It appears that depression and anxiety are more common in women with PCOS. In studies where researchers have looked at the health related quality of life in women with and without PCOS, the women with PCOS were shown to have higher rates of anxiety, depression, lower rates of self-esteem and body image and an increased response to stress:
We don’t know exactly why this occurs, but women with PCOS have stated that issues such as being overweight and having excess body hair were important factors. There has also been a suggestion that the high levels of male hormones are related to the higher rates of depression.
It’s important to seek help for depression and anxiety because there are effective treatments available which can greatly improve your quality of life. As well as this, when you feel depressed or have low self-esteem and body image, we are less likely to take positive steps to look after our health and wellbeing, such as following a healthy eating plan or being active. This isn’t good for the long term management of PCOS.
Your GP is the best person to assess your overall health and wellbeing, so if you think you may be depressed or have an anxiety disorder, that’s the best place to start. Your GP will be able to assess if you are depressed and discuss the most appropriate treatment options with you.
You can also find information about depression and anxiety online. A good website I often recommend is www.beyondblue.org.au. Beyond Blue is the website of the National Depression Initiative. You will find lots of useful information and resources about anxiety and depression on this website, including checklists for anxiety and depression, fact sheets on all aspects of depression including various treatment options, and links to other depression related websites with additional information.
Claire Daly is an Accredited Practising Dietitian / Accredited Nutritionist who works with women and families. She has particular interest in working with women who have PCOS (Claire has PCOS herself), fertility problems or who are wanting to achieve a healthy weight and good health prior to and during pregnancy. Claire has her own private practice in Melbourne. For more information visit www.eatwell.com.au
Like to use this blog post in your own newsletter or publication? Just email Claire to let her know which article you would like to use and how I would like you to acknowledge the source of the article, then you are on your way.
