Stress can affect women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) in several ways. High levels of stress are associated with increased symptoms of PCOS like irregular periods and excess androgen production. The mechanisms through which stress impacts PCOS involve disturbances to the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and sympathetic nervous system. Lifestyle interventions that reduce stress may help manage PCOS by lowering cortisol and androgen levels.