Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), one of the most common endocrine disorders affecting women of childbearing age, is receiving increasing attention. PCOS awareness and support groups are making a significant impact by offering valuable guidance on infertility, weight gain, and diet plans. At the same time, it is important to emphasize the link between PCOS and mental health, ensuring that support and awareness address this critical aspect as well.

Can PCOS Affect Your Mental Health?

As the name suggests, PCOS is a syndrome—a complex condition characterized by a group of symptoms that disrupt hormonal balance and metabolic processes. PCOS affects women’s lives physically, mentally, and socially, significantly impacting overall quality of life. Studies indicate that individuals with PCOS are at a higher risk of developing mental health issues, including depression and anxiety. Many women with PCOS also report experiencing mood disorders, stress, OCD, and eating disorders.

Possible Causes of the PCOS and Mental Health Connection

The exact cause of the connection between PCOS and mental health is not entirely known. However, various factors contribute to mental health issues in women with PCOS. Let’s explore these factors:

• Weight Gain: Weight gain associated with insulin resistance or hormonal imbalance is a significant factor affecting mental health in women with PCOS. This weight gain can impact mental well-being in several ways, including constant pressure to lose weight, negative body image, and social stigma related to beauty standards.
• Alopecia: Androgenic alopecia, or thinning of scalp hair, is one of the concerning symptoms of PCOS. Hair loss is another source of stress and anxiety for women, who often worry about how much hair they might lose, whether it will grow back, or if they will eventually become bald. Since society often links hair structure to beauty and facial appearance, this issue causes major concern, leading to negative body image and social phobia.
• Noticeable Symptoms: Symptoms like acne, hirsutism (excessive facial and body hair growth), acanthosis nigricans (hyperpigmentation, especially around the neck), and skin tags are visible signs that can negatively impact mental health in women with PCOS. Managing these symptoms, in addition to dealing with the disease itself, becomes a challenging effort for many women.
• Hormonal Imbalances: Hormonal imbalance can lead to dramatic mood swings, which can adversely affect daily routines and overall life. Eventually, this can contribute to more disturbing mental health issues in women with PCOS.
• Infertility: Concerns about infertility—whether due to existing infertility, potential future infertility, or other possible complications—can lead to mental health issues such as anxiety or depression.
• Period Irregularities: Being overly focused on menstrual cycles, the inability to establish a regular pattern, and unpredictable cycles can contribute to the connection between PCOS and mental health issues.
• Disease Perception: PCOS awareness offers significant benefits, such as preventing misdiagnosis and aiding long-term management. But for some individuals, being aware of the disease and its long-term implications can negatively influence their emotional and psychological state. Some women struggle to cope with the diagnosis of PCOS.

PCOS & Mental Health Effects

• Stress: For many women, PCOS is highly stressful, and this stress can manifest in various ways. It can lead to challenges in emotional regulation, such as difficulty focusing, heightened sensitivity, irritability, and frequent crying. Stress can also negatively impact disease prognosis and hormonal levels in PCOS, potentially worsening symptoms like acne and hair loss.
• Mood Swings: Mood swings are commonly related to hormonal imbalances in PCOS. Women with PCOS who also experience premenstrual syndrome (PMS) or premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) may find it especially challenging to cope with these dramatic mood swings.
• Depression and Anxiety: There is a high risk of developing mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and bipolar disorder among women with PCOS.
• Eating Disorders: As PCOS is often associated with lifestyle factors, growing awareness about weight reduction and diet modification in its management can sometimes lead to the development of eating disorders. Even when women work hard to manage their weight, the condition can make it difficult to see tangible results. This struggle can contribute to mental health issues and eventually result in eating disorders.
• Sleep Disorders: Stress and hormonal imbalances can adversely affect the sleep cycle, eventually leading to sleep disorders.
• Family Dynamics: PCOS can negatively affect family dynamics, especially in cases where there is a lack of supportive partners. Issues such as concerns about infertility, mood swings, and negative body image can contribute to this.
• Social Phobia: Social phobia is more frequently reported in women diagnosed with PCOS during early adolescence, although it can develop in women of any age.

Management Strategies for PCOS Mental Health issues

• Understand the Sources: Effective management of mental health in PCOS begins with understanding the underlying sources of stress. A woman can assess which factors are contributing to her stress and explore ways to address them. Discussing these sources with a trusted person can also be beneficial. Recognizing and acknowledging the sources of stress is the first step in finding effective coping strategies.
• Treatment of Underlying Causes: Effectively managing PCOS can improve mental health, especially when mental health issues are caused by hormonal imbalances or related symptoms.
• Herbal Medication: Sometimes, medication may be necessary to manage mental health issues associated with PCOS. A registered Ayurvedic practitioner can guide you through this process. Herbal remedies such as Brahmi, Shatavari, and Ashwagandha might be recommended. However, it is important to consult a doctor before starting any treatment, especially with Ashwagandha, to avoid potential side effects, particularly if you have hormonal imbalances.
• Therapeutic Procedures: Various therapeutic procedures can aid in improving blood circulation and provide a soothing effect that helps alleviate mental health issues. Procedures such as Shirodhara, Abhyanga, and Pada Abhyanga are particularly beneficial. You can also try herbal oil massages at home.
• Talk Therapy: Your physician may recommend talk therapy if needed. If so, don’t hesitate to seek help from a mental health professional.
• Exercise: Exercise is excellent for overall wellness, benefiting both mental and physical health. It can help address hormonal imbalances, manage weight gain, and reduce stress by releasing endorphins. Exercise aids in blood circulation and boosts self-confidence. Find an exercise routine that suits you and keeps you motivated and engaged.
• Mindfulness: Research has shown that mindfulness significantly impacts mental health and overall prognosis for PCOS patients. Studies have established a connection between PCOS and mental health issues, identifying mindfulness as an effective remedy for stress reduction. Therefore, it is recommended to incorporate mindfulness practices into your daily routine, such as guided yoga, meditation, or breathing exercises.
• Mindful Eating: Practicing mindfulness shouldn’t be limited to yoga or exercises. You can also include mindfulness into your daily life. For example, mindful eating can help you monitor your diet and offer other benefits, while a mindful walk in the park can impact your overall well-being. Whether it’s a 5-minute stretching or a relaxing bath, even short moments of mindfulness can be beneficial.
• Sharing with Friends and Family: Seek support from friends and family (only reliable people), as living with a chronic illness can be quite challenging. There may be situations where their help can make a significant difference. For example, even after making lifestyle changes, you may still struggle to lose weight. It can be overwhelming when others question why you haven’t lost weight or assume you’re not trying. In such moments, the support of friends and family can be invaluable. The same goes for dealing with mood swings. In such cases, they can be a pillar of support, helping you cope.
• Love Yourself: Love yourself and be kind to yourself. Building self-confidence and self-esteem can help you manage the mental health challenges that come with PCOS. Prioritize yourself and make self-care a part of your routine. Don’t obsess over symptoms or appearance changes caused by PCOS. Your life with PCOS will transform once you start practicing self-love.
• Ayurvedic Self-Care Routine: Include Ayurvedic self-care routines, or Dinacharya, into your daily life. These practices encourage consistency, from waking up at a specific time to prioritizing sleep. This can, in turn, improve your quality of life.
• Documentation and Journaling: Both documentation and journaling can be practiced. Documentation may include tracking your lifestyle modifications, diet, weight changes, menstrual cycle, improvements, and treatments. Journaling can focus on your stressors, gratitude, to-do lists, goals, and more. As a form of self-reflection, these practices can help you manage PCOS and mental health.
• Sleep: Ensure quality sleep and maintain a strict sleep routine. Sleep cycles can have a direct impact on hormonal balance and mental health.
• Ayurvedic Management for Symptoms: Consider Ayurvedic treatment for PCOS, offering a holistic approach to managing symptoms through natural and personalized remedies.
• Supplements: Sometimes, your practitioner may identify vitamin deficiencies that could exacerbate mental health issues and recommend supplementation with vitamin D or omega-3 fatty acids.

Reflections from Mindful Portrait

Life with PCOS can be challenging and distressing, but you are not alone. Statistics show that a significant number of people are affected by PCOS. You have the power to take charge of both your physical and mental health. Use your diagnosis as a turning point to adopt positive lifestyle changes, mindfulness, and a nutritious diet. By actively managing PCOS and mental health and monitoring your well-being, you can transform PCOS into an opportunity for overall improvement and a healthier, more fulfilling life.