PCOS and Mood Disorders
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.
