Childhood trauma and PMOS-related quality of life: perceived stress statistically accounts for part of the association

Introduction Polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS), formerly known as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), is among the most prevalent endocrine disorders, and it is associated with substantial impairment in quality of life. Emerging evidence suggests that childhood trauma and stress-related processes may contribute to psychological burden in women with PMOS, but these links are poorly understood. The present study examines the relationship between childhood trauma, perceived stress, and PMOS-related quality of life. Methods In a cross-sectional online survey, 206 adult women reporting a prior PMOS diagnosis completed three validated questionnaires: the Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Quality of Life Questionnaire (PCOSQ), the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), and the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire-Short Form (CTQ-SF). Results The results indicate significant correlations: higher levels of childhood trauma are associated with poorer PMOS-related quality of life ( ρ = −0.38, ρ < 0.001) and increased perceived stress ( ρ = 0.40, ρ < 0.001). Regression analyses showed that higher perceived stress was significantly associated with lower PCOSQ scores ( β s = −0.54, p < 0.001). Additionally, an indirect-association analysis showed that perceived stress statistically accounted for part of the association between childhood trauma and PMOS-related quality of life ( β = −0.18, ρ < 0.001). Discussion Women with greater trauma histories reported higher perceived stress, and higher perceived stress was associated with poorer quality of life. These findings support further prospective and intervention research examining whether assessment of trauma history and perceived stress may help identify women at greater risk of poorer PMOS-related quality of life and whether trauma-informed approaches can improve psychosocial outcomes.