TLDR Women with PCOS often have mood disorders and a lower quality of life, and treatment should focus on both physical and mental health.
The 2015 document reports that polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is associated with a high prevalence of mood disorders, with depression affecting 28% to 64% and anxiety affecting 34% to 57% of women with PCOS. The physical manifestations of PCOS, such as hirsutism and obesity, contribute to psychological issues, including impaired sexual functioning and social maladjustment. The review emphasizes the need for mental health assessments in the initial evaluation of women with PCOS and suggests that treatments like oral contraceptives may improve emotional distress and quality of life. It also notes the broader clinical implications of PCOS, including increased risk for metabolic conditions in relatives and the impact of PCOS on neuroticism, stress coping, anger, and overall quality of life. The paper concludes that treatment for PCOS should address both physical and psychiatric symptoms.
48 citations,
February 2014 in “Fertility and Sterility” Women with PCOS often have hair loss, which is linked to acne or excess body hair but not to worse hormone or metabolic issues.
16 citations,
February 2014 in “Iranian Red Crescent Medical Journal” Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) affects Iranian women's feelings of femininity and self-image.
57 citations,
October 2013 in “international journal of endocrinology and metabolism” Female pattern hair loss is common, linked to polycystic ovarian syndrome, and treated with topical Minoxidil.
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.
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.
4025 citations,
December 2003 in “Human Reproduction” The 2003 consensus updated PCOS diagnosis criteria and linked PCOS to higher risks of diabetes and heart problems, recommending lifestyle changes to lower these risks.
27 citations,
April 1996 in “Baillière's clinical endocrinology and metabolism” The document says that understanding the causes of PCOS is important for treatment, especially in distinguishing the syndrome from just having cystic ovaries, and that losing weight is key for obese women with PCOS.
