Eur J Endocrinol
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DOI: 10.1530/eje.1.02024
European Journal of Endocrinology, Vol 153, Issue 6, 853-860
Copyright © 2005 by European Society of Endocrinology
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CLINICAL STUDY

Clinical and psychological correlates of quality-of-life in polycystic ovary syndrome

Susanne Hahn, Onno E Janssen, Susanne Tan, Katja Pleger1, Klaus Mann, Manfred Schedlowski2, Rainer Kimmig3, Sven Benson1, Efthimia Balamitsa1 and Sigrid Elsenbruch1

Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, University of Duisburg-Essen, Germany, Hufelandstr. 55, 45 122 Essen, Germany, 1 Institute of Medical Psychology, University of Duisburg-Essen, Germany, 2 Division of Psychology and Behavioral Immunobiology, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, ETH-Zurich, Switzerland and 3 Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Duisburg-Essen, Germany

(Correspondence should be addressed to O E Janssen; Email: onno.janssen{at}uni-essen.de)

Objective: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) has been shown to cause a reduction in quality of life. This study examines the extent of different PCOS symptoms on quality-of-life, psychosocial well-being and sexual satisfaction.

Methods: Complete metabolic, hormonal, clinical and psychosocial data were obtained from a total of 120 women with PCOS. Patients were compared with 50 healthy women to establish reductions in quality-of-life and emotional well-being. In addition, the correlation between psychosocial variables and the major clinical PCOS features obesity (body mass index (BMI)), excessive body hair (hirsutism score), acne, hyperandrogenism (serum testosterone levels), disturbed insulin regulation (area under the insulin response curve and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance), menstrual cycle disturbances and infertility were analyzed.

Results: PCOS patients showed significant reductions in quality-of-life, increased psychological disturbances, and decreased sexual satisfaction when compared with healthy controls. BMI and hirsutism scores, but not the presence of acne, were associated with physical aspects of quality-of-life and sexual satisfaction. No clear effect of androgens or insulin resistance on psychosocial variables was detected. Similarly, the type of menstrual cycle disturbances or infertility had no impact on psychological well-being.

Conclusion: In PCOS, changes in appearance, particularly obesity and hirsutism, reduce physical dimensions of quality-of-life and decrease sexual satisfaction. The role of biochemical, endocrine and metabolic parameters as well as menstrual irregularities and infertility appeared to be less important. Clinicians should pay attention to the psychosocial dimensions of PCOS on an individual basis, regardless of symptom severity or treatment response.




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