PCOS and mental health

What is PCOS?

PCOS: We are hearing this name in recent days very often. What is PCOS? Actually, it is  Poly Cystic Ovarian Syndrome which occurs commonly in women who are in their reproductive age. This disorder is caused mainly due to hormonal imbalance. There are several symptoms that occur mainly due to the over secretion of male hormone Androgen or testosterone in the female. Actually, Androgen is secreted in females in a very less amount but in PCOS women this hormone is secreted at a high level.

Causes of PCOS:

The actual cause for PCOS is still unknown. If the ovulation in the woman due to some reasons not happens, it may lead to the formation of cysts in the ovary. These cysts in the ovary are responsible for the production of androgen. The increase in androgen leads to several complications. Insulin resistance is also seen in many PCOS women. It is the resistance in insulin in the blood and it may lead to an increase in blood glucose level.

Symptoms of PCOS:

      PCOS consists of series of several symptoms. But each woman with PCOS will not experience all the symptoms.

The most common symptom is having irregular periods. The other visible symptoms are obesity, excessive facial hair, black pigmentation around the neck, armpits, and under the breasts, the formation of acne, etc., The PCOS may also experience cramps, back pain, etc.,

As said earlier, not all the symptoms are seen in everyone. They may or may not have the particular symptoms.

PCOS and it’s effect on health:

PCOS can make the ability to conceive difficultly. It may lead to even infertility. As several complications, it may even lead to uterine cancer. Women with PCOS are usually insulin resistant. Their bodies could not use the insulin properly. So, it may increase the risk for developing Type -2 Diabetes.

How PCOS is related to mental health?

Most people don’t know how the mental health of women with PCOS is affected. Women with PCOS experience mood swings and emotional instability. These are mainly due to the fluctuations in hormones happening in their body.

This also increases the levels of anxiety and lead to depression. The women with PCOS are having high chances of having depression than the woman without PCOS.

The physical symptoms in PCOS women especially obesity and growth of facial hair can also be a cause for their depression. In severe cases, the depression caused by PCOS can even increase suicidal thoughts. PCOS is also associated with several eating disorders.

Treatment:

As there is no particular cure for PCOS, the symptoms of it can be cured. Several medications are prescribed in treating the symptoms. The change in food habits will also have a good impact on improving the condition. Eating nutritious food and avoiding unhealthy foods is very important. Exercising will also be very beneficial.

In case of any psychological symptoms consulting a mental health professional or psychologist will be very helpful.

Tips for weight loss:

For maintaining the symptoms, we need to change few things in our daily routine. Weight loss is the key to reducing hormonal imbalance. Few tips for losing weight are:

1.  Exercise regular: Whatever the situation maybe don’t compromise with the exercise.
2. Diet control: The control in the diet is a very must. Eating nutritious and healthy food will help to lose weight.
3. Self-care: We must spend some time for ourselves so that we can exercise and keep ourselves healthy.