PCOS and Depression

[CarolynHS]

So I very recently have been diagnosed with PCOS and, like most people it seems, have just been told to lose some weight and get on with it. Most of the symptoms are manageable but, and I appreciate its a really sensitive topic, I wanted to learn more are PCOS and depression. For probably the past 10 months i’ve really struggled with dipping into some low moods; I can be getting along normally and then something will happen, maybe an argument with a family member or a particularly hard period at work, and all of a sudden my emotions are uncontrollable. I’ve cried non stop, started having really negative thoughts or I can get really irritable and snappy. I’ve never really thought of myself as having depression but I can accept that somethings not right. I’m not quite sure what i’m looking for - reassurance i’m not alone? Advice? Any responses would be really appreciated.

[LisaEB]

PCOS is linked to depression, but doesn't mean the PCOS is giving you depression. The last 10 months we have been in this covid world. Do you think it could be anything to do with that?

If you have depression with PCOS it would be the same without PCOS i'd imagine. Possibly taking medication. Or doing natural things like exercise and eating well. Sounds like you are overweight, if the docs are telling you to loose weight, so it might help your confidence and mood.

Speak to your doctor, they are equipped to help with what to do with depression.

[CarolynHS in reply to LisaEB]

Thank you, i have started making lifestyle changes to lose weight but i guess i’m just sceptical that its going to be the solution to all my problems. All the covid stuff probably hasn’t helped but i feel like my low moods started before lockdown etc.

[LisaEB in reply to CarolynHS]

It won't be the solution to all your problems I have been borderline anorexic to now being medically in the obese range. I've always had low points. However being low for as long as you have is a little worrying.

One thing I was told in councilling was to write a journal of your feelings.

I lost a child at 21 weeks at the beginning of the year and I would say I'm a functioning depressive. I'm constantly crying at least every week. At the time it happened I cried all day every day. Yesterday I went to the doctor for a blood test and cried as I heard a baby crying in the next room...but its OK.. I know why I'm sad .. I guess for you, you need to work out why you are not happy and what you can do about it.

For example exercise gives of endrophins and you the more just do it the better you feel and more energy you have. I really have felt that lately and I've lost 17lbs probably in 6 months this year..and still obese which is annoying...

I really hope you find something to brighted your mood, read a book, good TV program..spending time with loved one in person or on zoom or something.

All the best

[CurlyGirl983]

Hi Carolyn. Sorry to hear you're not feeling great. Hang on in there, I think covid has presented a major stressor in our lives so no wonder cycles are going nuts. Yes PCOS really isn't easy and if you're prone to anxiety and depression then PCOS certainly makes it worse. I know myself, I'm near 2 weeks late and my anxiety is more acute so it feels rubbish: broken sleep, panic attacks, and bloated all the time! Desperate to get my period. Anyway good diet and regular exercise help- can you go out for a good brisk walk or better yet a run? Yoga is also good for calming the mind. And a good hot soak in the tub with some lavender oil will soothe. I agree some GP and doctors aren't massively helpful nor supportive on managing PCOs but I follow some people on Instagram who are really helpful. Maisie Williams and Kay Ali are two examples. Maisie's book Period Power is brill and talks about PCOs and ways to tackle it...can get it off Amazon.

Hope you're OK and please be kind to yourself. This will pass. You are not alone

[CarolynHS in reply to CurlyGirl983]

Hi, thank you so much for responding and the kindness and the advice. I really hope your period comes soon (not i sentence i often say lol) I’ve been reading loads of posts and sounds like irregular cycles is quite common - i went three months without a period over summer and then was on and off for nearly a month in September so i feel your pain. Thank you for the recommendations too - have followed both on Instagram!

[Missy100]

PCOS and depression have a direct link to one another. As PCOS can affect your hormones, it isn't surprising.

If you have been put on any sort of birth control/progesterone to help regulate your cycles this can also affect you mentally and cause depression and/or anxiety.

Please talk to your GP about your mental health. They can discuss whether an antidepressant is suitable. Don't feel you need to go it alone or just power through. Depression can be debilitating and destructive. It is a liar and a manipulator and you deserve to find a way to free yourself from its grasp.

In addition to medication ask your GP about any councilling services your surgery might offer. You can also contact the charity MIND who can offer support in this way. They will also be able to let you know what options and/or safety steps they offer to be able to give support while keeping everyone safe. This potentially be phone or video appointments, for example.

Considering the impact on how much time we spend outdoors, coupled with the dreary winter weather, consider taking vitamin D and C if you do not already. Your GP or pharmacist can recommend what dose you ideally should take daily.

Any form of physical activity can increase your endorphins and may be helpful. Turning some music on and swaying or dancing to it counts. So does physically pleasuring yourself (or sex with a partner), walking round the garden, gentle stretching, playing with a pet, and many other things. Even if you can only manage one of two minutes, this is better than zero minutes. And you might surprise yourself once you start.

Try being creative for the process (rather than the result). Examples: knitting/crocheting, baking/cooking, writing (journaling, poetry, or story), drawing, nail art, experimenting with makeup or hair styles, dancing, paint by numbers, origami, making your own holiday cards, scrapbooking, beadwork, felting, sewing projects, upcycling clothing, playing with glitter and glue, and so much more. Again, Google is a great source of ideas.

The depression that accompanies PCOS (for some sufferers, for symptoms vary between individuals) can be harsh without the impact of all the additional stresses of the current climate we are living in. Be kind to yourself and try to remind yourself daily that trying your best today doesn't have to look the same as your best on any other day. Remember not to punish yourself for taking care of yourself, whatever that looks like for you. You deserve to have comfort. You deserve to be pampered. You deserve to be listened to and cared for. You deserve to be happy.

[CarolynHS in reply to Missy100]

Thank you so much for this response, the kindness and the advice - my best days not always looking the same has really resonated with me. I was on birth control for about 7 years but came off in January, not sure if that would have an impact..?

[Missy100]

It is definitely worth exploring since your body will be experiencing a change in hormone levels. It has been documented to cause a return of PMS symptoms that were previously reduced or eliminated by taking birth control pills. This includes mood swings, hormonal acne and hormonal headaches. There are also other women who have complained of anxiety and depression affecting them when stopping long term hormonal birth control, including discussions of how they were told it wasn't possible. I'd be curious what your hormone levels might reveal if they were tested.