Purpose of the study: To study characteristics of body composition in different phenotypes of South Indian women with polycystic ovary syndrome and relation with body image and psychological profile

Methods: Non-comparative cross-sectional open label study to be carried out over the period of 12 months on PCOS patients attending gynecology outpatient department. Personal medical history to be obtained from every woman according to a customized prepared questionnaire. Presence of at least two criteria from clinical, hormonal, and abdominal USG category were considered diagnostic of PCOS. Hirsutism was scored according to modified Ferriman Gallawayscore. Recruited women have their body fat percentage calculated using Health Sense BF 414 Ultra Lite Body Fat Monitor .The bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) method was used to estimate body fat percentage.

Results: The most common menstrual abnormality identified in study was irregular menstrual cycles followed by a combination of amenorrhea and irregular cycles. The commonest phenotype was ovulatory dysfunction with polycystic morphology in 42.7% cases. The body dysmorphic disorder was the commonest psychological problem in about 25.6%closely followed by major depressive illness.

Conclusion: Our study suggested that psychological and neurological factors may play a role in the pathophysiology of PCOS. Therefore, psychological intervention should be an aspect of PCOS management.