People with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) have long spoken up about their struggles with depression and anxiety. Along with compromised fertility, excess hair growth, weight gain, loss of libido and abnormal periods, symptoms of low mood and anxiety are now being recognized as a side effect of PCOS.
Researchers from Cardiff University have now confirmed, after studying 16,000 women with PCOS, that they are more likely to experience poor mental health than women without the hormone disorder.
23% of participants in the study had experienced depression and 11.5% had experienced anxiety. This is compared with 19% and 9% of women without PCOS, respectively.
The women were compared to women of the same age and BMI to get these results. Though depression and anxiety were the most common mental health issues, bipolar and eating disorders also appeared at a higher rate in women with PCOS than those without.
One report suggests this might be in part due to the "emotionally distressing symptoms" that come with PCOS. Some people with PCOS struggle with low-esteem as a result of hair growth or weight gain, which could in turn cause low mood or anxiety. In response to this, advocates for positive body image like Harnaam Kaur have proudly shared photographs of themselves with facial hair that is the result of PCOS symptoms.
Dr Aled Rees, one of the leading researchers on this study, has said that "PCOS is one of the most common conditions affecting young women today, and the effect on mental health is still under appreciated". It is thought that the link to mental health could be because of the hormone imbalance that comes with PCOS - higher levels of testoterone and insulin - as hormones can impact mental wellbeing, but this hasn't yet been confirmed. Dr Aled Rees hopes that awareness of the connection between PCOS and mental health will lead to "increased awareness, earlier detection and new treatments".
7-10% of adult women have PCOS. With a better understanding of the link between PCOS and mental health, there is hope that these people will be able to access more relevant treatment than before.
There are many misleading or false treatments floating around on the internet to be aware of: some have recommended a vegan or paleo diet, Chinese herbs, essential oils...if you're seeking treatment for PCOS or any related mental health issues, it is always better to chat to your doctor and be wary of 'miracle cures' online.
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This article originally appeared on The Debrief.