Of PCOS Symptoms, Hirsutism Has the Most Significant Impact on the Quality of Life of Iranian Women

April 2015 in “ PLOS ONE ”

Mahnaz Bahri Khomami, Fahimeh Ramezani Tehrani, Somayeh Hashemi, Maryam Farahmand, Fereidoun Azizi

hirsutism polycystic ovary syndrome PCOS excessive hair growth obesity irregular menses infertility

TLDR Excessive hair growth affects the quality of life of Iranian women with PCOS the most.

In 2015, a study was conducted on 796 Iranian women aged 15-49 years diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). The study found that hirsutism, or excessive hair growth, had the most significant impact on their health-related quality of life. Other PCOS symptoms such as obesity, irregular menses, and infertility also affected their quality of life, but hirsutism was the most impactful. The study also found that the severity of hirsutism was directly proportional to the decrease in health-related quality of life score. The study concluded that healthcare officials should consider each clinical feature of PCOS separately when designing management strategies due to their varying impacts on psychological and physical health.

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Research cited in this study

9 / 9 results

research Prevalence of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome in Women in China: A Large Community-Based Study

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Most women with hyperandrogenism first show acne, and skin conditions like hirsutism and acanthosis nigricans are good indicators of the condition.

research The Prevalence of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome in a Community Sample of Iranian Population: Iranian PCOS Prevalence Study

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About 7% to 15% of Iranian women have polycystic ovary syndrome, depending on the criteria used to diagnose it.

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50 citations , 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.

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.

research The Androgen Excess and PCOS Society Criteria for the Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: The Complete Task Force Report

1540 citations , October 2008 in “Fertility and Sterility”

The report concludes that PCOS is mainly a condition of excess male hormones and its definition may change as new information is discovered.

A Simple Screening Approach for Assessing Community Prevalence and Phenotype of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome in a Semiurban Population in Sri Lanka

research A Simple Screening Approach for Assessing Community Prevalence and Phenotype of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome in a Semiurban Population in Sri Lanka

120 citations , June 2008 in “American Journal of Epidemiology”

A simple screening method found that 6.3% of women in a semiurban area in Sri Lanka have polycystic ovary syndrome, with most showing menstrual irregularities.

research Definitions, Prevalence, and Symptoms of Polycystic Ovaries and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

278 citations , August 2004 in “Best Practice & Research in Clinical Obstetrics & Gynaecology”

Polycystic ovaries are defined by having 12 or more small follicles in each ovary and are found in up to 33% of women, while Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is the most common hormone disorder in women of reproductive age, potentially increasing risk of obesity, diabetes, and heart diseases.

research Revised 2003 Consensus on Diagnostic Criteria and Long-Term Health Risks Related to Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

4809 citations , 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.

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research Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: Dermatological Approach

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Polycystic Ovary Syndrome can cause hair loss and skin issues, and early treatment is important for preventing complications.

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Of PCOS Symptoms, Hirsutism Has the Most Significant Impact on the Quality of Life of Iranian Women

Research cited in this study

research Prevalence of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome in Women in China: A Large Community-Based Study

research The Dermatologic Manifestation of Hyperandrogenism: A Retrospective Chart Review

research The Prevalence of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome in a Community Sample of Iranian Population: Iranian PCOS Prevalence Study

research Health-Related Quality of Life and Psychological Distress in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Hidden Facet in South Asian Women

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

research The Androgen Excess and PCOS Society Criteria for the Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: The Complete Task Force Report

research A Simple Screening Approach for Assessing Community Prevalence and Phenotype of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome in a Semiurban Population in Sri Lanka

research Definitions, Prevalence, and Symptoms of Polycystic Ovaries and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

research Revised 2003 Consensus on Diagnostic Criteria and Long-Term Health Risks Related to Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

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