Health-Related Quality of Life and Gender Roles in Adolescent Girls with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Systematic Review

The systematic review from 2016 examined the impact of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) on the health-related quality of life (HRQL) and gender roles in adolescent girls. PCOS, an endocrine disorder affecting 5% to 10% of women of reproductive age, was found to negatively influence various aspects of adolescents' HRQL. Girls with PCOS had lower self-esteem and faced challenges in social functioning. Key factors limiting HRQL included issues with proper weight and body perception. The review highlighted the need for more cross-sectional clinical studies to accurately assess the real impact of PCOS on HRQL and the development of a reliable tool to evaluate HRQL in adolescent girls with PCOS.