PCOS has an impact on your body, mind, and emotions. It may cause serious disruptions in your life.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a condition that affects millions of women worldwide. It causes a variety of health issues including acne, irregular periods, weight gain, infertility, and high cholesterol levels.
Most women who have polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) experience a variety of physical symptoms including irregular periods, hair thinning, and excess facial hair.
PCOS can lead to increased levels of insulin and testosterone, which can contribute to obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes, and depression.
Poor mental well-being is often associated with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). PCOS has been linked with depression, anxiety, poor self-image, low sex drive, and a general degradation in quality of one’s overall well-being.
What is PCOS?
Affecting about 10 percent of women, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a condition in which excess testosterone levels cause an imbalance in hormones. Women who suffer from PCOS often experience irregular periods and difficulty getting pregnant.
Most infertile couples seeking help are ultimately diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), which makes it the most common cause of female fertility issues.
Because PCOS presents itself differently in each woman, many women never get tested for PCOS. And when they finally do get diagnosed, there are so many different ways to test for PCOS that it can be difficult to know which ones to use.
How Does PCOS Impacts Women Mental Health?
Beyond hormonal imbalances, PCOS affects women’s mental well-being in various ways. Factors contributing to these issues range from:
- Alopecia, or hair loss, affects greatly women. However, women who lose their hair are more likely to experience feelings of stress and depression than other who didn’t had it.
- Acne. If you’re prone to breakouts, persistent acne could be an indicator of anxiety and body image concerns.
- Weight gain. PCOS-related obesity may cause mood swings, stress, and even feelings of anger.
- Growth of body hair. PCOS patients have a common predictor of distress called Hirsutism.
- Women who suffer from irregular periods and painful periods due to polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are at risk for developing anxiety disorders.
- Infertile women were the most likely to experience anxiety and depression due to their PCOS.
Overall, studies indicate that women with PCOS may be at greater risk for experiencing psychological symptoms than the general female adult populations.
Many women with the syndrome exhibit levels of stress comparable to that seen in psychiatric patients.
How Can PCOS Be Treated?
It has been well established that polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) does not have a single root cause.
However, genetics, rapid body fat gain, and increased levels of blood sugar may be some of the triggers of PCOS.
As a result, PCOS can be effectively treated through various methods. Common treatment plans involve:
- Weight Management. The link between PCO and obesity is well establised. Improving nutrition and fity – with a goal of maintaininga healthy weight – is often an effective method to mange Pcos. Your health care provider may recomendred reduceing your intake of alchol, sugar, and refined carbosrges. They may also suggesrt ways to support an active lifetyle.
- If you’re experiencing acne due to polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), your dermatologist might recommend taking an oral contraceptive pill to prevent breakouts.
- Contraception. If you’re having trouble with periods or PMS, contraception might help manage PCOS.
Your doctor will consider your family plans when devising a treatment program for your condition. Beyond managing symptoms, treatments may include ways to help you conceive and get pregnant if you hope to have children soon.
When to Talk to Your Doctor About Your Mental Health
If PCOS has been impacting your quality of life for some time now, it might be time to discuss options with your physician.
If you want to understand PCOS and its impact on your mental well-being, your medical professional should be your first stop.
They can teach you more about PCOS, explain the best ways to test for it, tell you how to live better, and give you tips for living with PCOS.
Your health care provider will start by taking a detailed medical history from you, examining you thoroughly, and asking questions about your current lifestyle.
You may be asked to provide details about your current diet, exercise routine, and more.
Alpha Medical offers online doctor visits as well as prescriptions for contraception and other medication.
To start, you’ll complete an online appointment and an Alpha Doctor will work with you to best manage your health.