Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) isn’t a brand new idea anymore and is essentially related to a number of health issues associated to menstruation in girls. A fancy and power lifelong drawback prompted as a consequence of hormonal imbalances ends in completely different bodily well being issues in addition to psychological well being and ladies with PCOS are normally identified to be insulin-resistant, have irritation all through the physique with excessive ranges, are overweight and lead a annoying life.

In truth, well being consultants reveal that girls who’re identified with PCOS are thrice extra more likely to endure from signs of extreme anxieties and despair than the others and the hyperlink between each may be as a consequence of varied bodily, emotional, and social causes. In an interview with HT Lifestyle forward of International Women’s Day 2023, Dr Geeta Komar, Senior Consultant – OBG at Kinder Women’s Hospital and Fertility Centre in Bengaluru, established the hyperlink between PCOS and psychological well being and stated, “Although the reasons behind why women with PCOS are more likely to be at an increased risk of depression and anxiety are unclear, it is true that their symptoms are often overlooked and stay untreated.”

She revealed, “Emotional health for women with PCOS can be particularly influenced by factors such as continuous physical and psychological changes that they go through, declining self-esteem, altering body-image, lifestyle and inability to cope up with stress. Upon diagnosis, it can unleash an ocean of emotions that may not be similar for everyone but can have an astounding effect. While some may experience frustration and anger, or shock and disbelief, for many it can be simply fear of facing uncalled for challenges with health. PCOS causes an elevation in the level of androgens and DHEAS (testosterone hormones) that may be associated with depression and anxiety. Several research studies have also suggested that low levels of serotonin (a chemical in the nervous system associated with igniting positive feelings) are found in people with PCOS which can lead to feeling depressed and anxious more often.”

Suggesting tricks to maintain psychological well being with PCOS, Dr Geeta Komar stated, “The key to managing PCOS is to be aware of things that may trigger mood swings and managing lifestyle. PCOS is a complex disorder and if left untreated for long, it can affect one’s overall wellbeing. To improve emotional wellbeing, it is necessary to understand and educate oneself about PCOS, its treatment and avenues of getting the right support. The good part of treatment for PCOS is that it can also treat the many other specific underlying causes. For instance, women who are diagnosed to be insulin-resistant may be advised to consume low-carb and low sugar diet. This will also help in keeping obesity at bay and maintain healthy weight, thus making a significant lifestyle change. Birth control pills may be prescribed to cure hormonal imbalances and regularize menstrual cycle.”

According to her, feeling depressed, anxious, or experiencing temper swings typically are frequent amongst individuals with PCOS however may be tackled higher with the next ideas:

• Change your way of life habits for higher. Focus on bettering your way of life basically as an alternative of creating short-term modifications like following a selected food plan, studying a sport, and meditating for a couple of days. Exercise recurrently for not less than half-hour every day, meditate to assist your self settle down, handle stress, and keep targeted in your objectives. Eat a balanced food plan that features fiber, protein, and carbohydrates.
• While there aren’t any concrete research that show taking anti-depressants additionally assist deal with PCOD as they may for individuals with out PCOD, drugs like metformin that assist the physique use insulin, Omega-3 fatty acids, Vitamin D can assist in lowering the signs of tension and despair.
• Practicing mindfulness workout routines like yoga, guided meditation, respiration workout routines, leisure methods can assist in bettering the signs of tension in addition to high quality of life.
• Living with PCOS may be annoying. It can take a toll on each bodily and emotional well-being. Factors akin to altering physique picture and measurement, extreme facial and physique hair, facial pimples, lack of bodily health and motivation may be troublesome to manage up with. Therefore, it’s essential to take cost of emotional well being and well-being proper from teenage years and undertake a more healthy way of life to take care of wholesome physique weight, eat wholesome and train recurrently. Having open conversations with mother and father, academics or counselors can assist too.

Talking about how remedy can assist, she stated, “Therapies or counseling can work wonders and show effective results in treating depression if diagnosed with PCOS. Therapies such as Talk Therapy (to talk and counsel), cognitive behavioral therapy (to identify patterns that indicate negative thinking and teaches how to cope with the situation) and sharing issues with people from support groups and looking for solutions together can be beneficial. Remember, there is no doubt that PCOS and depression are often interrelated but with timely treatment, the symptoms can be reduced significantly.”

She concluded, “PCOS can make you feel depressed and anxious at least 3 times more in comparison to when do not have PCOS, although the reasons stay unclear. To get relief and improve the symptoms, seek therapeutic help and medications to treat both PCOS and depression. Taking the right medication will help in getting the menstrual cycle back on track and improve lifestyle. If necessary, consult a mental health expert to treat depression and anxiety or join some support groups that can offer the required help.”