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Mumbai, May 26:
A groundbreaking study from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay has revealed that Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)—a common hormonal disorder affecting millions of women—may significantly impair cognitive functions, particularly attention and response speed.
PCOS is widely recognized for causing irregular menstrual cycles, polycystic ovaries, and elevated levels of male hormones. However, the new research highlights that its impact extends beyond physical symptoms, affecting the brain’s ability to focus and react swiftly.
Key Findings
Researchers Maitreyi Redkar and Prof Azizuddin Khan from IIT-Bombay’s Psychophysiology Laboratory assessed 101 women with PCOS and 72 healthy participants using specialized attention-based tasks. The results were striking:
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In focused attention tests, women with PCOS responded over 50% slower and made about 10% more errors than their healthy counterparts.
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In divided attention tasks, participants with PCOS performed 20% slower and made 3% more errors.
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The cognitive tests used, including the Flanker Task and Posner Cueing Task, measured subtle differences in reaction time and accuracy, revealing significant deficits in both focused and divided attention among women with PCOS.
Prof Khan explained, “The cognitive experiments are specifically designed to capture the subtle millisecond-level differences in how individuals respond to critical stimuli. These minute delays reveal significant impairments in attention, which may impact real-life functioning, such as driving or remembering important information.
Underlying Causes
The study suggests that hormonal imbalances and insulin resistance—both hallmarks of PCOS—may decrease alertness and impair brain cell function, leading to slower reaction times and increased mental fatigue. Insulin resistance, in particular, can disrupt glucose metabolism in the brain, further affecting cognitive performance.
Mental fatigue and emotional challenges, such as anxiety and frustration commonly associated with PCOS, may also contribute to difficulties in attention and working memory, making everyday tasks more challenging.
Implications and Recommendations
Given the high prevalence of PCOS among women of reproductive age, the researchers emphasize the need for greater awareness about its cognitive effects. They suggest that lifestyle interventions—such as increased physical activity, a nutritious diet, weight management, and improved sleep hygiene—can benefit both PCOS symptoms and cognitive health.
Brain-training exercises and stress-reduction techniques may also help improve attention and response speed in affected women.
“PCOS is a heterogeneous condition, which means that its symptoms and severity vary depending on the hormonal profile, metabolic health, mental health, and socio-environmental conditions of the individual. Despite this variability, impairments in core cognitive abilities like attention and processing speed seem prevalent across women with PCOS,” said Prof Khan.
Disclaimer
This article summarizes findings from a recent study conducted by IIT Bombay researchers. The results highlight associations between PCOS and cognitive function but do not establish causation. The study’s findings are based on specific task-based assessments and may not apply to all women with PCOS. Individuals experiencing cognitive or health concerns should consult qualified healthcare professionals for personalized advice.
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