The Impact of Phenotypes, Body Mass Index, and Hyperandrogenism on Depression and Body Image in Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Cross-Sectional Study

Aim

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a prevalent endocrine disorder in women of reproductive age that threatens not only physical but also psychosocial health. It is well-documented that the visible manifestations of high body mass index (BMI) and hyperandrogenism negatively affect body image and increase the risk of depression. This study aimed to evaluate body image perception and depression levels in women with different PCOS phenotypes and to compare these parameters with healthy controls.MATERIAL AND

Method

In this cross-sectional observational study, 220 women diagnosed with PCOS according to Rotterdam criteria (case group) and 220 healthy women without gynecological pathology (control group) were enrolled (N=440). Sociodemographic and clinical data were recorded. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), and body image perception was evaluated using the Body Image Scale (BIS). Data analysis was performed using SPSS 20.

Results

The mean age of participants was 24 years, and the mean BMI was 23.2 kg/m². The prevalence of body image dissatisfaction (49.5% vs. 35.0%; p=0.002) and depression (66.4% vs. 50.0%; p