Endocrine Abstracts

JOINT3987

Introduction: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrine and metabolic disorder, affecting 6–10% of women of reproductive age worldwide. It is defined by clinical and/or biochemical features, including hyperandrogenism (HA), ovulatory dysfunction (OD), and polycystic ovarian morphology (PCOM), with patients classified into four distinct phenotypes. Despite the physical symptoms, PCOS is also associated with psychological challenges. The aim of this study is to evaluate the mental health of women with PCOS using the Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item scale (GAD-7) and the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), focusing on anxiety and depression.

Subjects and methods: We analyzed 111 female patients, divided into two groups: PCOS (n = 70, age: 26.14±6.734 years) and the control group (n = 41, age: 26.98±6.912 years), matched by age. We assessed anthropometric parameters (BMI and waist circumference), androgen levels (total testosterone, SHBG, FAI) and mental health questionnaires (GAD-7 and PHQ-9). The analysis was performed using SPSS software.

Results: The two groups showed differences in BMI values (PCOS:Controls: 25.581±5.742 vs. 23.007±4.411) and waist circumference (PCOS:Controls: 81.53±14.417cm vs. 76.17±10.998cm). A clear difference was observed in androgen levels, which were notably higher in patients with PCOS (P <0.01). No significant differences were found in the results of the GAD-7 and PHQ-9 questionnaires between the groups (P >0.05). There was no significant correlation between the mental health questionnaires (GAD-7 and PHQ-9) and BMI, waist circumference, or androgen levels in either group (P >0.05). Furthermore, no correlation was found between these parameters within the PCOS group.

Conclusion: The results of this study did not reveal a significant correlation between mental health assessments (GAD-7 and PHQ-9) and anthropometric parameters or androgen levels in either group. This suggests that, although physical differences are evident in patients with PCOS, psychological factors such as anxiety and depression may not be directly linked to these specific body indicators. These findings highlight the complexity of the relationship between PCOS and mental health, suggesting that further research is required to explore potential underlying factors.