Several studies have found that women with PCOS and/or infertility are often more likely to suffer from depression and anxiety. A January 2009 article in the medical journal Fertility and Sterility detailed a follow-up to an earlier study that found increased rates of depression in women with PCOS.

My experience over the years with women who have PCOS is that many suffer from anxiety and depression. Sure enough, the study found that more than half of PCOS sufferers were affected by at least one mental health disorder. Forty percent battled depression, 15 percent struggled with panic disorders, and binge-eating disorder was a problem for 23 percent.

The number and severity of mood disorders increased over time – though my experience has been that with appropriate PCOS treatment depression and anxiety decrease for most women experiencing PCOS.

Researchers recommended that doctors aggressively pursue diagnosis and treatment for acne and weight issues as it has been found that the hirsutism, acne and excess weight associated with PCOS contribute to emotional problems.

While these physical symptoms can increase depression and social anxiety, I suspect that many women also suffer from depression due to the fatigue, infertility issues and frustration that come along with PCOS. I have also seen great strides in lessening of depression and anxiety with Omega-3 EFA supplementation. The brain is made up largely of DHA, an essential fatty acid found in fish oil, and low levels can increase PCOS symptoms as well as mental health issues.

Bookmark It

Hide Sites

Chaste tree berry or vitex agnus castus is a very popular herb for PCOS. I credit vitex with helping me to be healthy enough to have my daughter, and it is the main ingredient in many very expensive fertility herbal blends. You’ll be shocked to see how cheap vitex is when you see the prices of some of those blends.

I am often asked where to find vitex or chaste tree berry. While most health food stores carry some form of vitex, I am often frustrated by the fact that it often comes mixed with other herbs. This is fine if you find the perfect blend for PCOS, but as I explain in my book (Alternative PCOS Solutions) not all herb blends are right for PCOS.

It drives me crazy when I find a blend that has an herb that is not good for PCOS or that might make someone’s symptoms worse instead of better. One example I see a lot is licorice root mixed with vitex. Licorice is not good for you if you have high blood pressure (common for some women with PCOS) and it is also not great if you have elevated estrogen levels s it can mimic estrogen. I would far rather do my research and create my own blend of herbs based on my symptoms.

I found a great resource for organic chaste berry. They have both the whole berries and powder. You can use the whole berries to make a tea (I usually blend in some spearmint or cinnamon or something to improve the flavor). You can find herb recipe blends in my book as well or do your own research online. Cinnamon is a good choice for flavoring tea since it is also good for insulin resistance. You can use the powder to make your own blends and encapsulate it or just put it in capsules as is – just be sure to research dosage too! More is not always better.

Both forms of chaste berry are very reasonably priced, especially for organics. They also offer bulk discounts. Since many herbalists recommend using vitex for at least 3 months to see results, and they recommend taking it for up to 18 months if it is working for you, buying it by the pound is extremely cost effective.

Mountain Rose Herbs also has great deals on other bulk herbs, essential oils, herbal teas and other holistic goodies. Click here and scroll down for chaste tree berry.

Bookmark It

Hide Sites