Case-control study, 2025
Do women with polycystic ovary syndrome have more severe premenstrual symptoms and mental health problems?
Women with PCOS had significantly more water retention before their period and higher weight, but the study found no significant differences in mental health scores compared to women without PCOS.
What they did
Case-control study in 2017 comparing 170 women with PCOS to 170 healthy women aged 15-20 years. Participants in Shiraz, Iran completed questionnaires about demographics, PCOS diagnosis, general health, and premenstrual symptoms. Data were analyzed using statistical tests.
What they found
The PCOS group had significantly higher average weight and BMI compared to the control group (P less than 0.001). Premenstrual edema was significantly more common in the PCOS group (P equals 0.003). There were no significant differences in mental health scores, height, or age at first menstruation.
What it means for you
PCOS may be linked to physical premenstrual symptoms like water retention and weight gain, but this study found no mental health differences. Main limitations include being conducted in one city, including only young women aged 15-20, and using 2017 data. Physical problems may affect mental health over time.
340
Total number of women studied
P<0.001
Statistical significance of weight and BMI difference
P=0.003
Statistical significance of premenstrual edema difference
About the study
- Original title
- The effect of polycystic ovary syndrome on mental health and physical and psychological symptoms before menstruation: A case-control study
- Authors
- Solmaz Golestan, Bahar Morshed-Behbahani, Maryam Keshavarz
- Journal
- Payesh (Health Monitor) Journal
- Year
- 2025
- Study design
- Case-control study
- Participants
- 340
- What was tested
- None; this was an observational comparison between women with and without PCOS.
- Open access
- Yes
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.61882/payesh.24.5.697
Topics
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