Personality types of Korean reproductive women with polycystic ovary syndrome

Abstract

Objective The aim of this study was to compare personality types between polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) patients and women with normal menstrual cycle. Methods A total of 2,311 Korean women aged 15-39 was recruited. After initial screening, 131 women were excluded who had polarity index under 45. The study subjects were divided into PCOS patients (n=833) and women with normal menstrual cycle (n=1,347). Selfadministered questionnaire surveys, somatometry, blood test and transvaginal or transrectal ultrasound test were performed. By using Myers-Briggs Types Indicator (MBTI) personality types including characteristic index, function and temperament were also assessed. Results There was no signifi cant difference in the frequency of personality types between the patient and control groups. Among 16 MBTI subtypes, the extraversion-sensing-thinking-judgement type was the most common in both groups, 25.69% in PCOS patients and 24.51% in control group. In analysis of the judgement-perception index, the p
erceiving type was predominant in PCOS patients (30.73%) than control group (25.09%) with a statistical signifi cance ( P=0.013). The average testosterone level in women with the extroversion type was 53.43 ± 20.13 ng/dL, which was signifi cantly higher than women with the introversion type (51.58 ± 18.60 ng/dL). Conclusion Higher frequency of the perception type is typical feature in PCOS patients. Hyperandrogenism is closely related to the extroversion type of personality.