Role of Stress in Onset of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)

Abstract

Background: Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a prevalent endocrine disorder in women of reproductive age, characterized by a variety of symptoms that impact their physical and psychological health. Recent studies have suggested a potential link between stress and the onset of PCOS, but this relationship remains underexplored. Objective: The objective of this study was to investigate the correlation between stress and the development of PCOS in a young female population, specifically focusing on university students. Methods: This cross-sectional study involved 105 female university students aged between 15 and 25 years from major universities in Rawalpindi and Islamabad. Participants were divided into two groups: those diagnosed with PCOS and those without. Stress levels were measured using the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), a 10-item questionnaire scored on a 5-point Likert scale. Data were analyzed using t-test and regression analysis to explore the correlation between stress levels and the presence of PCOS. Results: The study found that women with PCOS had significantly higher stress levels (M = 22.93, SD = 6.46) compared to those without PCOS (M = 19.56, SD = 4.45), with a t-value of 3.07 (p = .003). Regression analysis showed a positive correlation (r = .60, p < .001) between stress and PCOS. The majority of the PCOS-diagnosed group were single and within the 15-20 age range. Conclusion: The findings indicate a significant association between high stress levels and the presence of PCOS in young women. This suggests the need for incorporating stress management strategies in the prevention and treatment of PCOS. Further research with a more diverse and larger population is recommended to generalize these findings.