Health-related quality of life in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: A comparison with the general population using the Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Questionnaire (PCOSQ) and the Short Form-36 (SF-36)

In the 2006 study, researchers assessed the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in 22 women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) compared to 96 control women using the Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Questionnaire (PCOSQ) and the Short Form-36 (SF-36). Women with PCOS had lower HRQoL scores on both the SF-36 and PCOSQ, with the most significant impact seen in mental health, energy/vitality, and general health perceptions. After adjusting for body mass index (BMI), differences in SF-36 scores were not significant, but PCOSQ differences remained, indicating a specific impact of PCOS on HRQoL beyond BMI effects. The study found that PCOS affects psychological well-being more than physical HRQoL when compared to other medical conditions, and emphasized the importance of weight management in improving HRQoL for women with PCOS. The PCOSQ was also validated as a reliable tool for measuring HRQoL in this population.