The role of stress in PCOS

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a complex endocrinopathy affecting a remarkable proportion of premenopausal women. Different studies have shown that stress is widely encountered in women with PCOS.

Areas covered: As PCOS is a multifaceted disorder, ‘stress’ incorporates different translations. We performed a literature review, focusing on the most recent data, regarding the multipotent role of stress in the syndrome.

Expert commentary: Stress is believed to be an important component of PCOS. It encompasses different definitions that are all equivalent, like metabolic, inflammatory, oxidative and emotional stress. However, the type of stress that distinguishes PCOS is metabolic stress. It becomes evident early in life and constitutes the pathophysiological heart of the syndrome. Metabolic stress along with the other types of stress are the progenitors of severe long-term health implications, which exacerbate further the reproductive, metabolic and psychological derangements of the syndrome, leading to an endless cycle of chronic illness.

KEYWORDS:

• Polycystic ovary syndrome
• stress
• androgens
• metabolic stress
• advanced glycation-end products

Declaration of interest

The authors have no relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties.

Additional information

Funding

No funding was received.