Abstract
Background/ObjectivesPolycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) share similar clinical and psychosocial features. We aimed to investigate the clinical characteristics of IBS in women with PCOS, and its relationship with obesity, metabolic and hormonal profiles, as well as sleep and psychiatric disorders.Subjects/MethodsThis is a cross-sectional case-control study of 431 untreated women with PCOS and 259 healthy volunteers. All participants were assessed with a comprehensive clinical evaluation and two questionnaires: the Athens Insomnia Scale (AIS) and the Brief Symptom Rating Scale (BSRS-5). IBS was diagnosed using the Rome III criteria. Obesity was defined as a BMI ≥30 kg/m2. Anthropometric measurements, metabolic, hormonal profiles, and psychosocial morbidities were compared.ResultsWomen with PCOS were more likely to have IBS (10.7% vs 5.8%, p=0.029) and obesity (29% vs 4%, p<0.001) than healthy volunteers. Mixed-type IBS (IBS-M) was the most common subtype (74%) among patients with PCOS and IBS. There was a higher prevalence of psychiatric morbidities (total BSRS-5 score ≥10) in women with PCOS than in healthy women (11.4% vs 3.5%, p<0.001). Women with PCOS and IBS were more likely to have sleep difficulties (67.4% vs 30.9%, p<0.001) and psychiatric morbidities (21.7% vs 10.1%, p=0.019) than those without IBS. Anthropometrics, metabolic and hormonal profiles were similar between PCOS women with and without IBS. Among women with PCOS, those with both IBS and obesity had the highest risk of developing sleep difficulties (odds ratio: 5.91; 95% confidence interval: 1.77–19.77) and psychiatric distress (odds ratio: 4.39; 95% confidence interval: 1.26–15.29) than those without.ConclusionWomen with PCOS have increased IBS, obesity, sleep and psychiatric disturbances. The presence of IBS in PCOS women is associated with sleep and psychiatric disorders. The coexistence of obesity and IBS exacerbates sleep difficulties and psychiatric distress. Screening and management of IBS and obesity might be warranted to improve sleep and psychiatric disturbances in women with PCOS.
Highlights
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder among women of early reproductive age
One study using the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database found that the incidence of depressive, anxiety and sleep disorders was higher among patients with PCOS than among those in the comparison cohort [6]
Since the respective prevalence rates of PCOS, Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and obesity are increasing in the Asian population, our primary aim in this study was to investigate the prevalence of IBS, diagnosed using the Rome III criteria, in women with PCOS
Summary
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder among women of early reproductive age It is characterized by chronic anovulation (oligomenorrhea or amenorrhea), clinical or biochemical hyperandrogenism, and the presence of polycystic ovaries [1]. One study using the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database found that the incidence of depressive, anxiety and sleep disorders was higher among patients with PCOS than among those in the comparison cohort [6]. Since the respective prevalence rates of PCOS, IBS and obesity are increasing in the Asian population, our primary aim in this study was to investigate the prevalence of IBS, diagnosed using the Rome III criteria, in women with PCOS. We studied the clinical characteristics, especially the anthropometrics, metabolic and hormonal profiles, of women with PCOS and IBS to clarify the associated risk factors and pathophysiology. We studied the relationship between IBS, obesity and psychosocial stress and sleep difficulties in women with PCOS
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