Most people know polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) as the main trouble behind unpredictable periods, weight gain that refuses to go, and acne that feels like a curse. But a new study from IIT Bombay pulls the curtain on something less visible but just as impactful: the cognitive toll PCOS may be taking on women’s attention spans.
In today’s multitasking-driven world, attention is a critical cognitive resource, and PCOS may be significantly impairing it. The IIT-Bombay study looked at two kinds of attention: focused attention (zeroing in on a single task) and divided attention, meaning juggling more than one task at a time.
Researchers ran tests on two groups of women—101 with PCOS and 72 without—and found some unsettling patterns. Women with PCOS were 50 percent slower and made more errors when trying to concentrate on one thing at a time. When it came to multitasking, they lagged by 20 percent and made about 3 percent more mistakes.
So why does this happen? Blame it on hormones. The study points to elevated androgen levels and insulin resistance—both common in PCOS. These do not just mess with your metabolism and skin; they also interfere with how your brain cells function.
Insulin resistance, in particular, can mess with glucose regulation in the brain, which in turn affects how neurons fire. The result? Sluggish reactions and a brain that feels like it is buffering mid-thought.
The emotional toll
Other studies have already flagged higher levels of anxiety and depression among Indian women with PCOS. From dodging social events out of fear of being judged for body changes to feeling hopeless in the face of constant hormonal chaos, mental health takes a hit. That constant hum of anxiety or low mood is like background noise that makes it harder to focus or switch between tasks.
Moreover, this is not just about how fast you respond during lab tests. It is about real-life consequences. Struggling to remember directions mid-drive or forgetting why you walked into a room is not just an ageing joke anymore, it could be tied to how PCOS impacts your working memory through reduced attention.
So, what can women with PCOS do?
Understand that PCOS is not a life threatening issue. Several lifestyle changes can help improve both physical and cognitive symptoms. Regular physical activity can boost insulin sensitivity and help regulate hormone levels.
Diet also plays a key role. Low-glycaemic foods can help manage insulin levels and prevent sugar crashes that leave your brain feeling fried. And never underestimate the power of sleep and stress management—two things that seem like luxuries but are crucial for hormonal and mental balance.
And finally, if the fog feels unmanageable, speak to an expert. Cognitive behavioural therapy, mindfulness practices, and medical treatment for PCOS can work in tandem to support both body and brain.
