# Does polycystic ovary syndrome affect self-confidence and happiness?

**Authors:** Nurseli Soylu Erener, İpek Turhan, Evrim Bayraktar

PMC · DOI: 10.1590/1806-9282.20251064 · Revista da Associação Médica Brasileira · 2026-01-09

## TL;DR

This study explores how polycystic ovary syndrome affects the quality of life and self-confidence of women, finding a strong link between psychological well-being and self-confidence.

## Contribution

The study highlights the importance of psychological support in the treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome for improving emotional resilience.

## Key findings

- A significant positive correlation was found between PCOS-related quality of life and self-confidence.
- Psychological distress, body image dissatisfaction, and infertility concerns were key factors in reduced self-confidence.
- Lower quality of life scores were associated with significantly lower self-confidence levels.

## Abstract

The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between quality of life and self-confidence in women diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome, a chronic endocrine disorder that affects both physical and psychological well-being.

A cross-sectional study was conducted with women diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome. Data were collected using the Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Quality of Life-50 Scale (PCOSQ-50) and the Female Self-Confidence Scale. Descriptive statistics, correlation, and regression analyses were used to evaluate the association between quality of life and self-confidence levels.

The findings indicated that sociodemographic and gynecologic characteristics did not significantly affect the quality of life or self-confidence levels of the participants. However, a significant positive correlation was observed between polycystic ovary syndrome-related quality of life and self-confidence (p>0.05). Women with lower quality of life scores reported significantly lower levels of self-confidence. Psychological distress, body image dissatisfaction, and infertility concerns were found to be key contributing factors to decreased self-confidence.

Polycystic ovary syndrome negatively impacts women's psychological well-being and self-confidence, in addition to its physical symptoms. Integrating psychological support into polycystic ovary syndrome treatment may help to improve quality of life and promote emotional resilience. A multidisciplinary approach is essential for comprehensive care of women with polycystic ovary syndrome.

## Linked entities

- **Diseases:** polycystic ovary syndrome (MONDO:0008487)

## Full-text entities

- **Diseases:** Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (MESH:D011085), endocrine disorder (MESH:D004700), infertility (MESH:D007246)
- **Species:** Homo sapiens (human, species) [taxon 9606]

## Full text

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## References

22 references — full list in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12788845/full.md

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Source: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12788845