TLDR Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) often have higher levels of anxiety and depression, especially if they live in rural areas, have less education, don't have children, are over 30, or are obese.
The 2021 study conducted in Poland involved 230 women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and 199 healthy controls aged 20–40 years old. The results showed that women with PCOS had higher levels of anxiety and depression, poorer ego-resiliency, and more commonly used passive stress-coping strategies compared to the healthy women. Factors such as living in rural areas, having a lower level of education, being childless, being over 30, and being obese increased anxiety and depression levels in the women with PCOS. The study suggests that women with PCOS should be checked for anxiety and depression as well as for their ability to cope with chronic stress.
Cited in this study
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85 citations
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August 2018 in “Psychological Medicine” Women with PCOS are more likely to suffer from depression, anxiety, and stress.
8 citations
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November 2017 in “The Journal for Nurse Practitioners” Most women with PCOS use positive coping strategies, but some with more psychological stress use negative ones.
48 citations
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April 2014 in “Fertility and Sterility” Women with PCOS often have hair loss, which is linked to acne or excess body hair but not to worse hormone or metabolic issues.
1265 citations
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December 2013 in “The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism” The guideline suggests using specific criteria to diagnose PCOS, recommends various treatments for its symptoms, and advises screening for related health issues.
50 citations
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December 2010 in “Bjog: An International Journal Of Obstetrics And Gynaecology” South Asian women with PCOS experience more psychological distress and have a poorer quality of life, especially in social relationships, with hirsutism affecting them more than obesity.
105 citations
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January 2009 in “Medicine” Hirsutism is more linked to high androgen levels than acne or hair loss, and a mix of hormonal tests is best for diagnosis; certain treatments can reduce symptoms.
4809 citations
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January 2004 in “Fertility and Sterility” The 2003 consensus updated PCOS diagnosis criteria and highlighted increased risks of diabetes and heart disease for those affected.
