OCD and hormones

[Yellowlady56]

Hi there. I’ve been stressing a lot the past couple of weeks. I’m 21(f) and just found out I have PCOS. Due to this disorder my bodies hormones have been out of wack for at least 3 years now. To prevent symptoms and pain of this disorder my doctors thought it was best to have the hormonal IUD birth control. And I haven’t had hormones in my body for some time. Im absolutely terrified that now that I have this birth control my OCD is going to get worse and worse. And the stress of it is already causing me to go through my OCD cycle. I feel like I’m just now finding out I have OCD that’s how different this anxiety and thoughts feel. Any advice? Has anyone experienced this with hormones?

[Sallyskins]

I haven't had PCOS myself, but as a woman I do know how the menstrual cycle can play havoc with OCD. I'm past the menopause now, but I still have a sort of physical and emotional cycle without the bleeding. This is normal post-menopause.

PCOS must be a horrible condition to have both physically and emotionally, particularly as hormones play such a big part in our emotions.

I should think that if anything, the hormonal IUD would help you with OCD. Settling down your hormones should help to make the OCD less of a rollercoaster.

I took the contraceptive pill for many years in my twenties and thirties, and I found that it made the emotional effects of my monthly cycle less of a problem. That helped with the OCD. I took it concurrently with medication for OCD and that wasn't a problem.

I think the hormones in the IUD you have are similar to the ones in the 'Pill' so it may have a similar effect.

It might be worth speaking to the doctors who deal with both your PCOS and OCD about it. Consider taking medication for the OCD as well, if you're not already. It can help to regulate your emotions, smoothing out the ups and downs.

Make sure you keep yourself informed about PCOS and any new treatments that are available. And join a support group - there should be one near you.

[Bubbles10919]

I dealt with this cycle a lot around my early 20s and I didn’t know I had OCD at that point. I think just knowing gives you power and knowing that your hormones can influence your OCD/anxiety spiral also can give you a lot of power over it. In my opinion you already have a leg up on your OCD, you can do this! Hopefully the hormonal IUD will really help your PCOS because the hormones flow directly into the lining of your uterus. Definitely talk to your doctor about your concerns, I feel like as women with OCD we can be very susceptible to even subtle hormone shifts. Keep a close eye on your emotions and take care of yourself!