Stress, a major contributor to hormonal imbalance

According to a review published in the journal 'Medicine', PCOS, along with its symptoms and associated conditions, can lead to negative mental health effects. It raises the likelihood of developing mental health conditions and has a detrimental impact on psychological welfare.

Led by Haya Almhmoud and colleagues, this review aimed to explore the intricate relationship between the physiological and psychological aspects of PCOS.

The relationship between mental health and PCOS is tricky, involving both non-modifiable and modifiable factors that contribute to increased emotional distress, anxiety, depression, and stress in affected individuals.

Non-modifiable factors include infertility, ethnic predisposition affecting insulin resistance, and genetic predisposition to PCOS or mental disorders. Modifiable factors include PCOS symptoms like obesity, excessive body hair, acne, and infertility, which can negatively impact quality of life, self-esteem, social relationships, and mood. Targeted therapies that focus on these symptoms could potentially reduce distress and improve the overall quality of life. The importance of a comprehensive treatment approach for PCOS extends beyond addressing physical symptoms to include its substantial psychological effects. This underscores the need for an integrated care strategy to effectively manage this complex condition.