PCOS and depression: Everything you need to know

In a nutshell:

Women with polycystic ovaries syndrome (PCOS) are more likely to suffer from depression, anxiety, and stress. Treatment options for PCOS depression include talk therapy, exercise therapy, and lifestyle changes.  

Women with PCOS have an increased risk of suffering from depression, as well as other psychological conditions. The reasons for this are not yet fully understood, though several theories exist, including inflammation in the body, the impact of insulin resistance, and stress.

If you are struggling with low mood, you should seek help sooner rather than later. Several treatment options are available to you, and your doctor can refer you for further help. In the meantime, there are lifestyle changes you can make to protect your mental health, including regular exercise, a healthy diet, and good sleep hygiene.

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PCOS and depression

A 2023 research review published in the Journal of Clinical Medicine found that the probability of a woman with PCOS suffering from depression was 2.5-fold higher than a woman without depression. It’s vital to be aware of this so you can seek help if you notice symptoms of depression.

It’s not fully understood why women with PCOS are more likely to suffer from depression, though there are several theories:

Stress

According to a 2024 article published in Medicine, stress is a contributing factor in why so many women with PCOS suffer from depression. When we talk about stress, we don’t just mean emotional stress, though that is relevant too. Metabolic, inflammatory, and oxidative stress take their toll on the body, and this could be one reason why women with PCOS are more likely to be diagnosed with depression.

Inflammation

PCOS is associated with chronic inflammation in the body. A 2022 study published in Reproductive Science suggested that the inflammatory markers in PCOS could cross the brain-blood barrier and lead to the development of depression. This is only a theory, and we need further research before we can draw solid conclusions.

Obesity

Not all women with PCOS are obese, but there is a link between obesity and PCOS. Weight gain is a common symptom of PCOS. According to a 2020 article published in Psychiatry Investigation, there is a link between obesity and depression, though the reason behind this link is not yet understood.

Insulin resistance

Most women with PCOS are insulin-resistant. This can lead to high blood sugar. There is a known link between insulin resistance and depression. Insulin resistance can lead to diabetes, and according to a 2018 article published in Dialogues in Clinical Neuroscience, people with diabetes are twice as likely to suffer from depression than their non-diabetic peers.

PCOS tired and depressed

Another symptom associated with PCOS is fatigue. Many women suffer from sleeplessness at night and low energy and fatigue during the day. This is troublesome in itself, but it could also leave you at risk of depression. Fatigue is incredibly frustrating; there are things you need to do, and you simply can’t find the energy to do them. If you’re struggling with fatigue, make an appointment to speak to your OB-GYN for treatment options.

Depression and PCOS

To understand more about the link between PCOS and depression, we first need to be able to recognize the symptoms of depression.  

Symptoms of PCOS depression:

• Continuous low mood
• Feeling sad, guilty, anxious, or tearful
• Low self-esteem
• Feeling helpless and hopeless
• Irritability
• Inability to make decisions
• Losing motivation or interest
• Not enjoying things you previously enjoyed

You may also notice a change in appetite, constipation, low energy, low sex drive, and sleep problems. If you notice the symptoms above, you should seek advice from your doctor. While depression can leave you feeling helpless, there are effective treatments available.

Treating PCOS depression

Don’t try to ignore depression; it’s essential to get treatment so you can feel better and enjoy life again. To treat your depression, your doctor will likely want to tackle the root cause.

If you are insulin-resistant, your doctor might prescribe medicine to manage this symptom. A low-carb diet may also help to keep your blood sugar levels in check.

Treatment for depression

Your doctor will also prescribe treatment for the depression itself. For example, talk therapies, cognitive behavioral therapies (CBT), and mindfulness. Your doctor may also refer you to a PCOS support group. All of these are effective treatment options for depression.

Antidepressants can cause weight gain and impact blood glucose, so they’re not usually recommended as a first treatment option for women with PCOS. However, if you have tried other treatment options without success, speak to your doctor about antidepressants.  

Lifestyle changes for PCOS depression

If you’re struggling with depression, there are some lifestyle changes you can make that may help you to feel better. It can be tricky to make lifestyle changes when feeling down, so pick something small and manageable. The following lifestyle changes may help to ward off depression:

Practice good sleep hygiene

It’s easy to fall into bad practices, but getting enough sleep could lift your mood. Go to bed at a reasonable hour, aim for eight hours of sleep a night, and avoid screens in the hour before bed. Sleep disturbances are a common symptom of depression, but with good sleep hygiene, you may be able to improve your sleep and lift your mood.

Take daily exercise

Exercise can make all the difference in how you feel. You don’t have to start with anything strenuous; a half-hour walk will do. Or choose a sport you previously enjoyed and challenge yourself to give it another go. A 2024 article published in the British Medical Journal found that walking, jogging, yoga, and strength training were the most effective exercises for treating depression.

Quit smoking and drinking alcohol

Many people rely on cigarettes, drugs, or alcohol to self-medicate when suffering from depression. While it may seem to be helping, these behaviors could make you feel worse in the long run. A 2021 study published in Psychological Medicine found that reducing smoking and drinking behaviors reduced depressive symptoms.

Eat a healthy diet

The food you eat can affect how you feel, so ensure you take care of your body by eating a healthy, balanced diet. Include plenty of fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, protein, nuts, and seeds. It’s ok to give in to your cravings now and again. Consider adding supplements to your diet.

Manage your stress levels

Stress can worsen symptoms of depression, so it’s crucial to manage your stress levels. Some stress is unavoidable, but managing your stress could help you to feel better. Exercise, meditation, socializing, and engaging in a hobby are all ways you can reduce your stress and take your mind off your worries.

Summary

If you have a PCOS diagnosis, you are more at risk of suffering from depression. The reasons for this are not yet understood, though scientists have developed several theories, including the effects of chronic inflammation and stress on the body.

Symptoms of depression include feeling helpless and hopeless, lacking motivation or interest, and feelings of guilt or sadness. If you’ve ever experienced depression, you’ll understand how debilitating this condition can be. That’s why it’s crucial to be aware of the symptoms so you can seek medical help at an early stage if you notice depression creeping up on you.

Your doctor will be able to refer you for treatment, including talk therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and PCOS support groups. You can also make changes in your own life that could help alleviate depression. Daily exercise, eating a healthy diet, getting enough sleep, and managing stress can help you feel better.

It can be hard to seek help or make changes in your life when you are depressed, but these small changes could make you feel a lot better. Depression is a common condition, and you are not alone. Reach out to your doctor for help and support.