Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and Risks for COVID-19 Infection: A Comprehensive Review

February 2022 in “ Reviews in Endocrine and Metabolic Disorders ”

Sebastião Freitas de Medeiros, Márcia Marly Winck Yamamoto, Matheus Antônio Souto de Medeiros, Ana Karine Lin Winck Yamamoto, Bruna Barcelo Barbosa

polycystic ovary syndrome PCOS hyperandrogenism insulin resistance chronic inflammation obesity

Studysummary This review reports that women with polycystic ovary syndrome are at 28%–50% higher risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection, with increased rates of COVID-19-related hospitalization, morbidity, and mortality.

Our plain-language summary. Not medical advice or a treatment recommendation. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before changing treatment. Full disclaimer

The review examined the link between polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and increased risks for COVID-19 infection, finding that women with PCOS were at a 28%-50% higher risk of contracting COVID-19 and experiencing severe outcomes. This heightened risk was attributed to common PCOS comorbidities such as obesity, insulin resistance, hyperandrogenism, and chronic inflammation, which could exacerbate COVID-19 severity. A UK study of over 21,000 PCOS patients supported these findings. The review suggested that hyperandrogenism might facilitate viral entry, while obesity and insulin resistance contributed to immune dysfunction. It emphasized the need for careful management of these comorbidities and specific care protocols for PCOS patients to mitigate COVID-19 risks.

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