Depression and PCOS?

[youngwife]

I've dealt with Severe depression on and off since I was 13...
It seems that each time it comes back it gets worse. The hard part is there are so many variables that can cause depression I know... so over the years it's been a mystery to me and my family. I am currently on my way to recovery again from another bad spell... (some of which I think was influenced my marital issues).
Is this something that could be related with PCOS even though it started before I was 'diagnosed'?

[drheather]

I've dealt with Severe depression on and off since I was 13...
It seems that each time it comes back it gets worse. The hard part is there are so many variables that can cause depression I know... so over the years it's been a mystery to me and my family. I am currently on my way to recovery again from another bad spell... (some of which I think was influenced my marital issues).
Is this something that could be related with PCOS even though it started before I was 'diagnosed'?

Dear YoungWife,

I am sorry that you are suffering with depression.

There are many reasons/causes of depression. And there are many women with PCOS who are depressed or have an increase in anxiety. Women with PCOS are more likely to experience anxiety and depression, although the reasons for this are not entirely known.

The hormonal imbalance of PCOS (elevated testosterone and DHEA-S) could be implicated, as well as the insulin resistance which underlies PCOS. Even though you have been dealing with depression before you were diagnosed, it may be related to hormones, and it was just that you may not have been aware of a developing problem. Of course, this is just speculation.

Also, simply the stress of living with a condition like PCOS which affects so many aspects of a woman’s health is of course associated with emotional health.

Here are two references to scientific papers that address anxiety in women:

1. Weiner et al. Androgens and mood dysfunction in women: comparison of women with polycystic ovarian syndrome to healthy controls. Psychosom Med. 2004 May-Jun;66(3):356-62. PMID: 15184695 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

2. Elsenbruch et al. Quality of life, psychosocial well-being, and sexual satisfaction in women with polycystic ovary syndrome. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2003 Dec;88(12):5801-7. PMID: 14671172 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

There is a startling lack of information on this topic, i.e. on the physiological reasons behind this phenomenon. However, I would guess that improving the insulin resistance and hormonal imbalance of PCOS would help improve symptoms of anxiety and depression. That is if that is the reason you are experiencing this.

I would like to pass along some support sites for women with PCOS. You may find them useful and helpful. http://www.soulcysters.com/ and http://www.pcos.org

I would also recommend that you continue to work with your doctor or counselor to help you best cope through difficult times and to reduce the frequency of depression. I also, hope that you use the support of the women here as well as those on the links I have included.

Please feel free to write in at any time.

[youngwife]

Sorry that it has taken me so long to get back to this, I'm a full time student, and school has been pretty hectic since mid terms..
Thank you very much for the links to other support sites I'm sure that those will be very helpful! And thanks again for your comments and research.

[drheather]

Sorry that it has taken me so long to get back to this, I'm a full time student, and school has been pretty hectic since mid terms..
Thank you very much for the links to other support sites I'm sure that those will be very helpful! And thanks again for your comments and research.

Hello, it is nice to hear from you. I know how hectic school can be. I am sure that you are looking forward to a break.

I hope that are continue to feel better. As you know, having a good support group surrounding you to help prevent further episodes is important. Also, including different types of support, one on one, groups, family, online, etc.

You are very welcome. Please let me know if there is anything I can do to help support you.

[jsraja]

Im not sure aboout wats there problem better consult the doctors,..........

[drheather]

Im not sure aboout wats there problem better consult the doctors,..........

Good point! It is very important to find out the cause of the problem so that it can be properly addressed. Many women with PCOS experience depression and anxiety due to having PCOS. But there are many other causes as well.

[arunkumarrr]

You have to consult a doctor and to get his advise on this issue..

[Emiliana]

Do take deep breath in fresh air, Share your problems with your family, Avoid alcohol, caffeine and other stimulants ...
don't take tension about little things, try to be happy all the time ...