Polycystic ovary syndrome and quality of life: reproductive and psychological perspectives
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.18203/2320-1770.ijrcog20262593Keywords:
Polycystic ovary syndrome, Hormonal disorder, Infertility, Mental health, Anovulation, Lifestyle modification, Medical interventionAbstract
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal condition marked by elevated androgen levels and the presence of ovarian cysts. Women diagnosed with PCOS often face irregular menstrual cycles, frequently resulting in missed ovulation, which complicates their chances of conceiving. This disorder has become one of the leading factors contributing to infertility in women. In addition to affecting reproductive health, PCOS also has ramifications for women’s mental and physical wellness. Various factors including environmental toxins, eating habits, lifestyle choices, genetic factors, obesity, and imbalances in gut microbiota, play a role in the development, frequency, and manifestation of the condition. The effects of PCOS significantly diminish the quality of life for the women who experience it, due to its intricate physical, psychological, and social implications. Furthermore, PCOS heightens the likelihood of complications such as miscarriage, gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, and premature delivery in women. Women with PCOS also have a significantly higher risk of developing type-2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and metabolic disorders. PCOS has no permanent cure but the condition can be managed through lifestyle modification and medical treatment. A combination of both can help improve the quality of life in women with PCOS. This review analyzes the profound effects of PCOS on women’s fertility and health while highlighting how it impairs quality of life and the role of lifestyle changes in mitigating these impacts.
Metrics
References
PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome): Symptoms & Treatment, 2025. Available at: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/8316polycystic-ovary-syndrome-pcos. Accessed on 28 May 2026.
WHO. Polycystic ovary syndrome, 2026. Available at: https://www.who.int/newsroom/factsheets/detat. Accessed on 28 May 2026.
Kicińska AM, Maksym RB, Zabielska-Kaczorowska MA, Stachowska A, Babińska A. Immunological and Metabolic Causes of Infertility in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. Biomedicines. 2023;11(6):1567. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines11061567
Owens LA, Franks S, Padmanabhan V, Abbott DH. Polycystic ovary syndrome: origins and implications: The impact of polycystic ovary syndrome on reproductive health: a narrative review. Reproduction. 2025;169(5):240485. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1530/REP-24-0485
Matsuyama S, Whiteside S, Li SY. Implantation and Decidualization in PCOS: Unraveling the Complexities of Pregnancy. Int J Mol Sci. 2024;25(2):1203. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25021203
Siddiqui S, Mateen S, Ahmad R, Moin S. A brief insight into the etiology, genetics, and immunology of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). J Assist Reprod Genet. 2022;39(11):2439-73. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10815-022-02625-7
Yang J, Chen C. Hormonal changes in PCOS. J Endocrinol. 2024;261(1):e230342. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1530/JOE-23-0342
Wegrzynowicz AK, Dudley CM, Cooney LG, Stanic AK. Polycystic ovary syndrome: origins and implications: Maternal complications of pregnancy in polycystic ovary syndrome. Reproduction. 2025;170(6):e250108.
He Y, Lu Y, Zhu Q, Wang Y, Lindheim SR, Qi J, et al. Influence of metabolic syndrome on female fertility and in vitro fertilization outcomes in PCOS women. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2019;221(2):138. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajog.2019.03.011
Palomba S. Is fertility reduced in ovulatory women with polycystic ovary syndrome? An opinion paper. Hum Reprod. 2021;36(9):2421-8. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1093/humrep/deab181
Palomba S, Piltonen TT, Giudice LC. Endometrial function in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: a comprehensive review. Hum Reprod Update. 2021;27(3):584-618. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1093/humupd/dmaa051
Palomba S, Costanzi F, Caserta D, Vitagliano A. Pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions for improving endometrial receptivity in infertile patients with polycystic ovary syndrome: a comprehensive review of the available evidence. Reprod Biomed Online. 2024;49(6):104381. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rbmo.2024.104381
Singh S, Pal N, Shubham S, Sarma DK, Verma V, Marotta F, et al. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: Etiology, Current Management, and Future Therapeutics. J Clin Med. 2023;12(4):1454. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm12041454
Zhang B, Zhou W, Shi Y, Zhang J, Cui L, Chen ZJ. Lifestyle and environmental contributions to ovulatory dysfunction in women of polycystic ovary syndrome. BMC Endocr Disord. 2020;20(1):19. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12902-020-0497-6
Šimková M, Vítků J, Kolátorová L, Vrbíková J, Vosátková M, Včelák J, et al. Endocrine disruptors, obesity, and cytokines - how relevant are they to PCOS? Physiol Res. 2020;69(2):S279-93. DOI: https://doi.org/10.33549/physiolres.934521
Garg R, Goswami B, Singh K, Singh S, Agrawal P, Gupta P, et al. Association of Organochlorine Pesticide Exposure as Endocrine Disruptors with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome in North India. J Midlife Health. 2025;16(2):201-7. DOI: https://doi.org/10.4103/jmh.jmh_50_25
Lin SY, Yang YC, Chang CY, Lin CC, Hsu WH, Ju SW, et al. Risk of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome in Women Exposed to Fine Air Pollutants and Acidic Gases: A Nationwide Cohort Analysis. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2019;16(23):4816. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph16234816
Marsh KA, Steinbeck KS, Atkinson FS, Petocz P, Brand-Miller JC. Effect of a low glycemic index compared with a conventional healthy diet on polycystic ovary syndrome. Am J Clin Nutr. 2010;92(1):83-92. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3945/ajcn.2010.29261
Gautam R, Maan P, Jyoti A, Kumar A, Malhotra N, Arora T. The Role of Lifestyle Interventions in PCOS Management: A Systematic Review. Nutrients. 2025;17(2):310.
González F, Considine RV, Abdelhadi OA, Acton AJ. Inflammation Triggered by Saturated Fat Ingestion Is Linked to Insulin Resistance and Hyperandrogenism in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2020;105(6):e2152-67. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1210/clinem/dgaa108
Pau CT, Keefe CC, Welt CK. Cigarette smoking, nicotine levels and increased risk for metabolic syndrome in women with polycystic ovary syndrome. Gynecol Endocrinol. 2013;29(6):551-5. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3109/09513590.2013.788634
Yang Y, Zhang H, Huang BY, Lu YH, Fukuzawa I, Yang S, et al. Relationship between smoking, excessive androgen and negative emotions in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). J Ovarian Res. 2024;17(1):211. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s13048-024-01541-x
Healthfab. PCOS and Alcohol: What You Must Know, 2025. Available at: https://www.healthfab.in/blogs/lifestyle/pcosandalcohol?srsltid=AfmBOooL1e7Qxmtnc_yTgpNnWLxcScmr7uAWrF__C_7kQtRu5SsHs3O&utm_source=chatgpt.com. Accessed on 28 May 2026.
Origin. Can Alcohol Affect Your Period? What You Should Know, 2025. Available at: https://www.originstexas.com/blog/canalcoholaffect-your-period/?utm_source=chatgpt.com. Accessed on 28 May 2026.
Ajayi LO, Onaolapo MC, Akanbi GB, Ayodele AH, Alabi MO, Gbenga GO, et al. Impact of substance abuse on polycystic ovarian syndrome. Discover Endocrinol Metab. 2025;1:1. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s44417-025-00004-1
NHS. Polycystic ovary syndrome - Causes – NHS, 2026. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/polycysticovarysyndrome-pcos/causes/. Accessed on 28 May 2026.
Jahanfar S, Eden JA, Warren P, Seppälä M, Nguyen TV. A twin study of polycystic ovary syndrome. Fertil Steril. 1995;63(3):478-86. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/S0015-0282(16)57412-3
Jahanfar S, Eden JA, Nguyen T, Wang XL, Wilcken DE. A twin study of polycystic ovary syndrome and lipids. Gynecol Endocrinol. 1997;11(2):111-7. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3109/09513599709152521
Vink JM, Sadrzadeh S, Lambalk CB, Boomsma DI. Heritability of polycystic ovary syndrome in a Dutch twin-family study. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2006;91(6):2100-4. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1210/jc.2005-1494
Escobar-Morreale HF. Polycystic ovary syndrome: definition, aetiology, diagnosis and treatment. Nat Rev Endocrinol. 2018;14(5):270-84.
Barber TM, Franks S. Obesity and polycystic ovary syndrome. Clin Endocrinol (Oxf). 2021;95(4):531-41. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/cen.14421
Qi X, Yun C, Sun L, Xia J, Wu Q, Wang Y, et al. Gut microbiota-bile acid-interleukin-22 axis orchestrates polycystic ovary syndrome. Nat Med. 2019;25(8):1225-33. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41591-019-0509-0
Han Q, Wang J, Li W, Chen ZJ, Du Y. Androgen-induced gut dysbiosis disrupts glucolipid metabolism and endocrinal functions in polycystic ovary syndrome. Microbiome. 2021;9(1):101. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s40168-021-01046-5
Yang Y, Cheng J, Liu C, Zhang X, Ma N, Zhou Z, et al. Gut microbiota in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: an individual based analysis of publicly available data. EClinicalMedicine. 2024;77:102884. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eclinm.2024.102884
Prabha Bhandari M, Gauri Adhikari M, Manandhar L, Dipendra Kandel M. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatments. The American J Patient Health Info. 2025;2(2). DOI: https://doi.org/10.69512/ajphi.v2i2.83
Hussein K, Karami M. Association between insulin resistance and abnormal menstrual cycle in Saudi females with polycystic ovary syndrome. Saudi Pharm J. 2023;31(6):1104-8. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsps.2023.03.021
Escobar-Morreale HF. Polycystic ovary syndrome: definition, aetiology, diagnosis and treatment. Nat Rev Endocrinol. 2018;14(5):270-84. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/nrendo.2018.24
Brassard M, AinMelk Y, Baillargeon JP. Basic infertility including polycystic ovary syndrome. Med Clin North Am. 2008;92(5):1163-92. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mcna.2008.04.008
Sha T, Wang X, Cheng W, Yan Y. A meta-analysis of pregnancy-related outcomes and complications in women with polycystic ovary syndrome undergoing IVF. Reprod Biomed Online. 2019;39(2):281-93.
Dennett CC, Simon J. The role of polycystic ovary syndrome in reproductive and metabolic health: overview and approaches for treatment. Diabetes Spectr. 2015;28(2):116-20.
Dennett CC, Simon J. The role of polycystic ovary syndrome in reproductive and metabolic health: overview and approaches for treatment. Diabetes Spectr. 2015;28(2):116-20. DOI: https://doi.org/10.2337/diaspect.28.2.116
Lina KSN. Investigating the Role of Hormonal Imbalances in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and Fertility Outcomes. Bangladesh J Adv Clin Res. 2024;2:13-22. DOI: https://doi.org/10.70945/bjacr.v02i01.09
Jiang NX, Li XL. The Disorders of Endometrial Receptivity in PCOS and Its Mechanisms. Reprod Sci. 2022;29(9):2465-76. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s43032-021-00629-9
Wegrzynowicz AK, Dudley CM, Cooney LG, Stanic AK, Wegrzynowicz AK, Dudley CM, et al. Polycystic ovary syndrome: origins and implications: Maternal complications of pregnancy in polycystic ovary syndrome. Reproduction. 2025;170(6). DOI: https://doi.org/10.1530/REP-25-0108
Sha T, Wang X, Cheng W, Yan Y. A meta-analysis of pregnancy-related outcomes and complications in women with polycystic ovary syndrome undergoing IVF. Reprod Biomed Online. 2019;39(2):281-93. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rbmo.2019.03.203
Farland LV, Stern JE, Liu CL, Cabral HJ, Coddington CC, Diop H, Dukhovny D, Hwang S, Missmer SA. Polycystic ovary syndrome and risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes: a registry linkage study from Massachusetts. Hum Reprod. 2022;37(11):2690-9. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1093/humrep/deac210
Gilbert EW, Tay CT, Hiam DS, Teede HJ, Moran LJ. Comorbidities and complications of polycystic ovary syndrome: An overview of systematic reviews. Clin Endocrinol (Oxf). 201;89(6):683-9. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/cen.13828
Cooney LG, Dokras A. Beyond fertility: polycystic ovary syndrome and long-term health. Fertil Steril. 2018;110(5):794-809. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fertnstert.2018.08.021
Yellow-Duke UF, Salibi G, Tzenios N. PCOS as A Metabolic Disease. Special J Med Acadand other Life Sci. 2025;3(4). DOI: https://doi.org/10.58676/sjmas.v3i4.119
Anagnostis P, Tarlatzis BC, Kauffman RP. Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS): Long-term metabolic consequences. Metabolism. 2018;86:33-43. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.metabol.2017.09.016
Kugelman N, Morris DV, Dahan MH. O-128 A 37-year prospective study of polycystic ovary syndrome patients: impact of body mass index at enrolment on long-term morbidity and mortality. Human Reprod. 2025;40. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1093/humrep/deaf097.128
Naeem I, Zehra A, Rehman F, Hussain A, Hussain A, Hussain N, et al. Polycystic ovarian syndrome a risk factor for non-communicable diseases: insights into recent research and prevention approaches. J Ovarian Res. 2025;18(1):219. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s13048-025-01741-z
Mojahed BS, Ghajarzadeh M, Khammar R, Shahraki Z. Depression, sexual function and sexual quality of life in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and healthy subjects. J Ovarian Res. 2023;16(1):105. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s13048-023-01171-9
Hofmann K, Decrinis C, Bitterlich N, Tropschuh K, Stute P, Bachmann A. Body image and mental health in women with polycystic ovary syndrome-a cross-sectional study. Arch Gynecol Obstet. 2025;312(1):177-90. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00404-024-07913-4
Dybciak P, Humeniuk E, Raczkiewicz D, Krakowiak J, Wdowiak A, Bojar I. Anxiety and Depression in Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. Medicina (Kaunas). 2022;58(7):942. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina58070942
Mavulati SC, Dodoala S. Impact of clinical features on quality of life in women with polycystic ovarian syndrome. Asian J Pharma Res. 2025;18(5):71-5. DOI: https://doi.org/10.22159/ajpcr.2025v18i5.54424
Khomami MB, Tehrani FR, Hashemi S, Farahmand M, Azizi F. Of PCOS symptoms, hirsutism has the most significant impact on the quality of life of Iranian women. PLoS One. 2015;10(4):e0123608. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0123608
Elsenbruch S, Hahn S, Kowalsky D, Offner AH, Schedlowski M, Mann K, et al. Quality of life, psychosocial well-being, and sexual satisfaction in women with polycystic ovary syndrome. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2003;88(12):5801-7. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1210/jc.2003-030562
Bazarganipour F, Ziaei S, Montazeri A, Foroozanfard F, Kazemnejad A, Faghihzadeh S. Body image satisfaction and self-esteem status among the patients with polycystic ovary syndrome. Iran J Reprod Med. 2013;11(10):829-36. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/1477-7525-11-141
Gautam R, Maan P, Jyoti A, Kumar A, Malhotra N, Arora T. The Role of Lifestyle Interventions in PCOS Management: A Systematic Review. Nutrients. 2025;17(2):310. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17020310
Maan P, Gautam R, Vasudevan S, Menon GR, Arora A, Nair A, Jabbar PK, Arora T. Pharmacological and Non-Pharmacological Interventions for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) in Indian Women: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Pharmaceuticals (Basel). 2025;18(5):680. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/ph18050680
Joham AE, Norman RJ, Stener-Victorin E, Legro RS, Franks S, Moran LJ, Boyle J, Teede HJ. Polycystic ovary syndrome. Lancet Diabetes Endocrinol. 2022;10(9):668-80. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/S2213-8587(22)00163-2
Downloads
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
