Lifestyle and psychosocial risks among women with polycystic ovary syndrome and insulin resistance

Abstract

Introduction and objective PCOS is the most commonly diagnosed endocrine disorder among women at reproductive age, often accompanied by insulin resistance (IR). Symptoms of PCOS result in a reduction of the quality of life and psychosocial well-being of the patients. The aim of the study was to assess the selected elements of lifestyle and the presence of psychosocial risks among adult women with PCOS and IR. Material and methods The study included 60 women aged 18–35. The author constructed questionnaire was made available electronically among women under care of the Insulin Resistance Foundation – a healthy diet and a healthy life. The modified Ferriman-Gallwey scale was used to quantify the severity of hirsutism. Nutritional status was diagnosed based on WHO standards (BMI). Statistical analysis was performed using chi 2 test for independence, Mann-Whitney U test and Shapiro-Wilk test. Structural indicators were analyzed in fractions. Results Excess body weight was observed in over a half of the patients (f=0.55). More than half of the respondents experienced sleep disorders, and 1/3 libido disorders. In 8 out of 10 patients hirsutism was reported. The majority of respondents experienced a decline in self-esteem (f = 0.85), simultaneously more than 1/3 of them did not feel any social support. Almost 9 out of 10 women reported high or moderate levels of perceived stress. Over 1/3 of the surveyed women (f = 0.38) consumed alcohol at least several times a month. Conclusions The presence of health disorders diagnosed as a part of PCOS, including hirsutism, may exacerbate the risks that hinder the psychosocial functioning of the women. In combination with negative lifestyle patterns, this leads to a reduction in the quality of life.

Keywords

• insulin resistance
• lifestyle
• health behaviours
• hirsutism
• psychosocial factors
• polycystic ovary syndrome (pcos)