The effect of hirsutismus and body mass index on body image and anxiety in patients with polycystic ovarian syndrome

Objective: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is not only reported to be associated with metabolic abnormalities, as well as psychological disturbances that affects quality of life. The aim of this study is to evaluate whether hirsutismus and body-mass index (BMI) alterations in PCOS is associated with body image, anxiety and depression. Material and Methods: In this study 63 PCOS and 55 age matched controls were evaluated. All participants completed standardized questionnaires including body image scale, Beck anxiety and depression inventories. BMI values and hirsutism existence were also recorded. Results: Beck anxiety scores in PCOS patients and controls were 13.7±11.2 and 9.4±7.6 respectively. Although PCOS women had significant high anxiety scores (p=0.019), no statistical significant difference were observed between groups in terms of body image (p=0.198) and depression (p=0.079). Hirsutismus and BMI values did not seem to effect body image, anxiety and depression. Moreover no correlation was observed between these 3 parameters in PCOS patients. Conclusion: Anxiety scores are more common in PCOS women compared with healthy controls independently from hirsutismus and BMI. Elevated anxiety levels in PCOS women might be associated with metabolic abnormalities during the course of the disease. Copyright © 2017 by Türkiye Klinikleri.