Association between mild depressive states in polycystic ovary syndrome and an unhealthy lifestyle

Front Public Health. 2024 Apr 12:12:1361962. doi: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1361962. eCollection 2024.

Abstract

Objective: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a prevalent and frequently encountered gynecological disorder. Its high variability and the complexities associated with its management often lead to psychological stress in affected women, manifesting in symptoms of depression. Embracing a healthy lifestyle is fundamental in PCOS treatment. Consistent adherence to a healthy lifestyle not only aids in improving PCOS symptoms but also plays a role in enhancing mental well-being. However, there is currently limited research examining the extent of depression, its prevalence, and its correlation with lifestyle among individuals with PCOS. Therefore, this study aims to explore the impact of lifestyle factors on the depressive state of individuals with PCOS.

Methods: This cross-sectional study gathered data from 411 individuals with PCOS at a comprehensive hospital in Henan, China. Depression status was assessed using the Hamilton Depression Scale, and demographic information as well as lifestyle habits were simultaneously collected. Univariate and multivariate analyses using logistic regression were conducted to identify risk factors associated with the depressive state in PCOS.

Results: Among the surveyed 411 individuals with PCOS, approximately 49.4% exhibited symptoms of depression, with 83.7% experiencing mild depressive symptoms. A disease duration of 1-3 years, the presence of acne, and unhealthy lifestyle factors such as high-fat diet, staying up late, lack of exercise, and mental stress emerged as significant risk factors for the onset of depressive symptoms.

Conclusion: Depressive symptoms in individuals with PCOS are predominantly mild. The risk of comorbid depression in PCOS is associated with the presence of acne, frequent high-fat diet, regular staying up late, lack of exercise, and mental stress.

Keywords: depressive symptoms; high-fat diet; lack of exercise; polycystic ovary syndrome; staying up late.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • China / epidemiology
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Depression* / epidemiology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Life Style*
  • Polycystic Ovary Syndrome* / epidemiology
  • Polycystic Ovary Syndrome* / psychology
  • Prevalence
  • Risk Factors
  • Stress, Psychological / epidemiology
  • Young Adult

Grants and funding

The author(s) declare that financial support was received for the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article. National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 81973596); The second batch of young talents training project of traditional Chinese medicine in Henan Province (Yuwei Traditional Chinese Medicine Letter [2021] No. 16); Special Project for the Scientific Research of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Henan Province (No. 2023ZY2032 and 2024ZY1001); Special scientific research project of National Traditional Chinese Medicine Inheritance and Innovation Center of Henan Provincial Health and Wellness Committee (No. 2023ZXZX1013).