Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormonal disorder affecting women of reproductive age. Characterized by irregular menstrual cycles, elevated androgen levels, and polycystic ovaries, PCOS can lead to symptoms such as excessive hair growth, acne, and infertility. While much attention has been given to its metabolic and reproductive effects, recent research has begun to explore its impact on cognitive functions, particularly attention and focus.

Methodology and Findings

The study involved 173 female participants, with 101 diagnosed with PCOS and the remaining serving as controls. Participants were subjected to cognitive tasks designed to measure focused and divided attention. The results revealed that women with PCOS exhibited slower reaction times and higher error rates in tasks requiring focused attention compared to the control group.

Specifically, the PCOS group had a mean reaction time of 557.21 milliseconds in focused attention tasks, compared to 462.88 milliseconds in divided attention tasks. Additionally, the error rate in focused attention tasks was 0.98, while it was 0.99 in divided attention tasks. These findings suggest that PCOS may impair the ability to concentrate and process information efficiently.

Implications of the Findings

The study’s results highlight the need for increased awareness of the cognitive challenges faced by women with PCOS. Impaired attention can affect daily activities such as reading, studying, and multitasking, potentially impacting academic and professional performance.

Understanding these cognitive impairments is crucial for developing comprehensive treatment plans for women with PCOS. Healthcare providers may consider incorporating cognitive assessments into routine evaluations and developing strategies to address these challenges.