In a recent article in Nació, a digital newspaper that provides general information in Catalan, five young women share their experience with PCOS and their involvement in the Spiomet4health clinical trial
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal and metabolic disorder that affects 5% to 10% of women of reproductive age, as stated by the World Health Organization (WHO). Paula, Elisenda, Lara, Carla, and Elena have encountered medical and emotional challenges stemming from the absence of precise diagnosis and inappropiate treatment.
Participants of the Spiomet4health clinical trial
Paula (19 years old), Carla (24 years old), and Elena (23 years old) are participants in the Spiomet4health clinical trial, our innovative project designed to develop the first specific treatment for PCOS. These young women have been immersed in the trial at the Sant Joan de Déu Hospital in Barcelona for 4 to 11 months. The accompanying team includes Dr. Lourdes Ibáñez, the project coordinator, and a team of renowned researchers from Sant Joan de Déu Hospital and Fundació Sant Joan de Déu.
The Nació article highlights, through the personal experiences of these young women, the need for greater awareness and understanding of PCOS, as well as the importance of medical research to properly address this condition that has been overlooked for a long time. Patients are frequently prescribed contraceptives to mitigate symptoms, although this medication does not target the underlying cause. Upon treatment discontinuation, the entire PCOS phenotype swiftly returns.
Their experience in the Spiomet4health clinical trial
Paula, Carla, and Elena met the inclusion criteria and decided to join the study. For example, Paula shared with Nació that her choice to participate in the trial arose after trying various options and feeling she had nothing to lose. Carla, on the other hand, emphasized how the study provided her with a clearer understanding of PCOS, something she had previously had to seek out on her own. Paula also expressed her deep gratitude for the more comprehensive and personalized medical attention she is receiving during the study.
Photos: Hugo Fernández and Ricard Novella. Nació newspaper.
PCOS research: Spiomet4health project and its medical team
This article also introduces the outstanding medical team from Sant Joan de Déu Hospital, who began investigating the true origin of the disorder two decades ago. Their goal was clear: to find the first specific treatment for PCOS. Today, their dedication and leadership are evident in the Spiomet4health project, funded by the European Commission.
The team coordinating the Spiomet4health trial; in the center, Dr. Lourdes Ibáñez. Photo: HSJD
The criteria for being part of this study include being between 12 and 23.9 years old (i.e., not having turned 24), having experienced menstruation at least once two years before entering the study, not suffering from serious chronic diseases, and not becoming pregnant during the process.
To develop this innovative PCOS treatment, the Spiomet4health project is conducting research across various countries. This effort includes Spain, where two hospitals—Sant Joan de Déu and Doctor Josep Trueta in Girona—are involved, as well as Austria, Denmark, Italy, Norway, and Turkey.
Regarding the year-and-a-half-long trial’s future, Dr. Lourdes Ibáñez highlighted that if a normalization of all symptoms occurs and a favorable response to the treatment is observed, the latter might not be needed in the long run. Nonetheless, she acknowledges that, due to the trial nature, it’s crucial to see it through to confirm this outcome. As the article explains, the team has encountered few cases where the treatment hasn’t had an effect. Dr. Ibáñez also emphasized the commitment to not to leave aside the patients who have completed the study.
This clinical trial continues its progress, and the recruitment process remains open. If you wish to obtain more information about this study, we invite you to click here to access additional details.