The Emotional Effects of PCOS

Once a woman is diagnosed with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS), physicians usually start focusing on medical treatment. But the emotional effects of PCOS deserve just as much attention. Researchers are finding evidence that women with the illness are more prone to depression not only because of the difficult symptoms, but also because the hormone imbalances themselves can lead to depression.

PCOS is an endocrine disorder that typically results in sex hormone imbalances, polycystic ovaries, insulin resistance, irregular or absent menstrual cycles, and infertility. It is an incurable illness and why women develop PCOS is not understood. Because there is no single test for the syndrome, and because patients may experience varying degrees of symptoms, it can be difficult to reach a diagnosis-especially if a woman's doctor is not familiar with the illness. Despite the fact that PCOS is a leading cause of infertility and is the most common hormonal disorder in premenopausal women, it can take months or even years of research, tests, and doctor visits to determine if PCOS is the culprit of a woman's symptoms. Once a woman receives confirmation that she does indeed have PCOS, there can be feelings of relief in finally being able to put a name to all that she has experienced. In time, however, the illness can wreck the self-image, self-esteem, and emotional well-being of even the most confident of women.

Perhaps once of the biggest obstacles to overcome is simply learning to accept that PCOS has no cure. Doctors can only offer ways to treat the many symptoms rather than trying to rid the body of the disorder altogether. If a woman is not menstruating properly, she may be given birth control pills fore regulation. If insulin resistance is an issue, the diabetic medication Metformin is often prescribed. Still, no matter how well symptoms are managed, there is still the underlying fact that PCOS cannot be cured with a simple pill. Women have to completely transform their lifestyle in order to keep PCOS from getting out of control and increasing their risks of heart problems or developing diabetes.

There is great psychological struggle with this syndrome, because it can make sufferers question their femininity. For many women, one of the main signals that something is not right with their bodies is the irregularity or even absence of menstruation, known as amenorrhea. No one considers menstruating to be a fun event, but it is part of being female. When a young woman goes months or years without it, she can begin to feel abnormal. Pair that with a high level of androgens (male hormones like testosterone), and it can further push a woman towards feelings of being unfeminine.

Although in these modern times the female population is increasingly independent and creating their own definitions of success, certain ideals still follow women. Perhaps no role is more associated with women than motherhood. There are those that choose to not have children, of course, but for many women with PCOS, infertility may be the hardest consequence of the illness. Even in this day in time, some women see being infertile as meaning that they are failures. Telling spouses that they do not ovulate normally and therefore may be infertile is awkward and terrifying. Not being able to give birth can be devastating for women and their families. Fortunately, there are many PCOS sufferers who have been able to give birth through the careful management of symptoms and fertility treatments. Still, conceiving and maintaining the pregnancy full-term can force women and their partners to experience an emotional rollercoaster.

The physical symptoms of PCOS are particularly cruel because they attack the parts of a woman that she normally takes great pride in. The hormonal imbalances and insulin resistance can lead to women becoming overweight, obese, and carrying excess weight at the most dangerous area of the body: around the middle. Fat in this area puts anyone at a higher risk for heart problems. It can be incredibly difficult for women with PCOS to lose weight, especially those with the "apple" body shape. Some women describe themselves as having such a large and round belly that they always look pregnant. Imagine learning that you may be infertile and yet having a body that can lead to humiliating "so when is the baby due?" questions.

Having a low level of progesterone and a high level of male hormones like testosterone can do a number on the hair and skin of women with PCOS. They may find themselves battling regular acne breakouts and they may develop skin tags. Skin tags are growths on the skin that may be dark in color and may look similar to hanging skin. The effects of PCOS on hair can be devastating as well. Thinning hair and male pattern balding can occur, and by the time a woman notices a widened part in her hair or a balding spot on her head, she may have already lost half of her hair. While hair may be falling out on the head, elsewhere on the body she may find hair overgrowth, called hirituism. Take a peak at PCOS support message boards and one can find many a panic-filled post describing shaving necks, faces, hands, and even the most private of body parts. In a society where women are held to unrealistic ideals of beauty, trying to style hair to cover a bald spot while simultaneously shaving hair off the neck can wreck the emotions of just about any woman.

It is no wonder that those with PCOS are so much more susceptible to anxiety and depression. The latest studies may be finding links between psychological disorders and PCOS, but any woman dealing with the reality of this illness does not need any research to tell her how emotionally draining PCOS can be. It is essential that anyone dealing with anxiety and prolonged periods of depression seek help from a doctor or therapist. Women may not be able to cure PCOS, but they do have control over how they handle the symptoms. It takes time to find acceptance, but remember that depression is not going to make the condition better; in fact, it will probably make it much worse.