A study of more than 18,000 women found that patients diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome were eight times more likely toto attempt suicide compared to the general population.

Polycystic ovary syndrome is a common endocrine disorder, affecting up to 10% of women of reproductive age. Its features include infertility, acne, dysmenorrhoea and obesity and may collectively contribute to a reduced quality of life. In addition, research indicates a higher risk for psychiatric conditions, such as depressive or anxiety disorders.

Researchers from the Taipei Veterans General Hospital studied data from Taiwan’s national database from 1997 to 2012 on 18,960 women diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome. They found that women diagnosed with this syndrome were 8.47 times more likely to attempt suicide than the general population. A subgroup of teenagers had a 5.38-fold increased risk of suicide attempt.

In the study, published in the journal Annals of Internal Medicine, the authors highlight its importance regular monitoring of mental health and suicide risk in women diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome.