Obesity and Hyperandrogenism Are Implicated with Anxiety, Depression, and Food Cravings in Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

    January 2023 in “ Research Square (Research Square) ”
    Dimitrios Karagiannakis, Katerina Stefanaki, Marina Raftopoulou, Θεοδώρα Ψαλτοπούλου, Stavroula Α. Paschou, Ιoannis Ilias
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    Studysummary This study found that obesity, insulin resistance, and hyperandrogenism increase the risk of depression and food cravings in women with PCOS, exacerbating obesity and metabolic syndrome. Our plain-language summary of this paper — not a Tressless recommendation.
    This study involving 81 women (49 with PCOS and 32 healthy controls) found that women with PCOS had higher levels of DHEA-S, A4A, and Testosterone, and experienced more severe depressive symptoms and food cravings. Depression was linked to obesity and hyperandrogenism, while food cravings were associated with obesity, waist circumference, and insulin resistance. Anxiety levels did not differ significantly between PCOS patients and controls. The findings suggest that managing emotional distress, obesity, insulin resistance, and hyperandrogenism is crucial for improving the well-being of women with PCOS.
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