PCOS May Cause Attention and Cognitive Issues

Hormonal imbalance associated with PCOS could lead to decreased alertness and longer reaction times

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Polycystic Ovary Syndrome or PCOS, a common endocrine disorder in women, can affect attention and other cognitive abilities, according to a study by researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay.

Women with PCOS often suffer from irregular or absent periods, polycystic ovaries, and increased levels of male hormone (androgen).

While previous research showed an increased level of anxiety and depression among women with PCOS, the new study focused on attention—the precursor for all vital cognitive processing such as receiving, understanding, and making sense of the information.