Abstract
BACKGROUND: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a multifaceted disorder that has also recently been associated with chronic respiratory diseases (CRDs). While several studies have highlighted that pulmonary health is frequently altered in women with PCOS and vice versa, no mechanistic investigation has elucidated an overlapped etiology, so far. Thus, in the present survey we explored the frequency of respiratory issues in a population of PCOS patients, and the medical characteristics that possibly link the two diseases. RESULTS: A total of 353 women participated in the survey. CRDs affected 27.4% of the surveyed PCOS patients, with asthma representing the most prevalent respiratory problem in 61.5% of cases. In 59.3% of women, respiratory and PCOS onset appaired at the same age and in 68% of cases first symptoms appeared in adolescence. CONCLUSIONS: While several authors have linked respiratory issues and menstrual disturbances, there are no available surveys that investigate the frequency of CRDs in PCOS patients. Despite their qualitative nature, our results sustain previous indications on a possible link between CRDs and PCOS. In future, appropriate studies may elucidate possible etiological mechanisms joining respiratory health to PCOS.