Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS): moving from characterization to interventions

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a health problem that affects approximately 1 in 10 women. It is characterized by absent or infrequent menstruation, raised androgen levels and polycystic ovaries. In addition to menstrual irregularity and reduced fertility; symptoms can include hirsutism, acne and weight gain. PCOS is also related to longer-term health problems such as diabetes. As a result, PCOS can have a detrimental effect on women’s quality of life, which can include increased psychological distress and concerns about body image.

In this issue are two papers that highlight research designed to enhance the understanding of PCOS and support the argument to develop tailored interventions. Scaruffi et al. [1] focus on the relationship of body image, personality profiles and alexithymia in an Italian sample. In comparison with healthy age-matched controls (n = 38), women with PCOS (n = 59) showed higher levels of alexithymia and dissatisfaction with their body image. Whilst the authors recognize that their study has some limitations, the results provide a more detailed understanding of the effects PCOS can have on women’s lives. This will help clinicians design a more nuanced care pathway for women with this condition. The findings add to evidence that PCOS is related to higher levels of psychological distress in women which may affect personal and professional relationships.

In an effort to address the effects of PCOS on quality of life and fatigue Abdollahi et al. [2] randomized 74 Iranian women to cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT× 8 weekly sessions) or control. The sessions were designed to increase women’s understanding of their bodies, explain ovarian function and PCOS through the inclusion of various psychological techniques. They found that CBT had the potential to improve quality of life and reduce fatigue (cognitive, physical and social). Whilst this intervention needs to be scaled up and tested on a larger sample size, the results show promise. Future research should control for levels of anxiety and depression, which could have affected the findings.

There is no cure for PCOS. Medical management can help regulate the menstrual cycle and assist in fertility and endometrial protection. However, psychological interventions, lifestyle advice and self-management can also critically inform women’s day to day management of their symptoms. There appears to be a renewed international interest in PCOS, and further research is needed to allow for more accurate characterization that will inform the development of integrated hormonal, psychological, exercise and dietary interventions.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.