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Metabolic, androgenic, and physical activity profiles in women aged over 40 years with polycystic ovary syndrome: A comparative analysis using UK Biobank data
Kyrou, Ioannis Randeva, Harpal S. Brown, James E.P.
Kyrou, Ioannis
Randeva, Harpal S.
Brown, James E.P.
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2025-11-21
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Abstract
Background:
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrine disorder in reproductive-aged women, linked to metabolic, hormonal, and psychological issues. Management typically involves lifestyle changes, including increased physical activity and reduced sedentary behaviour.
Objectives:
To compare the health profiles and behaviours of women with and without PCOS.
Design:
This study analysed data from the UK Biobank, which is a prospective cohort study.
Methods:
Women with PCOS in the UK Biobank were identified, while age- and body mass index (BMI)-matched controls were randomly selected. Data on factors associated with PCOS severity and self-reported lifestyle behaviours were analysed. Group differences were tested for significance, and participants were categorised by health behaviours to assess morbidity risk.
Results:
The study included 319 women with PCOS (mean age: 43.9 years) and 638 in each control group. Significant differences (p < 0.05) were observed in anthropometric (e.g. body weight, BMI, waist and hip circumference, and body fat), cardio-metabolic (e.g. blood pressure, triglycerides, and glycated haemoglobin), and androgenic (e.g. sex hormone-binding globulin) indices. Differences were most pronounced between PCOS and age-matched controls but remained when BMI was also considered. Women with PCOS engaged in less vigorous physical activity and had higher screen time and sedentary behaviours. Those with the lowest physical activity and highest sedentary time had the worst health profiles and highest morbidity risk, regardless of group.
Conclusion:
Women with PCOS exhibit poorer health despite only slight lifestyle differences. Across all participants, lower physical activity and higher sedentary behaviour were linked to increased health risks. Further research is needed to clarify causal relationships between lifestyle factors and PCOS.
Citation
Kite, C., Kyrou, I., Randeva, H.S., Lahart, I., Brown, J.E.P. (2025) Metabolic, androgenic, and physical activity profiles in women aged over 40 years with polycystic ovary syndrome: A comparative analysis using UK Biobank data. Womens Health. 2025;21. doi: 10.1177/17455057251385800
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Type
Journal article
Language
en
Description
© 2025 The Authors, published by SAGE. This is an open access article available under a Creative Commons licence.
The published version can be accessed at the following link on the publisher’s website: https://doi.org/10.1177/174550572513858
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1745-5057
EISSN
1745-5065
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The authors disclosed receipt of the following financial support for the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article: This study was completed as part of a funded PhD project (CK) through Aston University.