Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's Health
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Urinary incontinence in women with and without polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

Approved: 2020

Collaborators:

  • Dr Anju Joham
  • Prof Helena Teede
  • Dr Jillian (Chau Thien) Tay

Synopsis

Urinary incontinence affects up to one in two postmenopausal women and one in three premenopausal women. It causes great embarrassment and reduces quality of life. Reproductive hormones play a role in urinary continence but the mechanisms are not understood. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a complex hormonal disorder characterized by reproductive hormones dysregulation and insulin resistance. Women with PCOS are prone to weight gain and diabetes, both of which are important risk factors for urinary incontinence. We intend to study the association of PCOS with urinary incontinence and how urinary incontinence impacts the psychology well-being of women with PCOS.