Longitudinal study detects high risk of depression and other mental health disorders in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

BackgroundPolycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common lifelong metabolic condition with serious associated comorbidities. Evidence points to a delay in diagnosis and inconsistency in the information provided to women with PCOS.AimTo capture women’s experiences of how PCOS is diagnosed and managed in UK general practice.Design and settingThis was a mixed-methods study with an online questionnaire survey and semi-structured telephone interviews with a subset of responders.MethodAn online survey to elicit women’s experiences of general practice PCOS care was promoted by charities and BBC Radio Leicester. The survey was accessible online between January 2018 and November 2018. A subset of responders undertook a semi-structured telephone interview to provide more in-depth data.ResultsA total of 323 women completed the survey (average age 35.4 years) and semi-structured interviews were conducted with 11 women. There were five key themes identified through the survey responses. Participants described a variable lag time from presentation to PCOS diagnosis, with a median of 6–12 months. Many had experienced mental health problems associated with their PCOS symptoms, but had not discussed these with the GP. Many were unable to recall any discussion about associated comorbidities with the GP. Some differences were identified between the experiences of women from white British backgrounds and those from other ethnic backgrounds.ConclusionFrom the experiences of the women in this study, it appears that PCOS in general practice is not viewed as a long-term condition with an increased risk of comorbidities including mental health problems. Further research should explore GPs’ awareness of comorbidities and the differences in PCOS care experienced by women from different ethnic backgrounds.

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The Impact of Proband Glucose Tolerance Status on Body Mass Index (BMI) and Adiposity in Adolescent Girls at High Risk for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

10.1210/endo-meetings.2010.part1.p7.p1-341 ◽

2010 ◽

pp. P1-341-P1-341

Author(s):

DH Geller ◽

S Ten ◽

R Mathew ◽

SE Oberfield ◽

MI Hernandez ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Body Mass Index ◽

High Risk ◽

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome ◽

Glucose Tolerance ◽

Body Mass ◽

Adolescent Girls ◽

Polycystic Ovary ◽

Ovary Syndrome ◽

Glucose Tolerance Status ◽

The Impact

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Metabolic Alterations in Young Girls at Risk of Developing Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Five Year Longitudinal Study

Canadian Journal of Diabetes ◽

10.1016/j.jcjd.2015.09.019 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 39 (6) ◽

pp. 530

Author(s):

Jean-Patrice Baillargeon ◽

Marie-Claude Battista ◽

David H. Geller ◽

Soren Harnois-Leblanc

Keyword(s):

At Risk ◽

Longitudinal Study ◽

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome ◽

Polycystic Ovary ◽

Ovary Syndrome ◽

Metabolic Alterations ◽

Young Girls

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Polycystic ovary syndrome: metabolic aspects

Oxford Textbook of Endocrinology and Diabetes ◽

10.1093/med/9780199235292.003.0857 ◽

2011 ◽

pp. 1235-1239

Author(s):

Richard S. Legro

Keyword(s):

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome ◽

Insulin Action ◽

Polycystic Ovary ◽

Metabolic Abnormalities ◽

Polycystic Ovaries ◽

Ovary Syndrome ◽

Insulin Resistant ◽

The Metabolic Syndrome ◽

Health Disorders

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is thought to be primarily a disorder that affects women during their reproductive years. The diagnostic criteria reflect ovarian dysfunction, i.e. hyperandrogenism, anovulation, and polycystic ovaries. However, women with PCOS appear to be uniquely insulin resistant, are frequently obese, and may be at risk for a variety of long-term health disorders including diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancers. Although the endocrine and reproductive features of the disorder improve with age, the associated metabolic abnormalities, particularly components of the metabolic syndrome, may actually worsen. This chapter will explore the pathophysiology of aberrant insulin action in women with PCOS, recognition of long-term risks, and preventive strategies.

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