Endocrine Abstracts

Background: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a highly prevalent disorder affecting 4%-20% of reproductive-aged women worldwide. Those affected by PCOS have a variety of clinical findings, which can affect their quality of life. Evidence suggests that polycystic ovarian syndrome and migraines are linked. However, the relationship between polycystic ovary syndrome and other types of headaches and their severity has not been studied.

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to look into the prevalence and severity of different types of headaches in individuals diagnosed with PCOS, as well as how this could be influenced by BMI, hyperandrogenism, menstrual dysfunction, and other risk factors of PCOS.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 473 females with the diagnosis of PCOS who were surveyed using an anonymous questionnaire that included questions about their age, medications, PCOS clinical symptoms, and menstrual cycle. Chi square test and odds ratio were preferred analysis methods for this study.

Results: 466 (98.5%) of the 473 respondents experiencing headaches. Those with BMIs more than 30 had a higher incidence of headaches (Chi square =9.613; df=9; P=0.3827) and Females above the age of 25 have a greater number of different forms of headaches, (Chi square =3.284; df=3; P=0.3499), this was not shown to be statistically significant. The Chi square test for headache intensity in girls with PCOS with various BMI (underweight, normal, overweight, and obese) revealed that headaches were severe in females with BMI more than 30. (Chi square =14.60; df=6; P=0.0236) and headache intensity increased with BMI, especially during menstruation. Chi square =22.62; df=6; P=0.0009). OCPs do not influence the incidence of any kind of headache in females with PCOS. Metformin use was mildly associated with tension headaches (O r=1.12, P=0.6107, 95%CI-0.7489, 1.676) and cluster headaches (OR=1.366, P=0.1155, 95% CI-0.9282, 2.01). Oral contraceptive use was not associated with migraines in PCOS patients. (OR=0.932, P=0.762, 95% CI= 0.6276, 1.384)

Conclusion: The results of the study reveal that tension and migraine headaches are the most prevalent types of headaches among PCOS patients. During menstruation, the pain rises in intensity. This brings up new opportunities for the development of preventative and management strategies for PCOS patients with frequent headaches, which effectively contribute to an increased quality of life.