Association of hirsutism and anthropometric profiles with sexual dysfunction and anxiety levels in infertile Indonesian women with polycystic ovarian syndrome

• Published in: Middle East Fertility Society Journal 2024-12, Vol.29 (1), p.19-9
• Main Authors: Rahayu, Deniswari, Meutia, Alfa Putri, Priyatini, Tyas, Suratih, Ni Made Desy, Maida, Harzif, Achmad Kemal, Muharam, R
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Analysis; Anthropometric profile; Anxiety; Body image; Body mass index; Depression, Mental; Hair; Hirsutism; Hyperandrogenism; Infertility; Obesity; PCOS; Polycystic ovarian syndrome; Polycystic ovary syndrome; Sexual disorders; Sexual dysfunction; Stein-Leventhal syndrome; Women; Womens health
• ISSN: 1110-5690; 2090-3251
• DOI: 10.1186/s43043-024-00178-6

Background Hyperandrogenism is frequently found in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and contributes to physical manifestations like hirsutism and obesity, along with infertility. This condition can result in anxiety, depression, and body image disorders, potentially leading to sexual dysfunction. The objective of this investigation was to assess the correlation among hirsutism, anthropometric characteristics, sexual dysfunction, and anxiety levels among infertile Indonesian women diagnosed with PCOS. Methods From December 2021 to December 2022, a cross-sectional study was undertaken involving 71 infertile women diagnosed with PCOS at Yasmin Clinic, Dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo General Hospital in Jakarta, Indonesia. Hirsutism was assessed using the modified Ferriman-Gallwey (mFG) score; the anthropometric profile was assessed using BMI and waist-to-hip ratio. The assessment of sexual dysfunction was conducted using the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) questionnaire, while the evaluation of anxiety levels utilized the HAM-A questionnaires. Results In this study, it was discovered that 53.3% of subjects experienced sexual dysfunction. However, there was no statistically significant relationship between hirsutism, anthropometric profile, and sexual dysfunction score in infertile women with PCOS (p > 0.05). Analysis of the overall FSFI domain score revealed that lubrication and satisfaction were lower in obese patients (p = 0.02 and p = 0.03), but this did not contribute to an overall sexual dysfunction score. Also, we found that subjects who experienced sexual dysfunction had a higher anxiety score (p < 0.005), with correlation analysis showing that Ferriman-Gallwey (FG) scores have a significant positive correlation with anxiety. Conclusion There is no correlation between hirsutism, anthropometric profile, and sexual dysfunction in infertile Indonesian women diagnosed with PCOS. However, hirsutism could play a role in causing anxiety in Indonesian PCOS women. Additional investigation is required, as female sexual function is an intricate subject.