A recent study conducted by researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay has uncovered significant cognitive impairments in women suffering from Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). The findings indicate that PCOS not only affects physical health but also has a profound impact on cognitive functions, particularly attention and response accuracy.

The research, titled "The impact of polycystic ovary syndrome on attention: an empirical investigation," was published in the journal BioPsychosocial Medicine in February 2025. ^[1] The study involved two groups: 101 women diagnosed with PCOS and 72 healthy women as controls. Participants underwent a series of attention-based tasks, and their hormonal levels were assessed prior to the study

• Focused Attention Tasks:

  • Women with PCOS exhibited a 56% slower response time compared to healthy counterparts.

  • There was a 10% decrease in accuracy among PCOS participants.

• Divided Attention Tasks:

  • PCOS participants performed 20% slower.

  • They made 3% more errors than the control group.

These results suggest that PCOS significantly hampers both focused and divided attention, essential components of cognitive processing

The study attributes these cognitive deficits to several physiological factors associated with PCOS:

- Elevated Androgen Levels: Excess male hormones can disrupt normal brain function.

- Insulin Resistance: Common in PCOS, it leads to poor glucose metabolism, affecting neuron activity and impairing attention.

- Mental Fatigue: Symptoms like anxiety and frustration prevalent in PCOS patients can further diminish cognitive performance.

These factors collectively contribute to the observed decline in cognitive abilities among women with PCOS.

The research underscores the need to view PCOS not just as a physical or hormonal disorder but also as a condition with significant cognitive implications. Understanding these effects is crucial for developing comprehensive treatment plans that address both physical and mental health aspects of PCOS.

This IIT Bombay study brings attention to how PCOS, typically viewed as a reproductive or hormonal disorder, also has neurological and cognitive effects that can hinder everyday functioning, such as work and academics. This expands the conversation around PCOS and the need for integrated care addressing both physical and cognitive symptoms.

References:

1. Bhattacharya, T., et al. (2025). The impact of polycystic ovary syndrome on attention: an empirical investigation. Biopsychosocial Medicine.

(Input from various sources)

(Rehash/Sakshi Thakar/MSM)