Associations between clinical and biochemical hyperandrogenism and quality of life in patients with PCOS

Background: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), one of the most common endocrine disorders, which is characterized by chronic oligo-ovulation or anovulation and hyperandrogenism (HA) resulting in menstrual irregularities, infertility, hirsutism, acne, and alopecia; these manifestations can lead to psychosocial and emotional disturbances and a decrease in quality of life (QoL) of PCOS patients.Objective: To evaluate the association between clinical and biochemical parameters of HA and quality of life in PCOS patients.Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, we assessed the associations between clinical and biochemical parameters of HA and different aspects of QoL in a total of 211 women with PCOS using a specific health related quality of life questionnaire designed for PCOS patients.Results: This study showed a negative association between FAI and total QoL (p=0.042) and domains of hirsutism (p=0.045) and obesity-menstrual (p=0.001). Dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) was positively associated with the sexual function aspect of QoL (p=0.043). There were no significant associations between QoL and other hormonal parameters including luteinizing hormone (LH) to follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) ratio and total testosterone (tT).Conclusion: Our study demonstrated the destructive impact of PCOS clinical and biochemical HA on several aspects of the patients’ quality of life. Although biochemical disturbances can influence QoL of patients with PCOS, our results highlighted the role of clinical signs of PCOS such as obesity, infertility and hirsutism in deteriorating QoL. Hence, clinicians should regularly assess the clinical and psychosocial dimensions of PCOS as well as biochemical aspects.

Keywords:

Quality of life , Hyperandrogenism , Infertility , Obesity , Polycystic ovary syndrome