Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) causes hormonal imbalances in up to 15% of females during their prime childbearing years (ages 15-44). This inflammatory condition is diagnosed when at least two of the following problems are present:
PCOS causes a recognizable set of symptoms and effects — like oily skin, acne, excess facial hair, thinning scalp hair, easy weight gain, insulin resistance, and fertility problems.
In recognition of PCOS Awareness Month this September, our team at New Beginnings OB/GYN is taking a closer look at the lesser-known effects of PCOS: How it can impact your mood, emotions, mental health, stress levels, and self-image.
PCOS is a genetic, hormonal, metabolic, and reproductive disorder that affects women and girls. It’s the leading cause of female infertility; it’s also a strong precursor for many serious health conditions, ranging from obesity, type 2 diabetes, and sleep apnea to high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and heart disease.
What many people — including many women who cope with the condition— don’t know about PCOS is that it can also have wide-ranging emotional, cognitive, and mental health effects, too. Women with PCOS are more likely to experience:
PCOS is also associated with a higher rate of mild cognitive impairment — such as trouble focusing and frequent forgetfulness — especially when depression or anxiety are present.
The hormonal mechanisms of PCOS can affect mood in two ways:
The hormonal imbalances associated with PCOS — including fluctuating estrogen levels, abnormally high androgen levels, and increased insulin sensitivity — can give rise to rapid emotional changes and unpredictable mood swings.
Elevated androgen levels can also impact brain function and mood regulation by interfering with neurotransmitters that regulate mood and alleviate stress, such as serotonin and endorphins. This can reduce feelings of well-being and set the stage for irritability, anxiety, and depression.
Living with PCOS symptoms can have lasting impacts on mood and mental health, too:
The persistent nature of PCOS — along with its highly visible, highly “undesirable” symptoms (i.e., facial hair, weight gain, stubborn acne) — can be stressful to live with.
Ongoing stress is emotionally taxing; it can also exacerbate hormonal issues, worsen a mood disorder, disrupt sleep, and give rise to fatigue, irritability, and brain fog.
Exacerbated by social stigma, visible PCOS symptoms can also undermine self-esteem and body image. This can lead to a negative perception of self-worth that makes low mood, social withdrawal, and relationship issues more likely.
The invisible symptoms of PCOS, like infertility and insulin resistance, can lead to feelings of frustration, grief, or isolation — and a further diminished sense of self-worth.
Fortunately, healthy lifestyle changes such as regular exercise, a balanced diet, and improved sleep — combined with clinical treatments for PCOS and mental health support — can help alleviate the condition’s physiological symptoms as well as its psychological effects.
Eating a diet rich in whole foods and fiber, and low in refined carbohydrates, helps stabilize blood sugar levels, which in turn improves mood.
Regular exercise boosts endorphins, eases depression and anxiety, improves insulin sensitivity, supports sleep, and promotes better weight control (which in turn improves PCOS symptoms).
Practices like mindfulness, yoga, meditation, journaling, or even walking in nature can help foster better emotional balance and improved mental clarity.
Depending on how PCOS affects you, recommended medical treatments may include hormonal birth control to regulate periods, treat acne, and reduce excess facial hair, anti-androgen drugs to treat scalp hair loss, and metformin to improve insulin sensitivity.
A therapist can provide one-on-one mental health support, offering effective coping tools and options for antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications. Attending a PCOS support group can help you feel less isolated and foster a stronger sense of community and self-worth.
Are you struggling with the effects of PCOS? We can help. Schedule a visit with Dr. Rania Ibrahim or Dr. Christina Parmar at New Beginnings OB/GYN in Shenandoah, Texas, today.