PCOS, anxiety and depression

[Tiru44]

Hi there,

First time post here (be kind 😊)

Just looking for some advice on handing severe mood swings, depression and anxiety associated with PCOS.

For background: I was diagnosed with mild PCOS last month. I’ve had irregular periods since I started my periods 15 years ago. I’ve also had very bad PMS/PMDD in the week leading up to my periods, sometimes so much so I need to avoid social situations and my wonderful long suffering husband.

I have the classic symptoms (hairy where I don’t need to be, oily, thin hair) except I am holding a good weight (I need to work out pretty much every day to maintain this though). I have high levels of testosterone and androgens but normal oestrogen and progesterone.

In the last 6 months, my moods have been everywhere. One minute I’m fine, the next I want a divorce, quit my job and burn the house down. I fear it’s going to start destroying my relationship and my career. I am not an anxious or depressive person by nature, so this is very foreign to me.

I am not in any artificial hormones or antidepressants.

Any advice would be welcome and I hope you’re all happy and well this evening 😊

TiRu x

[Hols969]

I personally would try anti depressants as they are brilliant. I had PND when I had my son so went on them for a few years, came off them for about 7 years and gone back on them for anxiety really as my job is quite stressful and they are a life saver for me. There is st johns wort you can try which is herbal but depending on how bad you feel they are not very strong. Also up your exercise to get some endorphins as that can lift your mood.

Depression and anxiety is a symptom of pcos, they dont know if it is the side effects of pcos e.g. hair, weight or whether it is the hormone imbalance that triggers it.

Anxiety and depression are pretty common nowadays, I know more people that have it than dont, I personally think our bodies and minds struggle to cope with the lives we lead now.

[Moving]

Hi Tiru,

I actually have began to have the same issues with low moods and have had PCOS for 10 years ... also with fertility issues and leading a stressful life like most, not sure where one thing starts and the other ends...

what has helped me is to ensure I work out outside too - not just at home or in a class... the fresh air - especially when the sun shines really helps to set my mood for the day/evening/ weekend

I have also recently began looking into counselling options ... to allow myself to talk it through rather than doing my own research as it’s nice to get some reassurance

I hope you find a way through it

X