There is a large body of reliable evidence for adverse metabolic outcomes and smaller, but consistent evidence for psychological issues in PCOS. We identified a shortage of systematic reviews regarding pregnancy outcomes of PCOS and significant gaps in knowledge of the association between PCOS and subclinical hyperthyroidism, vitamin D levels and cancers which future studies could aim to address.
Intervention(s): None. Main Outcome Measures(s): Self-reported eating disorders, Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, and Kessler psychological distress scale. Result(s): Compared with women not reporting PCOS, women reporting PCOS had higher prevalence of eating disorders (11.0% vs. 7.6%), low self-esteem (31.7% vs. 24.2%), and psychological distress (severe psychological distress: 21.0% vs. 13.5%). After adjusting for confounders, women reporting PCOS were more likely to report eating disorders (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 1.6, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.2-2.0). Low self-esteem and psychological distress were highly correlated and further increased the odds of eating disorders in women reporting PCOS. Polycystic ovary syndrome was significantly associated with low self-esteem and psychological distress but not after adjusting for confounders. Obesity was associated with low self-esteem (adjusted OR 1.5, 95% CI 1.2-1.8) and psychological distress (adjusted OR 1.2, 95% CI 1.0-1.4) but not eating disorders. Underweight women had increased odds for eating disorders (adjusted OR 2.5, 95% CI 1.8-3.4). Conclusion(s): Women with PCOS are more likely to report low self-esteem, psychological distress, and eating disorders. Low selfesteem and psychological distress are highly correlated and further increased the risk for eating disorders. (Fertil Steril Ò 2019;112: 353-61. Ó2019 by American Society for Reproductive Medicine.) El resumen está disponible en Español al final del artículo.
Summary
Although there is a growing body of literature reporting that pregnancies in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are associated with greater complications than those without PCOS, methodological differences across studies make these results difficult to consolidate. This narrative review outlines potential mechanisms involved in adverse pregnancy outcomes in PCOS and the nature of the complications. It covers limitations of current evidence and future research directions. Future research should include prospective studies with phenotypic stratification of PCOS and matching or consideration of specific PCOS manifestations and risk factors specific to each pregnancy complication. This review also emphasizes the importance of following a healthy lifestyle for women with PCOS and of individualized care according to overall risk factors for pregnancy complications.
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