What to do When You’re Depressed with PCOS

Many women with PCOS complain of terrible mood swings, bouts of anxiety and even ongoing depression. Is this another side effect of PCOS, or do many of us feel “down” because of our symptoms? 

Truthfully, mood swings and depression have been scientifically linked with hormonal problems (think PMS, PCOS, Menopause…). Even when examining PMS, studies have shown that we experience lower levels of feel-good serotonin. Plus, biologically, many women with hormonal imbalance and PCOS experience swings in blood sugar levels and increased levels of androgens (male hormones).

How do your blood sugar levels affect your mood swings? The American Diabetes Association says that when we don’t address our diabetes [or blood sugar levels], it “can cause symptoms that look like depression. During the day, high or low blood sugar may make you feel tired or anxious. Low blood sugar levels can also lead to hunger and eating too much.”¹ We all know what happens when we eat too much – more insulin and blood sugar are released into the body, and we experience that spike and dip that leads to more mood swings. 

Women with PCOS commonly have high testosterone or androgen levels. This may contribute to mood alterations that lead to aggression, irritability and anxiety. According to an article by Natural-horomones.net, “Elevated levels of testosterone in women…can have potentially serious physical and psychological side effects, including depression and other mood disorders.”²

And, with hormonal imbalance, blood sugar issues and increased testosterone levels, the physical side effects that result from these factors also may increase anxiety and depression. Why? Because most women who feel chronically lethargic, or deal with acne, facial hair or male-patterned baldness, or may just not have a menstrual cycle, feel badly about themselves. Some women cannot seem to find answers to their situation and may feel hopeless. 

So, what does a girl with PCOS do about all of this? We take charge. We do things we know will make a difference. We do not pretend that it’s out of our control, and just something else we “have to put up with” when dealing with PCOS.

Here are some simple tips to taking control of your moods, so you FEEL GOOD and in the process address the issues (hormonal imbalance, blood sugar issues and high testosterone levels) so your symptoms can improve. 

First, do what makes you feel good. Begin each day by JUMPING out of bed (even if you don’t feel like it) and beginning your day with something empowering. I have my private clients take 15 minutes every morning and create powerful, positive, feel-good emotions before the day even begins. This way, you’re taking control over your emotions and your day and not waiting for something to make you happy (which may never happen). 

Next, look at how much your moving. Exercise increases self-esteem and produces endorphins that trigger strong, positive feelings in the body.³ If you’re stagnant all day, your energy will be lacking. To get yourself in a better place, and chemically release serotonin and endorphins, you’ve got to move your bod. If you work a sedentary job, get up once an hour for 5 minutes and walk around. Plan exercise on your lunch break. Make exercise a priority in your morning. You will find the time when you make it a “must”! 

Bag your lunch. Get smart about what you’re putting in your body and take responsibility for what you consume. We all know the link of good nutrition and amazing health, including reversal of symptoms of PCOS. Start eating whole foods every 3 to 4 hours and you will feel fantastic all day (re: more energy, fewer cravings and no dips in blood sugar!). If cravings are your biggest issue…

Supplement if necessary. Chromium Picolinate and Gymnema Sylvestre are supplements that may help curb cravings by improving your body’s response to blood sugar and insulin. I personally love taking Evening Primrose Oil for hormonal-related mood swings. I can usually feel its effects the same day. 

Take full control of your condition by taking action and making each day a proactive pursuit to be healthier. Always strive for improvement – don’t ever accept your diagnosis or its symptoms as the final result. You have power over your condition, but it lies within you. Start your day tomorrow with the above tips and see if your moods don’t improve for the better!

Sources: 
1. American Diabetes Association. “Depression.” www.diabetes.org/living-with-diabetes/complications/mental-health/depression.html
2. Natural-hormones.net. “Elevated Testosterone Levels Linked to Depression,” February 2008. www.natural-hormones.net/testosterone/research/elevated-testosterone-levels-linked-to-depression.htm 
3. WebMD. “Exercise and Depression: Physical Activity Benefits for Mood and Stress Relief,” March 2010. www.webmd.com/depression/guide/exercise-depression