New Delhi: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a very common disorder among women who are of reproductive age. Irregular periods, weight gain, acne, excessive hair growth, and fertility issues are some of the physical symptoms of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. But one thing that goes unnoticed is the impact of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome on the mental health of women. The emotional impact of polycystic ovary syndrome affects millions of women across the globe, but in a very silent way. It also has an impact on their emotional well-being and the overall quality of life.
In an interaction with News9Live, Dr. Shampa Jha, Senior Consultant – Obstetrics & Gynecology, Motherland Hospital, Noida, explained how PCOS affects women’s mental health.
Understanding PCOS
Polycystic Ovary causes an impact on the mental health of women. Mood disorders such as anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem are most likely to occur in women suffering from Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. Body image issues, fertility concerns, and hormonal imbalances also contribute greatly to psychological distress. Changes in the hormonal level, particularly androgens and insulin resistance, contribute to changes in mood. Some visible symptoms of the same are acne, hair thinning, and weight struggles, which affect the confidence of women, leading to feelings of frustration, sadness, and social withdrawal.
Psychological Challenges
There are many psychological changes faced by women with PCOS. The first one is anxiety and depression, since women who suffer from PCOS are likely to experience symptoms of anxiety and depression more in comparison to others. Some factors, such as fertility and weight management struggles, can lead to an increase in chronic stress.
Body image issues such as weight gain, excessive facial hair, acne, and hair loss often cause significant body image concerns. This also leads to social anxiety, low self-worth, and other problems as well. In many cases, women suffering from Polycystic Ovary Syndrome experience disturbances in their eating patterns, which also causes an impact on their mental and physical health.
Addressing Mental Health with PCOS
Despite the significant impact of emotional toll, mental health does not receive the necessary attention in PCOS management. Since Polycystic Ovary Syndrome is not only a physical condition, it also requires a holistic approach. Seeking professional support, such as counselling and therapy, plays a very important role in providing help to those women who deal with the emotional impacts of PCOS.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy is considered very effective in managing anxiety levels, depression, and other emotional issues as well. Modifications in the daily lifestyle, such as regular physical activity and consuming a balanced nutritional diet, not only provide assistance with managing PCOS, but they also improve mood and reduce stress levels. Weight loss also influences the hormone balance and emotional well-being. Building a support system, such as establishing connections with a group of people, also provides a sense of belonging and understanding. Sharing experiences with others who are suffering from a similar problem decreases the feeling of isolation.
Open conversations, such as encouraging the discussion of the emotional aspects of PCOS, also help to break the stigma related to the same. Family members, friends, and partners should be provided with knowledge related to the mental health struggles associated with PCOS so that they can provide better support to a woman.
PCOS is not only a medical problem for a woman, but it also consists of many silent struggles for them. The mental health impacts of PCOS are as significant as treating the physical symptoms related to it. For a woman to deal with these challenges effectively, early interventions, emotional support, and lifestyle changes are very good options. All these factors also help women to deal with these issues effectively and live a healthy, happy life in the future.