Women with PCOS have a higher risk of attempting suicide, study finds

Yet more proof that the consequences of so-called “female” diseases are not only physical, but also psychological. According to a scientific study conducted in Taiwan, women diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are more likely than others to attempt suicide.

Published in the newspaper Annals of internal medicineResearchers at the Taipei Veterans General Hospital in Taiwan analyzed nationwide data from 8,960 women and girls aged 12 to 64 diagnosed with PCOS, spanning a period from 1997 to 2012. None of them had a history of trying of suicide.

PCOS affects approximately from 3 to 10% women in the world

After taking into account factors such as psychiatric disorders, other health conditions and demographics, researchers found that people with PCOS were at risk of suicide attempts 8.47 times higher than women who do not have it, but who have similar characteristics. The risk of suicide attempts is 5.38 times higher for adolescent girls, 9.15 times higher for adults under 40, and 3.75 times higher for older adults.

Read also: PCOS: sexist treatments?

The study authors suggest that concerns about the impact of PCOS, including potential infertility and body image concerns, may be among the factors at play.

“Body image issues, including perceived obesity and acne, have been associated with suicide risk in adolescence. And these problems are common among adolescents with PCOS.”the researchers write, adding that young adults may face additional challenges such as unemployment, financial and relationship difficulties.

As a reminder, PCOS, which affects approximately from 3 to 10% of women worldwide, causes irregular periods, acne, obesity and even ovulation disorders. The World Health Organization considers this disease one of the main causes of female infertility. Up to 70% of women who suffer from it go undiagnosed.

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