A groundbreaking study has uncovered a startling correlation between polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and a significantly higher risk of suicide attempts among women. The study, published in the Annals of Internal Medicine, reveals that women with PCOS are eight times more likely to attempt suicide compared to those without this common hormonal condition.
PCOS, affecting an estimated 5 to 6 million American women, can remain undiagnosed until attempts to conceive prove unsuccessful. The condition, prevalent in 8% to 13% of women of childbearing age, not only impacts fertility but also manifests in symptoms like acne, excess hair growth, obesity, and irregular periods, substantially affecting the quality of life for those affected.
The recent study, conducted by researchers from Taipei Veterans General Hospital in Taiwan, analyzed data from nearly 19,000 females diagnosed with PCOS between 1997 and 2012. The findings indicate an alarming 8.47-fold increased risk of suicide attempts in women with PCOS, emphasizing the critical need for routine mental health monitoring and suicide risk assessment for individuals diagnosed with the condition.
The research further highlights that youth with PCOS face a 5.38-fold elevated risk of suicide attempts, underscoring the urgency of addressing mental health concerns in this demographic. The study also suggests a 9.15 times higher suicide attempt risk for PCOS-afflicted adults under 40 and a 3.75 times higher risk for older adults, compared to control groups matched for age, income, and health conditions.
While the study sheds light on the mental health challenges associated with PCOS, the exact cause of the condition remains unknown, and there is currently no cure. However, symptoms can be managed through approaches such as birth control, medications, and a well-balanced diet to regulate insulin levels.
The study’s findings emphasize the importance of destigmatizing PCOS symptoms, acknowledging the psychological stress associated with challenges like infertility and weight management. The revelation of increased suicide risk in women with PCOS adds a critical dimension to the broader conversation on mental health and underscores the need for comprehensive support and awareness surrounding this hormonal disorder.
