8561 Association Of Alopecia And Hirsutism With Severity Of Depression In A Sample Of Hispanic Women With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Abstract Disclosure: C.M. Casas Loyola: None. Y.G. Rivera-Rodriguez: None. B. Marin Rodriguez: None. J.A. Roque Torres: None. L.A. Gonzalez Rodriguez: Research Investigator; Self; Lilly USA, LLC. J. Romaguera: None. Purpose: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a highly prevalent endocrine disorder in females has been associated with several chronic diseases. Females with PCOS have been found with a higher prevalence of mental disorders. Depression and its severity have been associated with the development and progression of cardiovascular disease. We aimed to assess depression severity and its association with PCOS related comorbidities such as alopecia and hirsutism. Methods: A cross sectional study of females aged 21-45 years was conducted in the endocrinology clinics at the RCM-Clinics. PCOS was diagnosed using the Rotterdam criteria, hirsutism was defined by modified Ferriman-Gallwey score (mFG ≥ 9), alopecia was defined using the Ludwig scale and Depression using the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ9). Severity of depression and presence of alopecia and hirsutism were compared among groups. Results: A total of 112 patients were included in this study (85 patients PCOS+ and 27 patients PCOS-). Mean age was 32 ± 6 years. Severity of depression in PCOS- patients was: 44% none to minimal, 30% mild and 27% moderate to severe. Severity of depression in PCOS+ patients was: 28% none to minimal, 35% mild and 36% moderate to severe. Participants with alopecia and PCOS+ had a greater percentage of moderate to severe depression (58%) compared to the control group without alopecia (30%) (p value<0.05). No differences were observed between hirsutism and severity of depression among groups. Conclusion: Our study showed an association between alopecia and severity of depression in patients with PCOS+. The presence of hirsutism was not associated to severity of depression. Currently, there are more available treatments for hirsutism than for alopecia. For this reason, patients with hirsutism have more opportunities to manage their condition than patients with alopecia, which often require more invasive procedures. The presence of alopecia can be considered a risk factor for developing major depressive disorder in patients with PCOS. Treatment of PCOS-related abnormalities should be emphasized soon after diagnosis. Evaluation of mental health is imperative in our PCOS patients. Presentation: 6/3/2024