WOMEN with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) who also have depression or anxiety may face a significantly higher risk of developing metabolic syndrome (MetSyn), a major driver of cardiovascular disease, according to new research.
In a longitudinal study spanning 14 years and involving 321 women with PCOS, researchers found that those with a history of depression and/or anxiety were 45% more likely to develop metabolic syndrome compared to those without such a history (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 1.45). The risk was particularly strong among those with depression alone (aHR, 1.56).
“Depression and anxiety are already common among women with PCOS, and this study shows that they may also be key contributors to worsening metabolic health over time,” said lead author Dr. Iris T. Lee.
Metabolic syndrome is defined by a cluster of conditions, including high blood pressure, abnormal cholesterol levels, and elevated blood sugar, that increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes. Over a median follow-up of seven years, the incidence of MetSyn was 75.3 cases per 100 person-years in women with depression and/or anxiety, compared with 47.6 cases per 100 person-years in those without.
The study highlights the importance of early and repeated mental health screening in patients with PCOS, not only for emotional wellbeing but also as part of a comprehensive strategy to monitor and reduce long-term metabolic risk.
“Routine screening for depression and anxiety at the time of PCOS diagnosis and follow-up visits could help identify women at greater risk and guide earlier interventions,” the authors concluded.
Reference
Lee IT et al. Depression, Anxiety, and Risk of Metabolic Syndrome in Women With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Longitudinal Study. Clin Endocrionl Metab. 2025;110(3): e750-6.
