and speaks to the researchers looking to make a difference. Molly also interviews Vanessa Trocchi and Anabel Quan-Haase of Western University and leading PMOS expert, doctor and professor Helena Teede about the risks misinformation poses for people with PMOS. 0:00 Misdiagnosed and misunderstood 0:29 What is PMOS and why it matters 1:15 Symptoms and health risks explained 2:08 Myths and misinformation on social media 3:02 Nam Kiwanuka on PMOS stories and stigma 5:01 Common myths debunked 6:02 Advocating for your health 6:25 How influencers spread false info with Vanessa Trocchi & Annabelle Quan-Haase 8:11 The role of trust and attractiveness online 10:00 Healthism and false hope 13:18 Tips for spotting misinformation 14:06 Reality Check: Headlines and AI deception 16:33 Interview with PMOS expert Helena Teede 17:02 Why misinformation thrives 18:39 The problem with the name PCOS 21:01 Empowering patients with evidence-based tools 23:00 Risks of influencer advice 24:03 Final thoughts and resources About Big [If True] Big [If True] tackles the rising threat of misinformation and disinformation. Hosted by award-winning journalist Molly Thomas, this bold, new show uncovers why we fall for falsehoods and how to fight back. Unpacking misinformation, scams and internet culture stories from all over the world, every week. Stay tuned for more Reality Check segments to keep you informed and in the know! • Reality Check Dive into the facts with Deep Dive - short explainers on the misleading narratives that (might) shape our everyday lives. • Deep Dive See 1-on-1 conversations between experts and insiders who uncover the real stories behind the headlines on Truth Talks. • Truth Talks Big [If True] Panel Discussions! Experts discuss misinformation, disinformation, scams, hoaxes, and conspiracy theories and explore why they spread so easily. • Panel Discussions Learn how journalists uncover and debunk bad information online—and get tips on how to protect yourself in our “Wait, What?” segments. • Wait, What? Follow us on Instagram: /  / bigiftruetv.  . Subscribe to TVO Today on YouTube: / / @tvotoday See full episodes of Big [If True] on TVO: https://www.tvo.org/big-if-true Subscribe to TVO Media Education Group newsletters: https://www.tvo.org/newsletters Get the TVO Today app:   App Store: https://apps.apple.com/ca/app/tvo-tod... Google Play https://play.google.com/store/apps/de... #pcosawareness #pcos #pcosinfertility #pmos #TVO