ABSTRACT
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrine disturbance affecting women. As has been described elsewhere, there is considerable heterogeneity of symptoms and signs amongst women with PCOS and for an individual these may change over time (see Chapters 2 and 3). Many of the symptoms of PCOS may be associated with psychological disturbances, and any symptom may worsen a pre-existing tendency to psychological dysfunction. While research has been performed on some of the psychological aspects of problems such as obesity, acne and hirsutism-which in women will often include those with PCOS-there is little study of the psychopathology of women defined as having PCOS (by whatever criteria). For example, hirsutism has been shown to cause marked psychological stress,1 and infertility issues can cause tensions within the family, altered self-perception, and problems at work.2,3 Despite this, a recent systematic review revealed that limited research had been carried out to assess the impact that the symptoms and associated treatments for PCOS have upon the quality of life of women with the condition.4
