A Qualitative Study to Explore the Impact of Hyperandrogenism among young female adults at selected colleges of Madurai

Introduction: Health and well-being are crucial for young female adults, who often face mental health, reproductive health, and lifestyle-related challenges. Hyperandrogenism, a hormonal imbalance commonly associated with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), manifests through hirsutism, severe acne, androgenic alopecia, and insulin resistance, affecting both physical and emotional well-being. Objective: To explore the impact of clinical signs of hyperandrogenism among young female adults. Research Approach and Design: A qualitative research approach was adopted, following a descriptive phenomenological tradition. Sample Size and Sampling Technique: The sample size was determined based on data saturation, with six information-rich participants selected through intensity sampling. Rigor of Qualitative Data: Credibility was ensured through member checking, while dependability, confirmability, and transferability were maintained via systematic documentation, audit trails, triangulation, and detailed contextual descriptions. Data Analysis: Thematic analysis was conducted, leading to the emergence of sub-themes, which were further grouped into four main themes. Theme 1 - Persistent appearance-related challenges and treatment frustration. Theme 2 - Emotional distress and self-image struggles. Theme 3 - Social influence and support challenges. Theme 4 - Insufficient knowledge and need for clarity.