Body Image and Mental Health in Women With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Cross-Sectional Study

February 2025 in “ Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics ”

Konstantin Hofmann, Claire Decrinis, Norman Bitterlich, Katharina Tropschuh, Petra Stute, Annette Bachmann

polycystic ovary syndrome PCOS obesity body image health-related quality of life HRQOL mental health

Studysummary This study found that obesity and a negative body image negatively impact health-related quality of life and mental health in women with PCOS, indicating the need for healthcare professionals to address these issues with effective treatments.

Our plain-language summary. Not medical advice or a treatment recommendation. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before changing treatment. Full disclaimer

The study highlights that obesity and negative body image are linked factors that negatively impact health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and mental health in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). It emphasizes the importance for healthcare professionals to acknowledge these effects and to actively offer effective treatment options to improve the well-being of patients with PCOS.

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Research cited in this study

4 / 4 results

Depression, Higher Level of Tension Induction, and Impaired Coping Strategies in Response to Stress in Women with PCOS Correlate with Clinical and Laboratory Indices of Hyperandrogenism and Not with Central Obesity and Insulin Resistance

research Depression, Higher Level of Tension Induction, and Impaired Coping Strategies in Response to Stress in Women with PCOS Correlate with Clinical and Laboratory Indices of Hyperandrogenism and Not with Central Obesity and Insulin Resistance

August 2024 in “Archives of Women s Mental Health”

This study found that women with PCOS exhibited higher levels of depression, tension induction, and impaired stress coping strategies compared to healthy controls, with these psychological issues correlating with hyperandrogenism but not with central obesity or insulin resistance.

Recommendations From The 2023 International Evidence-Based Guideline For The Assessment And Management Of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

research Recommendations From The 2023 International Evidence-Based Guideline For The Assessment And Management Of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

6 citations , August 2023 in “European journal of endocrinology”

This review discusses the 2023 International Guideline for PCOS assessment and management, highlighting updated evidence-based recommendations and practice points aimed at improving care and health outcomes, but notes that research quality remains generally low to moderate.

research Depression, Anxiety, and Perceived Stress in Women With and Without PCOS: A Community-Based Study

85 citations , August 2018 in “Psychological Medicine”

This study reported that women with PCOS had higher levels of depression, anxiety, and perceived stress compared to those without PCOS, with stress potentially mediating these associations.

research Classification of the Types of Androgenetic Alopecia (Common Baldness) Occurring in the Female Sex

666 citations , September 1977 in “British Journal of Dermatology”

This article presents a classification system for stages of female-pattern androgenetic alopecia to aid early diagnosis and mentions existing systems for rare male-pattern cases, but reports no new clinical results.