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PCOS is a complex condition which impacts many aspects of a woman’s health, including mental health. People diagnosed with PCOS are found more likely to be diagnosed with anxiety and depression than people without PCOS. Depending on a person’s values and the culture they live in, they may find a number of distressing characteristics. These characteristics can also impact the emotional well-being of people without PCOS.

Experiencing the symptoms of PCOS, including excess hair growth, hair loss, acne, weight changes and fertility problems can negatively affect the mood, self-confidence and body image of an individual.  

The hormonal differences during PCOS, effects on the increased risk for anxiety and depression. Some people with PCOS have insulin resistance which results in the higher level of insulin in the bloodstream. More anxiety symptoms were reported by people with greater insulin resistance. So, some studies suggest that greater insulin resistance increases the risk for depression, but more research is needed. 

Androgens (a group of hormones) are elevated in many people with PCOS, which may be associated with increased risk for anxiety and depression in women with PCOS. Neurotransmitters like serotonin play an important role in depression and anxiety. So, the level of certain neurotransmitters present in people with PCOS may have an effect on depression and anxiety.  

How to maintain mental health ?

Many of the symptoms of PCOS challenge the idea about femininity and how women are ‘supposed’ to look. PCOS can make some women feel self-conscious; reduce their self-esteem and confidence affecting their behavior. At different times of life, different symptoms of PCOS can concern the people with PCOS. 

While reduced or poor mental and emotional health can make it difficult to follow a healthy lifestyle and can hinder the best possible  outcome. A healthy lifestyle (eating a balanced diet, being as active as possible and maintaining a healthy weight) is one of the most effective approaches for treating symptoms of PCOS.

So, knowing the effect of mental health on managing a lifestyle is one of the keys to managing PCOS successfully. It is important to seek help with this if needed. With the right support, education about PCOS and appropriate treatment; emotional health can be improved. There are many treatments that may help with depression and anxiety of people with PCOS. 

• Changing of lifestyle:

  Lifestyle of a person includes the activities and diet followed by a person. The effect of diet and exercise on symptoms of depression and anxiety in people with PCOS has been researched and found to be effective in maintaining mental health. Leading an active lifestyle in general may help to improve the mental health. Regular exercising help to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. At least 150 minutes of moderate exercise each week is said to be sufficient to control depressed mind and symptoms effectively.  

• Medications and supplements:

  Anti-depressants or anti-anxiety medications may be prescribed to treat mental health issues in people with PCOS. Medications that help the body use insulin may be used to improve symptoms of depression in people with PCOS. Omega-3 fatty acid from fish oil alone or in combination with Vitamin D may decrease the symptoms of depression and anxiety in people with PCOS. 

• Complementary therapies: 

  One can practice complementary therapies for the improvement and maintenance of mental health in case of PCOS condition.

- Practicing yoga can remarkably help to maintain mental health. Yoga practice for mental health improvement should include poses, guided relaxation, breathing exercise and meditation that help to improve the symptoms of anxiety in people with PCOS.  

- Practicing Mindfulness can also help reduce stress, relax the mind and the body and ultimately taking care of all the negative and doubtful thoughts arising in a person. Women with PCOS can practice mindfulness for at least 30 minutes per day that involves breathing methods, guided imagery.  

- One can receive acupuncture for the improvement in depression and anxiety among people with PCOS. Favorite hobby can open the door to a happy and healthy mind. Doing what you like, makes you happy and can do wonders for the improvement of your mental health.  

- Just like physical health; mental and emotional health is also important. Depression and anxiety are common in women with PCOS which are often overlooked and left untreated. So if required, reaching out for professional help is an important step to control PCOS along with ‘eating a healthy diet’.  

There are studies that suggest that drinking tea could be helpful in depression and anxiety treatment. 

AndMe PCOS PCOD tea is a herbal PCOS treatment that manages anxiety along with other PCOS symptoms like hormonal imbalance, irregular period cycles, weight, and acne. It contains the nutrients required for the management of PCOS with no chemicals and side effects. 

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