What exactly is Polycystic Ovary Syndrome?

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder impacting women of reproductive age. It's characterized by irregular periods, polycystic ovaries, and high androgen levels. Beyond physical symptoms, research indicates a potential link between PCOS and changes in brain structure and function, affecting mental well-being.

How was the study conducted to examine the brain?

The study utilized diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI), a type of MRI, to examine the brains of women with PCOS. DWI detects microscopic water molecule movement, identifying subtle structural changes not visible with standard MRI. Researchers compared women with PCOS to healthy controls, focusing on brain regions involved in mood regulation, cognition, hunger, and satiety.

What specific brain changes were discovered in the research?

The study revealed increased ADC (apparent diffusion coefficient) values in several key brain areas for women with PCOS, including the insula, thalamus, and frontal cortexes. Higher ADC values suggest changes in extracellular space, potentially indicating fluid accumulation or microstructural damage. Also, a correlation was found between estrogen and testosterone levels and ADC values in certain brain regions.

What implications do these brain changes have?

The prefrontal cortex and the anterior cingulate cortex, identified in the study, are key areas for emotional regulation and cognitive function. Changes in these areas, linked to hormonal imbalances in PCOS, could disrupt normal brain function and contribute to mood disorders, anxiety, and eating disorders. It offers a possible explanation for the higher rates of mental health issues observed in women with PCOS.

What does this research mean for women with PCOS?

The research suggests that hormonal imbalances in PCOS may directly affect brain health. The study found a link between hormone levels and brain changes, suggesting that the hormonal characteristics of PCOS can impact brain structure. This understanding is crucial for diagnosing and treating mental health issues associated with PCOS, potentially leading to more targeted interventions.

A surreal illustration depicting the connection between PCOS and brain function.

PCOS and the Brain: Is There a Hidden Link?

Samir D’Costa in Health & Wellness December 2025 • 5 min read.

"New research explores how Polycystic Ovary Syndrome may impact brain structure and function, potentially explaining mood and eating disorders."

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder that affects women of reproductive age. Characterized by irregular periods, polycystic ovaries, and high levels of androgens, PCOS is associated with a number of health issues, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and infertility. However, the impact of PCOS may extend beyond the physical, potentially affecting mood and mental health.

While many associate the emotional distress experienced by women with PCOS to its visible symptoms like weight gain, acne or hirsutism, researchers are exploring a deeper connection: the direct impact of PCOS on the brain. A recent study published in the Canadian Association of Radiologists Journal investigates how PCOS might alter brain structure and function, potentially contributing to mood disorders, anxiety, and eating disorders often seen in women with the condition.

This article dives into the findings of this study, explaining how researchers used diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) to identify subtle brain changes in women with PCOS. We'll explore which brain regions are affected, how hormonal imbalances may play a role, and what these discoveries could mean for the diagnosis and treatment of PCOS-related mental health issues.

PCOS and Brain Changes: What the Study Reveals

A surreal illustration depicting the connection between PCOS and brain function.

The study used diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI), a type of MRI that detects microscopic movement of water molecules in tissues, to examine the brains of women with PCOS. This technique allows researchers to identify subtle changes in brain structure that might not be visible with standard MRI. Researchers compared the brains of 20 women with PCOS to those of 35 healthy controls, looking for differences in specific brain regions known to be involved in mood regulation, cognition, hunger, and satiety.

The results revealed significant differences in several key areas:

Increased ADC Values: Women with PCOS showed higher ADC (apparent diffusion coefficient) values in the insula, thalamus, dorsomedial and dorsolateral frontal cortexes, anterior cingulate cortex, middle temporal cortex, and visual cortex. Higher ADC values suggest an increase in extracellular space, potentially indicating vasogenic edema (fluid accumulation) or microstructural damage.
Hormonal Correlations: The study also found a positive correlation between estrogen and free testosterone levels and ADC values in the dorsomedial and dorsolateral frontal cortexes. This suggests that hormonal imbalances characteristic of PCOS may directly impact brain structure in these regions.
No Significant Differences in Other Regions: There were no significant differences in ADC values in the hypothalamus, amygdala, hippocampal gyrus, orbitofrontal cortex, corpus striatum, midbrain, and cerebellum between the two groups.

These findings suggest that PCOS is associated with subtle but significant changes in brain structure, particularly in regions involved in emotional regulation, cognitive function, and appetite control. The correlation between hormone levels and brain changes further supports the idea that hormonal imbalances in PCOS may directly affect brain health.

What Does This Mean for Women with PCOS?

The study's findings offer a potential explanation for the higher rates of mood disorders, anxiety, and eating disorders observed in women with PCOS. The identified brain regions, such as the prefrontal cortex and anterior cingulate cortex, play critical roles in emotional regulation, cognitive function, and decision-making. Changes in these areas could disrupt normal brain function and contribute to mental health issues.

While this research provides valuable insights, it's essential to remember that it's just one piece of the puzzle. Further studies are needed to fully understand the long-term effects of PCOS on the brain and to develop targeted interventions. Functional MRI and diffusion tensor imaging could provide a more detailed picture of brain activity and connectivity in women with PCOS.

If you have PCOS and are experiencing mood changes, anxiety, or eating disorders, it's important to seek help from a healthcare professional. This study suggests that there may be a neurological component to these issues, and addressing the hormonal imbalances and potential brain changes associated with PCOS could be an important part of your treatment plan.