Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and mental health across the lifespan

Purpose

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrine condition in women of reproductive age estimated to affect 5-20% of women worldwide, and 8% of adolescents. It is the main cause of anovulatory infertility, and can feature symptoms of acne, overweight/obesity, hirsutism (excess hair), hyperandrogenism, insulin resistance and polycystic ovaries. Women with PCOS also report higher levels of anxiety and depression than women without PCOS.

Research developments

Our multi-disciplinary research team at the University of Derby are currently undertaking projects which align with:

• understanding the impact of PCOS on psychological health and quality of life
• exploring interventions to improve psychological outcomes
• the experience and perspective of adolescents with PCOS
• exploring suicide ideation, and non-suicidal self-injury in women with PCOS 

Our current research project aims to explore and identify blood biomarkers associated with mental health and quality of life in women with PCOS.

We are recruiting for women both with, and without PCOS, to participate in this study. If you would like to know more about this, and volunteer to participate, complete our participation form.

Research impact

• In 2025, Dr Sophie Williams was invited to contribute evidence to an All-Party Parliamentary Group enquiry into PCOS. We were also honoured to highlight our research to Michelle Welsh MP, and chair for All-Party Parliamentary Group for PCOS, when Michelle visited the university, toured our facilities and heard first hand about our commitment to PCOS research and advocating for improvements in women's health.
• In 2026, we are excited to collaborate on designing a new project with Derby County Community Trust (DCCT), a charitable organisation which delivers women's health programmes to the community. We will be working together to develop and deliver a programme specifically tailored to support women with PCOS.

Researchers

• Dr Sophie Williams
• Professor David Sheffield
• Dr Dean Fido
• Dr Stella Ademowo
• Dr Roshita Edward
• Dr Filiz Tepekoy
• Professor Mark Faghy
• Claire Adshead

Funders

We collaborate closely with endocrinologists Professor Harpal Randeva and Dr Ioannis Kyrou (Visiting Professor) and Research Fellow Dr Chris Kite, from University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire (UHCW) NHS Trust. UHCW NHS Trust have also sponsored two PhD students at the University of Derby.

Additional links

• Polycystic ovary syndrome and suicide: the need for more support and guidance
• Why more awareness is needed for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Get in touch

The PCOS Research Network UK (PRN UK) was established in 2025, aimed at UK based researchers and professionals working with individuals with PCOS. We meet quarterly online (via Teams) on Wednesdays at 9-10am, and we welcome others working in the area of PCOS research.

To join and receive meeting invites please contact s.williams3@derby.ac.uk.