Evaluation of Retinal Changes in Women with Different Phenotypes of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

    January 2025 in “ Diagnostics ”
    Fatma Sümer, Beril Gürlek, Elif Yıldız, Feyzahan Ekici, Sabri Çolak, İlknur Merve Ayazoğlu
    Image of study
    TLDR Women with PCOS have distinct retinal changes compared to healthy women.
    This study evaluated retinal changes in 150 women, including 120 with different phenotypes of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and 30 healthy controls. It found that women with PCOS had significantly greater retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) and choroidal thickness compared to controls, particularly in the nasal quadrants, while the temporal inner and outer macula and central macula were thinner. The study also noted a positive correlation between body mass index (BMI) and changes in choroidal thickness. These findings suggest that PCOS phenotypes are associated with distinct retinal alterations, potentially linked to hormonal changes, and highlight the need for further research to explore the long-term effects of PCOS on ocular health.
    Discuss this study in the Community →

    Research cited in this study

    3 / 3 results

    Related Community Posts Join

    6 / 22 results

      community C’est terrible - at my wits end

      in Female  450 upvotes 2 years ago
      A 29-year-old woman is experiencing gradual hair thinning since age 15, suspects Androgenic Alopecia, and has tried 5% minoxidil with little success. She has purchased various hair loss treatments including minoxidil, dutasteride, finasteride, and spironolactone, but is cautious about starting them due to potential interactions with her ADHD medication.

      community PCOS Hair Loss: What’s Helped Me (and What Didn’t)

      in Treatment  9 upvotes 6 months ago
      OP shares their experience with PCOS-related hair loss, highlighting that addressing vitamin D and ferritin deficiencies, managing hormones with spironolactone, and using gentle hair care products helped improve their condition. They advise against relying on "miracle" hair oils and emphasize the importance of medical evaluation and a combined approach to treatment.

      community Female, 30, PCOS diagnosis, MPB Norwood 2. Endo refuses to give anything other than Spironolactone. Feel like I’m at my wit’s end here.

      in Female  53 upvotes 2 years ago
      A 30-year-old female with PCOS and male pattern baldness is frustrated with her endocrinologist's recommendation of only Spironolactone and minoxidil, feeling that dutasteride, finasteride, and progesterone would be more effective. Other users suggest various online sources for treatments, warn against self-medicating due to potential risks, and recommend seeking a specialized endocrinologist or considering additional treatments like Inositol, Berberine, and dermaneedling.

      community Sugar and Hair loss connections

      in Research/Science  41 upvotes 10 months ago
      High sugar diets may worsen hair loss by increasing 5α-reductase activity and androgen levels, especially in women with PCOS. A low sugar diet might reduce scalp DHT levels, similar to finasteride, but genetics also significantly influence hair loss.

    Similar Research

    5 / 1000+ results