A Cross-Sectional Investigation of Quality of Life in Patients with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of physical signs and comorbid psychopathology on quality of life in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted to assess 84 women with PCOS according to Rotterdam diagnosis criteria. Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV Axis 1 Disorders (SCID-I) and the World Health Organization Quality of Life–Brief Form (WHOQOL-BREF) were applied to each participant. The biochemical parameters and physical signs of the participants were evaluated. RESULTS: A negative correlation was found between hirsutism score and physical, psychological, social, and environmental domains of WHOQOL-BREF (p=0.023, p=0.007, p=0.020, and p=0.033, respectively). Furthermore, a negative correlation was found between body mass index (BMI) and psychological domain of WHOQOL-BREF (p=0.001). Depression was found to be an important predictor for physical, psychological, and social domains of quality of life (p=0.002, p=0.001, and p=0.001, respectively). CONCLUSION: Comorbid depression and high BMI and hirsutism scores decrease the quality of life in women with PCOS.