Mental Health and Emotional Well-being in Subfertile Rural Indian Women with PCOS

Objective: To explore the emotional & mental well-being, including body image concerns, in women and individuals with PCOS using a questionnaire-based study. Materials and Methods: This observational study was done at a tertiary fertility unit in India. All women with PCOS, as defined by the Rotterdam criteria (2023), who attended a tertiary care centre between January 2023 and July 2025, were included. Individuals with concurrent known endocrine concerns were excluded from the study cohort. Results: Out of 2000 PCOS patients, 86.8% perceived themselves as attractive or better, indicating a generally positive self-image, though 30.8% felt inferior about their body shape. Despite this, 45.4% expressed feeling "fat and shapeless" and 7.3% "too skinny," reflecting a bimodal dissatisfaction. Poor sleep was reported by 26.8%, 56.8% experienced social discomfort, and 36.3% felt life was meaningless. Emotional reactivity was high, with 64.3% crying easily. Suicidal ideation was reported by 20.5%, indicating significant psychological distress. Despite body image concerns, 73.9% prioritized treatment for menstrual irregularities over physical appearance. These findings highlight the complex interplay between physical symptoms and psychological well-being in women with PCOS. Conclusions: Upon reviewing the responses provided by the female PCOS patients undergoing the treatment of infertility, it became evident that a significant number of patients struggle with feelings of inferiority and emotional instability due to PCOS and infertility, which can negatively impact their outlook and treatment results.