Polycystic Ovary Syndrome in Medical Students: A Cross-Sectional Study of the Academic and Psychosocial Impact

Background Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a prevalent endocrine disorder affecting up to 13% of reproductive-aged females, often accompanied by physical, metabolic, and psychological challenges. Despite the demanding nature of medical education, limited research explores the burden of PCOS among medical students.

To evaluate the academic, emotional, and psychosocial impact of PCOS on medical students across four U.S. medical schools.

A cross-sectional survey was distributed to assigned female at birth medical students aged 18 and older. The questionnaire assessed PCOS diagnosis and treatment, academic performance, symptom burden, emotional well-being, and coping mechanisms. Descriptive statistics and Pearson correlation analyses were performed.

Of the 380 respondents (mean age 25.9), 30.3% reported a PCOS diagnosis—more than double the estimated global prevalence. PCOS was associated with academic stress (34.0%) and reduced work productivity due to emotional distress (70.2%). Symptom burden included menstrual irregularities, weight concerns, bloating, and acne. Emotional impacts were significant: 49.3% reported feeling unattractive, 50.7% worried about infertility, and 50.7% experienced self-blame. While many students demonstrated resilience and adopted positive coping strategies, a notable proportion reported emotional exhaustion and giving up efforts to manage the condition.

Medical students with PCOS experience significant emotional and academic challenges, compounded by the rigors of their training. The prevalence and impact of PCOS in this population highlight the need for targeted institutional support, improved awareness, and mental health resources to promote student well-being and success. Competing Interest Statement The authors have declared no competing interest. Funding Statement This study did not receive any funding Author Declarations I confirm all relevant ethical guidelines have been followed, and any necessary IRB and/or ethics committee approvals have been obtained. Yes The details of the IRB/oversight body that provided approval or exemption for the research described are given below: The study was approved as Exempt research by the Institutional Review Board from Drexel University. I confirm that all necessary patient/participant consent has been obtained and the appropriate institutional forms have been archived, and that any patient/participant/sample identifiers included were not known to anyone (e.g., hospital staff, patients or participants themselves) outside the research group so cannot be used to identify individuals. Yes I understand that all clinical trials and any other prospective interventional studies must be registered with an ICMJE-approved registry, such as ClinicalTrials.gov. I confirm that any such study reported in the manuscript has been registered and the trial registration ID is provided (note: if posting a prospective study registered retrospectively, please provide a statement in the trial ID field explaining why the study was not registered in advance). Yes I have followed all appropriate research reporting guidelines, such as any relevant EQUATOR Network research reporting checklist(s) and other pertinent material, if applicable. Yes Footnotes Ashini Patel – ashini521{at}gmail.com Caitlyn Curley – crc358{at}drexel.edu Ganesh Chilukuri – gc684{at}drexel.edu Hannah Lee – yeaeun1997{at}yahoo.com Samantha Snyder - sjs488{at}drexel.edu Vivek Joshi - vj93{at}drexel.edu Data availability The data generated during the research and analysis are not available publicly but are available from the corresponding author on a reasonable request.