Efficacy of mindfulness meditation to improve quality of life in young women with polycystic ovarian disease

A 9-week mindfulness-based meditation program improved general health and quality of life in young women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Before the intervention, most participants were unsatisfied with their health, with only 8% reporting “excellent” health; afterward, 63% reported “very good” health. 42% reported a reduction in pain, and 71% reported feeling calm and peaceful “most of the time.” The PCOS questionnaire showed a significant difference between pre- and post-intervention scores, but the acne questionnaire did not. The program included breath focus, body scan, “Om” chanting, and mindful breathing, thinking, seeing, and listening.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Background: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of women’s most common endocrine disorders that can cause anxiety, psychological distress, and reduced quality of life (QOL). Aims and Objectives: The present study aimed to determine the effectiveness of a 9-week mindfulness-based meditation program on the QOL and general health parameters in young women with PCOS. Materials and Methods: This study was implemented on women diagnosed with PCOS based on Rotterdam criteria. The program was conducted for 9 weeks, beginning with a 15 min session and gradually increasing it to 60 min. The program included techniques on breath focus, body scan, “Om” chanting, mindful breathing, thinking, seeing, and listening. Pre-intervention questionnaires were given to the participants. These were a PCOS questionnaire (PCOSQ), a general health-related QOL questionnaire, and a five-item questionnaire for acne problems. Responses of participants were analyzed using 22 SPSS statistical software. Results: There was a significant difference in the mean of pre- and post-intervention Likert scale response values for the 26-item PCOSQ. There was no significant difference in the mean of pre- and post-intervention Likert scale response values for the acne questionnaire. Before the intervention, majority of them were unsatisfied with their health condition, only 8% reported “excellent” health, after the intervention 63% reported “very good.” 42% reported a reduction in pain, and 71% reported that they were calm and peaceful “most of the time.” Conclusion: Results showed that mindfulness meditation intervention had caused a significant change in general health and QOL of patients with PCOS.