Suicidality and depression in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) affects approximately 10% of women of reproductive age and is associated with infertility, hyperandrogenism, and insulin resistance, which may increase the risk of psychiatric disorders. Although previous studies have reported associations between PCOS, depression, and suicidal ideation or attempts. However, the evidence remains limited and inconsistent. This meta-analysis assessed these associations to clarify the psychiatric burden of PCOS and inform mental health screening and suicide prevention in affected women.We searched PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar using the keywords: polycystic ovary syndrome, Stein–Leventhal syndrome, sclerocystic ovarian conditions, suicide, self-harm, suicidality, suicidal ideation, suicidal attempts, depression, mental disorders, and psychiatric disorders. The search covered publications from database inception through February 15, 2026. Out of the 209 articles retrieved, 27 remained after the removal of duplication, 17 full texts were screened, and 10 studies were included in the meta-analysis. Suicidal ideation odds ratio = 1.11, 95% CI [1.01, 1.21], suicidal attempts, log ratios = 4.98, 95% CI [1.32, 18.88], and depression, Odds ratio = 1.17, 95% CI [1.08, 1.27] were higher in patients with PCOS compared to controls without the syndrome. Suicidal attempts were even more powered in a subgroup analysis after removing a study with high contribution to heterogeneity, log ratios = 8.47, 95% CI [7.55, 9.50]. Women with PCOS showed more serious s uicidal ideation/attempts, and depression was higher in patients with PCOS compared to controls without the syndrome. Further prospective studies investigating the prevalence of depression and suicide in PCOS are needed to suggest the best treatment.