Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a condition that affects women of childbearing age. Approximately 6-12% of women of childbearing age in the United States have this condition. PCOS is usually characterized by high levels of androgen hormones, irregular menstrual cycles, or cysts around the ovaries.
In addition to increasing the risk of health problems, such as type 2 diabetes, PCOS can also impact the mood and feelings of someone who has it. Therefore, this article will discuss the relationship between PCOS and depression.
Does PCOS Cause Depression?
Although the exact cause-and-effect relationship is not known, around 27-49% of women with PCOS report experiencing depression. Larger than the group of women without PCOS, which is 'only' 19%. In addition, around 50% of women with PCOS are also known to experience anxiety, 11% higher than the group of women without PCOS, according to several studies that have been conducted.
Obesity can trigger depressive symptoms in women with PCOS.
How Can PCOS Increase the Risk of Depression?
Research has supported several theories as to why PCOS might increase the risk of depression. Are as follows:
1. Insulin resistance
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), many people experience insulin resistance. That is, their bodies are constantly producing the hormone insulin without being able to use it properly. Insulin is a hormone that helps the body to control blood sugar levels.
It is estimated that 44-70% of women with PCOS experience insulin resistance. Several studies explain that insulin resistance can interfere with physiological mechanisms related to learning and reward so that it can contribute to symptoms.
2. Inflammation
PCOS is included in one of the inflammatory conditions. On the other hand, it is known that depression can increase the amount of inflammation that occurs in a person's body. Inflammation also strongly correlates with other conditions, such as stress and obesity.
3. Stress
Many women who have PCOS experience stress. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, stress is a big risk factor for depression. In addition, increased stress levels can also increase the cortisol hormone, which is often associated with depressive disorders. Stress can also trigger the release of cytokines which are compounds that cause the body to produce inflammation.
4. Obesity
Women with PCOS have a greater risk of obesity. On the other hand, 55% of people with obesity have a risk of experiencing depression. An increase in the production of cortisol and inflammatory hormones in people with obesity causes this. In addition, the stigma against obesity can also trigger the emergence of depressive symptoms.
5. Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea can cause an inflammatory condition in the body and may worsen many health problems, including PCOS. Anxiety and depression are quite common in people who experience sleep apnea, insomnia, and various other sleep disorders. This is because lack of sleep negatively impacts a person's ability to regulate emotions, which can lead to symptoms of depression.
6. Infertility
People who are infertile or having difficulty getting pregnant often report increased levels of depression and anxiety. Infertility can trigger the secretion of unusual hormones, neuropeptides, and cytokines that can cause depression in people with PCOS.
7. Physical Changes
Acne and excess body hair are among the most common symptoms of PCOS. Changes in the physical condition of women with PCOS can lower their self-confidence, which in turn triggers the development of depressive symptoms.
Don't hesitate to contact the doctor, Ladies!
If the symptoms of depression appear frequently or at least last for more than two weeks, contact your doctor immediately for further treatment. Some examples of symptoms of depression are indigestion for no apparent reason, problems with cognitive abilities, experiencing sleep disturbances, feeling sad that drags on, to feeling weak with no energy. The best way to treat depression for women with PCOS depends on the root cause that triggers it.
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Source:
Huizen, J. & Wilson, D. R. (2022). PCOS and depression: The link. [online]. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/pcos-depression