Studies suggest that up to 60 per cent of women with PCOS also suffer from some form of mental illness. It can be attributed to the physical symptoms and nature of PCOS, which is so serious that the mental illness is often overlooked
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common hormonal disorders that affect at least one in every 10 women in India. Despite it being so severe, there is still less awareness around the syndrome and its potentially devastating symptoms. Women suffering from PCOS go through a range of bodily issues like excessive body hair, weight gain, acne and sometimes infertility if it’s not managed well. However, it doesn’t end here. A research has shown that women suffering from this condition are more likely to suffer from mental health problems like depress, anxiety and bipolar disorder.
PCOS is a severe genetic, reproductive and metabolic disorder and is one of the leading causes of female infertility in India. It affects the way the functioning of the ovaries, which results in irregular periods, excess androgens (male hormones) in the body and polycystic ovaries. Studies suggest that up to 60 percent of women with PCOS also suffer from some form of mental illness. It can be attributed to the physical symptoms and nature of PCOS, which is so serious that the mental illness is often overlooked. Though there is no scientific research to prove what leads to deteriorating mental condition , it is generally considered to be caused by coping with the PCOS. But with so many women affected, it is important to try and identify whether or not there is a more specific cause for anxiety and depression in women with PCOS and how it can be prevented.
Link between PCOS and bipolar
When researchers at the University of Cardiff assessed the mental health history of more than 17,000 women diagnosed with the condition, the results showed those with PCOS were more likely to be diagnosed with depression, anxiety and bipolar disorder. It’s still not clear what actually causes the condition whether it runs in families or related to abnormal hormone levels like high levels of insulin. Other issues associated with PCOS, such as excess hair growth and acne, can also lead to low self-esteem.
All these can also lead to severe mood swings, which can cause a general feeling of instability. It’s not that they aren’t feeling guilty of their mood swings and not being able to deal with life. All these mixed feelings actually worsen their mental state and can fuelled the symptoms of depression and anxiety. For not being able to open up about all these issues also causes severe mental illness.
Even women, who are trying to get pregnant, also experience several mental turbulences because of with depression and anxiety caused by infertility.
PCOS can host a series of mental conditions including:
It can be treated in two ways: treating the PCOS from its roots and treating the mental conditions arising from it. Many medicines are used to balance the blood sugar and insulin levels, normalize body weight and getting hormones balanced. One also needs to bring some lifestyle modifications including regular exercise, diet management by avoiding junk food and low-suger diet and opting for healthy nutritious diet.
Treating the mental health issues needs a multifaceted approach. Cognitive behavioural therapy can be helpful in treating PCOS and anxiety attacks, and talk therapy can help people who are experiencing PCOS-related depression or general self-esteem issues. Even penning down your feelings will help to understand your patterns and triggers for mental illness. This will enable to practice self-care and stress reduction.
Dr (prof) Alka Kriplani, Director & Head —Centre for Minimally Invasive Gynecology Obstetrics & ART ,Paras hospitals, gurugram