Examining symptom and quality of life in polycystic ovarian syndrome: a web-based cross-sectional study.

Abstract

Background: Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is a reproductive disorder that significantly impacts women's quality of life (QOL). Its unclear etiology, whether genetic or environmental, and the treatments associated with it have been widely studied globally.

Research design and methods: This study assessed the QOL of 108 women with PCOS, examining both physical and mental symptoms. Participants completed the Short Form-12 (SF-12) questionnaire through a web-based survey to evaluate their QOL scores.

Results: Common symptoms included menstrual irregularity (73.14%), hirsutism (65.7%), acne (62.03%), and obesity (22.22%). Complications such as diabetes mellitus (12.9%), hypertension (2.78%), infertility (1.85%), miscarriages (31.4%), hyperandrogenism (68.51%), and insulin resistance (28.7%) were reported. Patients with infertility had the lowest physical scores (PCS), while those working night shifts had the lowest mental scores (MCS).

Conclusion: PCOS significantly affects QOL, with infertility contributing to the lowest physical scores and night shift work correlating with the lowest mental scores. These findings emphasize the need for integrated psychological and physical care, particularly for young working women with PCOS.