Rodent models of mental illness in polycystic ovary syndrome: the potential role of hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal dysregulation and lessons for behavioral researchers

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most commonly diagnosed endocrine disorder in women of reproductive age, with phenotypes including ovarian and metabolic dysfunctions. Women with PCOS also show increased rates of mental illness, dysregulation of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis, and altered responsiveness to stressors that may contribute to the higher rates of mental illness, specifically depression and anxiety. Animal models...