Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome–Related Depression in Adolescent Girls: A Review

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), a common endocrinal disorder of reproductive age characterized by heterogeneous complications, is nowadays prevailing among females at adolescent stage. Infrequent or prolonged menstrual periods, excess hair growth, acne, and obesity can occur in women with PCOS. In adolescents, infrequent or absence of menstruation may raise chances for this condition. The increased prevalence of PCOS among general population throughout the world is found to be 5%–10% in the women of reproductive age, and about 40% women with PCOS experience depression, particularly young girls. The exact cause of PCOS is unknown. Early diagnosis and treatment along with weight loss may reduce the risk of long-term complications. Depression and anxiety are common in women with PCOS but are often overlooked and therefore left untreated. Along with the physical disturbances, many mental problems are also associated with PCOS. Therefore, PCOS not only has problems associated with reproduction but also has associated crucial metabolic and psychological health risks with increasing age of the patients. Because of the increased number of cases with PCOS around the world in present times, with prominent symptom of, specifically, depression at the adolescent stage, it is important to highlight the disease.