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BBC

Influencers selling fake cures for polycystic ovary syndrome

BBC
Summary
Nutrition label

65% Informative

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal condition that affects about one in 10 women.

Up to 70% of women with PCOS worldwide have not been diagnosed, according to WHO .

Medically unqualified influencers are exploiting the absence of an easy medical solution for PCOS by posing as experts and selling fake cures.

The BBC World Service tracked the most-watched videos with a “PCOS” hashtag on TikTok and Instagram during the month of September and found that half of them spread false information.

In Nigeria , Medlyn , a medical student, is trying to tackle some of the shame surrounding PCOS.

Dr Gunter said this is a vulnerable patient group that may struggle with feelings of helplessness without access to treatment.

Amy said her GP had offered her hormonal birth control to manage her symptoms, but didn’t have any other ideas for treatment.

VR Score

45

Informative language

31

Neutral language

69

Article tone

informal

Language

English

Language complexity

41

Offensive language

possibly offensive

Hate speech

not hateful

Attention-grabbing headline

not detected

Known propaganda techniques

not detected

Time-value

medium-lived

Affiliate links

no affiliate links