PCOS and Mood Swings

How PCOS Effects Mental Health:

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common disorder that affects women in their reproductive age. Research suggests that PCOS can cause several mental health issues and psychiatric disorders.

Women who have PCOS have an increased risk of depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder. Therefore, treatment for these disorders is necessary. Therapy and lifestyle changes are some of the treatments that are advised for these women.

One mental disorder that arises from PCOS is mood swings.

How PCOS Affects Mood:

PCOS is associated with insulin resistance, a condition in which the body is resistant to the effects of insulin and therefore more insulin is produced. This causes a high amount of insulin in the bloodstream, which through a series of steps, results in your ovaries producing more testosterone and other androgens.

The excess androgens, often described as “male hormones”, present in ladies with PCOS result in many of the physical symptoms of PCOS including unwanted hair growth, acne and male pattern baldness. Suffering from insulin resistance also has an adverse effect on weight, resulting in them becoming overweight. These symptoms can make women feel hopeless and depressed.

Also, the hormonal fluctuations that women with PCOS experience bring about mood swings or emotional instability. Mood swings, happen to many women during their menstrual cycles. However, PCOS-induced mood swings are more frequent and intense and invariably affect work, relationships and overall quality of life. Changes to a mood that is severe and prolonged should be discussed with a doctor/mental health professional.

Treatments for Mood Swings Caused by PCOS:

Mood swings are normal when suffering from PCOS and do not always require medical attention. However, if you feel like the mood swings are affecting your daily life, you must visit a doctor.

Here are some things you can do to treat mood swings if you have PCOS:

-Improve nutrition:
Food has an impact on both your physical health and your mood. Research suggests that eating complex carbs, proteins, fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds can stabilise blood sugar levels, which has been linked to improving people’s mood.

-Exercise regularly:
Regular exercise can help lower insulin levels and keep blood sugar levels stable, which is important for improving your mood. But it may also help you lose weight. Exercise helps reduce stress and release endorphins that can improve your mood. Exercising may also be a welcome distraction from negative thoughts and help improve social interaction. Finding a form of exercise that makes you happy is key — be it walking, running or a team sport.

–Sleep properly:
Poor sleep can produce an increase in insulin resistance which means that a woman with PCOS will experience a rise in blood glucose levels despite following a healthy diet if sleep is not proper. Hence, getting a proper good night’s sleep is paramount. You should go to sleep and wake up at a fixed time, put out devices before sleeping and avoid the use of substances before bedtime.

–Practise stress management techniques:
it is in our best interest to manage stress levels. Practising meditation, mindfulness, journaling and taking up a leisure activity can improve your overall mood and well-being. Knowing your triggers and managing them beforehand will help.

–Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT):
CBT is a type of psychotherapy that can help you identify and change negative thought patterns and learn self-help techniques. CBT is used for PCOS patients who suffer from mental health issues including mood swings. A therapist or counsellor can guide you and work with you closely to help you implement these strategies after a thorough assessment of your problem and symptoms.

–Take medications:
Medications like metformin stimulate the production of insulin and so it can be used to treat mood swings caused by anxiety and depression. Supplements like vitamin – D, omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin B can also improve mood.

PCOS is a disease that can cause a loss of self-esteem in a woman which can lead to mood swings. If you are a patient of PCOS and suffer from frequent mood swings then come to the Chennai PCOS Clinic for treatment.