Psychological symptoms and brain activity alterations in women with PCOS and their relation to the reduced quality of life: a narrative review

Abstract

Background Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common feminine endocrine disorder, characterized by androgen excess, ovulatory dysfunction, and polycystic ovarian morphology. The negative impact of symptoms on the quality of life (QoL) of patients is still not clear. Purpose The present review aimed at studying the impact of the symptoms, the psychological symptoms, and brain alterations in women with PCOS. Methods A systematic search was undertaken for studies that assessed the impact of PCOS symptoms on QoL, psychological symptoms, and brain alterations in PCOS patients. Results Most of the information about QoL came from psychometric studies, which used culture-based questionnaires. Alterations of sleep quality, body image, and mood disorders can negatively affect the QoL of the patients. Sexual satisfaction and desire were affected by PCOS. Brain imaging studies showed functional alterations that are associated with impairments of visuospatial working memory, episodic and verbal memory, attention, and executive function. Conclusions Several factors can negatively influence the quality of life of the patients, and they are directly related to hyperandrogenism and the risk of infertility. In particular, obesity, hirsutism, acne, and the fear of infertility can have a direct impact on self-esteem and sexual function. Metabolic and psychiatric comorbidities, such as mood, anxiety, and eating disorders, can affect the well-being of the patients. Moreover, specific cognitive alterations, such as impairments in attention and memory, can limit PCOS patients in a series of aspects of daily life.

The Role of Oxytocin in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Systematic Review

“…However, despite the lack of studies about the role played in PCOS and its related symptoms or comorbidities, such as metabolic syndrome, obesity, cardiovascular risk, and mood disorders [ 41 ], several studies have been conducted disentangling the possible role of serum OT in these pathological conditions. One of the comorbidities is represented by metabolic syndrome.…”

“…Despite the growing interest in the role played by oxytocin in several human functions, its possible role in one or more psychological symptoms, such as depression, anxiety, and social cognitive impairments, or physical symptoms, such as metabolic dysfunctions or infertility, of PCOS [ 41 ] is still not clear or little studied. However, depression was found to be associated with OT levels [ 42 ], and animal evidence highlighted the improvement of depressive symptoms, such as immobility, after OT administration [ 43 , 44 ].…”