Impact of Obstructive Sleep Apnea on Quality of Life in Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Abstract

Background: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) are the two issues which coexist and share common metabolic and hormonal abnormalities. However, in the clinical and psychological worsening of the PCOS condition, OSA also plays and contributes its share. However, its impact on quality of life (QoL) in women with OSA remains underexplored. Objective: To evaluate the association between OSA and quality of life (QoL) in women diagnosed with PCOS. Methodology: The present study was included 47 women with PCOS. Study was of cross-sectional type. Berlin questionnaire or the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) scales were used for OSA diagnosis. On the basis of OSA, study cases were divided into two groups, i.e. PCOS only and PCOS with OSA. WHOQOL-BREF and PCOSQ were used for quality of life of the cases. Results: A total of 47 women were included in this study. The mean age of study cases was 31.6 ± 9.1 years, with a BMI of 33.7 ± 8.2 kg/m²). Among them, 18 (38.3%) confirmed OSA. Results showed that cases in the OSA group exhibited significantly higher BMI, LDL, HbA1c, and inflammatory markers. ODI and ESS scores were inversely related to QoL scores across multiple domains, whereas ESS was associated with higher levels of anxiety and depressive symptoms. Conclusion: A considerable proportion of women with PCOS experience OSA, which correlates with reduced QoL and adverse metabolic indicators. These findings suggest the need for routine screening and potential intervention for OSA in PCOS management.