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 ”

Edyta Dutkiewicz, Dominik Rachoń, Miłosz Dziedziak, Agnieszka Kowalewska, Joanna Moryś

PCOS hyperandrogenism serum testosterone androstenedione central obesity insulin resistance polycystic ovary syndrome high androgen levels testosterone belly fat

TLDR Women with PCOS have more depression and stress due to high androgen levels, not obesity or insulin resistance.

The study involving 42 women with PCOS and 39 healthy controls found that women with PCOS exhibited higher levels of depression, tension induction, and impaired coping strategies, which correlated with clinical and laboratory indices of hyperandrogenism (e.g., serum testosterone levels) rather than central obesity or insulin resistance. This suggests that the psychological challenges in women with PCOS are more closely related to hyperandrogenism than to metabolic factors.

View this study on link.springer.com →

Discuss this study in the Community →

Cited in this study

7 / 7 results

Association Between the Serum Estrone-to-Estradiol Ratio and Parameters Related to Glucose Metabolism and Insulin Resistance in Women With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

research Association Between the Serum Estrone-to-Estradiol Ratio and Parameters Related to Glucose Metabolism and Insulin Resistance in Women With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

4 citations, December 2021 in “Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine”

Higher estrone-to-estradiol ratios are linked to worse glucose metabolism and insulin resistance in women with PCOS.

research Recommendations on Non-Pharmacological Interventions in Women with PCOS to Reduce Body Weight and Improve Metabolic Disorders

1 citations, April 2019 in “Endokrynologia Polska”

Healthy diet and exercise are important for women with PCOS to manage weight and metabolic issues, and supplements like omega-3, vitamin D, and inositol may help.

research Comprehensive Overview of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

883 citations, August 2016 in “Nature Reviews Disease Primers”

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a common condition in women that can cause metabolic, reproductive, and psychological issues, and requires lifestyle changes and medication for management.

research Differential Diagnosis of Hyperandrogenism in Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

35 citations, March 2012 in “Experimental and Clinical Endocrinology & Diabetes”

The conclusion is that accurately identifying the cause of high androgen levels in women with PCOS is crucial and requires specific tests.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Complex Condition with Psychological, Reproductive, and Metabolic Manifestations That Impacts Health Across the Lifespan

research Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Complex Condition with Psychological, Reproductive, and Metabolic Manifestations That Impacts Health Across the Lifespan

926 citations, June 2010 in “BMC Medicine”

Polycystic ovary syndrome is a complex condition that affects women's mental, reproductive, and metabolic health throughout their lives.

Criteria for Defining Polycystic Ovary Syndrome as a Predominantly Hyperandrogenic Syndrome: An Androgen Excess Society Guideline

research Criteria for Defining Polycystic Ovary Syndrome as a Predominantly Hyperandrogenic Syndrome: An Androgen Excess Society Guideline

1744 citations, November 2006 in “The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism”

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome should be seen mainly as a condition of excess male hormones, with a focus on this in its definition.

research Diagnostic Criteria for Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome

45 citations, January 2006 in “Endocrine journal”

To diagnose Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, two out of three signs—irregular periods, high male hormone levels, or cysts on the ovaries—are needed.

4 / 4 results

research Correlation of Clinical and Biochemical Hyperandrogenism in Thai Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

14 citations, February 2016 in “Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Research”

Blood tests are needed to confirm high male hormone levels in women with PCOS, as physical signs alone are not reliable.

research Hyperandrogenism in Women: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

3 citations, January 2012 in “Hanyang Medical Reviews”

The document concludes that more research is needed to create suitable diagnostic criteria and understand PCOS in Korean women, and genetics may allow for personalized treatment.

research Diagnosis of Hyperandrogenism: Clinical Criteria

85 citations, June 2006 in “Best Practice & Research Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism”

The document concludes that hirsutism is the main sign for diagnosing hyperandrogenism, which requires a detailed patient history and physical exam.

research Spironolactone Therapeutic Effect in the Hyperandrogenism Syndrome

1 citations, April 1993 in “Problemy e̊ndokrinologii”

Spironolactone effectively reduces symptoms of hyperandrogenism like hirsutism and acne.