LAIR Galleries: Lakehead Arts Integrated Research
  • Welcome
    • About
    • Gallery Locations
    • Gallery Opening
  • Happenings
  • Juried Exhibits
    • Exhibiton Videos
    • Juried Projects
    • 2022 Exhibition >
      • 2022 Exhibition Video
    • 2021 Exhibition
    • 2020 Exhibition Video
    • 2019 Exhibition
    • 2018 Exhibition
    • 2017 Exhibition >
      • 2017-2019 Exhibition Video
    • 2016 Exhibition Video
    • 2015 Partner Exhibition
    • 2014 Exhibition
  • Featured
    • Climate Action >
      • YOCA
      • Ecological Art Exhibit
      • Picturing Climate Change
    • 2021 Featured Projects
    • 2014 Celebration of Play >
      • Bean Fun Table Pictures
  • Sponsored Projects
    • 2021 Residency: R. Michael Fisher
    • 2018 Diversity Innovation Exhibition
  • Call for Art 2023
  • Jurors
    • Jurors
    • 2023 Juror Evaluation
  • Contact the Curator
Picture

Ledah McKellar
​
Stories of the Cystorhood Stories of the Cystorhood: Exploring Women’s Experiences With Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome: Implications for Education, Self-perception, and Medicalization (2015)
​
See Masters Thesis 


ABSTRACT
The overarching purpose of this study is to explore the experiences of women with PCOS in more detail to provide further knowledge of the syndrome, to educate others, and reduce stigma – for all women, with or without Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS). PCOS occurs in five to 10 percent of women, yet the greater public is generally unaware of it. Biomedicine defines PCOS as an endocrine disorder caused by a hormonal imbalance in women, with symptoms including: irregular or complete lack of menstrual periods; reduced fertility; unwanted facial or body hair; and the potential for weight gain due to insulin resistance. This study explores the experiences of women from the following perspectives: self-perception, education, and medicalization. Using arts-informed inquiry, with the methods of painting, interviews, and life writing, these topics are explored with women with PCOS.

    © 2014-2022