Affective States and Temporal Alterations in Women with PCOS During the Early Follicular Phase

Aim: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder affecting 15–20% of women of reproductive age. While its metabolic and reproductive consequences are well recognized, potential effects on temporal cognition and emotional states remain underexplored. These domains, critical for daily functioning, may be disrupted in PCOS due to neuroendocrine imbalances. This study investigated subjective time perception, specific cognitive domains (attention and memory), and affective states in women with PCOS during the early follicular phase, a hormonally stable period.Materials and Methods: Thirty-two women with PCOS and 32 age-matched healthy controls (18–35 years) participated. Time perception was assessed using retrospective and prospective paradigms to capture internally and externally driven timing. Cognitive functions related to attention and memory were measured with the Stroop test and the Wechsler Memory Scale-III (WMS-III). Emotional states were evaluated using the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS).Results: Women with PCOS showed significantly prolonged retrospective time perception compared with controls (31.7±15.2 vs 20.9±8.5 sec.; p<0.05). WMS-III scores were lower in the PCOS group (7.7±1.2 vs 9.9±1.1; p<0.05). Analysis of specific affective items indicated significantly higher guilt (1.8±1.0 vs 1.4±0.7) and lower pride (1.8±0.9 vs 2.5±1.2) scores in women with PCOS compared with healthy controls (p<0.05). Regression analyses further revealed that affective variables were significant predictors of retrospective time perception within the PCOS group (p<0.05).Conclusions: These findings indicate that PCOS is associated with impaired time perception, memory, and affect, highlighting its broader psychological and cognitive impact.