Relaxation and Guided Imagery Significantly Reduces Androgen Levels and Distress in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: Pilot Study
2017
AIM: Women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) often have elevated levels of the androgen
testosterone, and are at increased risk of anxiety and depression. This study aimed to use
psychological relaxation with guided imagery to decrease androgen levels and improve mood
in PCOS. METHODS: Repeated-measures. Thirteen women with PCOS underwent six weekly
treatment sessions, and a follow-up session, of calming breathing, muscle relaxation, and
guided imagery. The main outcome measures were mood and quality of life (QoL) – assessed
using validated questionnaires – and hormones, which were assayed in serum using tandem
mass spectrometry. RESULTS: There was a small but statistically significant reduction in DHEAS
from before to after Week 1 (p <.044) and from before to after Week 6 (p <.001). From before
to after Week 6 there were also small but statistically significant reductions in androstenedione
(p <.010) and cortisol (p <.003). From Week 1 to Week 6 there was a significant reduction
in anxiety (p <.037). There was a significant improvement in depression from Week 1 to
Week 6 (p <.034) and from Week 1 to follow-up (p <.011). There were no significant changes
in free or total testosterone, nor in QoL. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study to use a relaxation
programme to reduce adrenal androgens in PCOS.
Keywords:
- Correction
- Source
- Cite
- Save
- Machine Reading By IdeaReader
16
References
4
Citations
NaN
KQI