Women With PCOS Face Eight-fold Increase In Suicide Risk: Study

For women of reproductive age, polycystic ovarian syndrome, or PCOS, is a common condition. The level of androgen hormone rises in this ailment. Consequently, the ovary begins to develop cysts. Menstruation starts to become irregular around this time. PCOS is more of an issue in Western nations. One in ten women in Britain alone suffers from polycystic ovarian syndrome. One in five Indian women suffer from PCOS as a result of factors ranging from heredity to obesity.

The hormone-related condition polycystic ovarian syndrome results in irregular periods, excessive hair growth, acne and infertility. It puts women at greater risk for several illnesses and conditions, such as diabetes and high blood pressure.

While PCOS is usually associated with women’s reproductive health, its psychological implications are no less. Research published in the Annals of Internal Medicine indicates that women with PCOS are more likely than women without the illness to attempt suicide. According to the study, older persons with PCOS as well as young adults and adolescents had an elevated risk.

8,960 women and girls participated in trials done by researchers during the study between 1997 and 2012. These individuals were receiving PCOS therapy. The women who were part of the study had no prior history of suicidal attempts. All of these people’s health data were examined by researchers. Following several years of research, it was discovered that women with PCOS were 8.47 per cent more likely than others to take their own lives. Additionally, this study revealed that women under 40 had a 9-fold increased risk of suicide. Simultaneously, teenage girls with PCOS had a 5.38 times higher suicide tendency. In addition, older women showed a 3.75-fold greater trend in this direction.

The researchers noted that “problems related to conception and the treatment of PCOS symptoms may exacerbate already-existing mental health issues.” Because of their obesity, hirsutism, irregular menstruation, and infertility, women with PCOS are stigmatized. The burden of PCOS is increased by the stigma associated with the disorder, which appears to have its roots in cultural expectations.