Understanding PCOS: How it impacts not just your body but your mind too.
- Administration Team
- 1 day ago
- 4 min read
PCOS: A Common Disorder That's Uncommonly Addressed.
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is a chronic condition impacting the hormone levels in women, affecting the ovaries and periods. When a woman's body doesn't make enough ovulation hormones, it disrupts the ovulation portion of the menstrual cycle, which can lead to the development of cysts in the ovaries. These cysts release the hormone, Androgen, which further disrupts the menstrual cycle, causing irregular periods
What are the symptoms of PCOS?
The most common symptoms of PCOS include:
Irregular periods (either missed periods or excessively long periods),
Excess unwanted hair growth (especially facial),
Cysts in the ovaries,
Weight gain (especially around the belly),
Acne,
People who have PCOs are also more likely to have conditions such as:
Issues with Fertility,
Type 2 Diabetes,
High Cholesterol,
High Blood Pressure,
Endometrial Cancer
PCOS and our Mental Health
Not only does PCOS affect our bodies, but it also impacts our mental health. Being a hormone imbalance disorder, that imbalance can impact our brain chemicals, causing mental health conditions; however, the fact of having to deal with PCOS can also lead to the development of mental health conditions as well.
Those with PCOS often experience:
anxiety,
depression,
OCD-like symptoms around picking and plucking skin and hair,
and negative body image.
In some more extreme cases, those with PCOS can develop:
OCD,
Bipolar Disorder,
Sleep disorders,
And eating disorders.
Stigma also plays a huge role in the impact PCOS has on our mental health. Not only is there stigma surrounding mental health, but the symptoms of PCOS itself are stigmatized, too. People often feel shamed for symptoms such as weight gain, acne, and excessive unwanted hair growth. People with PCOS can spend countless hours at the gym and still not see results. They can spend money, time, and time again on acne products, only for more to grow in. They can constantly pluck their hair or spend money on hair removal, only for it to come back a few days later. Without treating the hormone imbalances, PCOS symptoms are persistent and can cause a lot of frustration and feelings of shame.
However, treatment is where yet another factor comes in that can impact our mental health. The unfortunate reality is that many of those with PCOS are not taken seriously by doctors when they bring up their concerns. There are countless stories of those going to their doctors and having their symptoms brushed off and not taken seriously, or blamed on other things, such as client weight or if they are eating too much sugar.
This is very frustrating and disheartening for those looking for help and answers. It can leave individuals feeling stuck and hopeless that things will change. This further adds to the ever-growing toll that PCOS can have on our mental health.
That being said, as more and more people bring awareness to their experiences with PCOS, the less alone we feel, and the more resources and tips that can be shared, such as discussing symptoms with a gynecologist or specialist instead of a general practitioner.
PCOS Treatments
The fact is, PCOS, despite being discovered almost a century ago, is very under-researched due to the complexity of the condition and the hormones involved.
Due to this, there unfortunately is not yet any cure for PCOS; however, there are some treatments and coping strategies that can help manage the symptoms:
Exercise and eating healthy can help reduce weight and the risk of type 2 diabetes.
Birth control medication can help regulate hormones during our period cycles.
Medication to manage hair growth and acne.
Infertility from PCOS can be treated with lifestyle changes, medication or surgery to stimulate ovulation and IVF.
Therapy to help navigate lifestyle changes and the toll PCOS can have on our mental health.
Here at Anchoridge, we understand the stress that our health conditions can have on us, especially when we are left to cope with them on our own. But you don't have to cope on your own anymore. We are here to support you through your experiences with PCOS and navigate advocating for yourself and your needs.
Here are some of our compassionate clinicians who can support you through coping with PCOS:
Let’s Talk
Have PCOS or think you may be experiencing PCOS? Frustrated by the lack of medical support? We are here to support you.
📍 In-person sessions available in Waterloo, London, and Oakville
💻 Virtual counselling across Ontario
Book a free 15-minute consultation or explore our Medical Conditions page to get started.
Supports
Suicide Crisis Line https://988.ca/
Reach Out: https://reachout247.ca/
Support Line: https://certifiedlisteners.org/
Sources
Feature Image: Yuris Alhumaydy on Unsplash
Supporting Image: Made with Canva
About Anchoridge Counselling Services
At Anchoridge Counselling Services, we provide compassionate, client-centred support for individuals, couples, and families. With locations across Ontario, our team of experienced psychotherapists and social workers is committed to helping you navigate life’s challenges with evidence-based strategies and a supportive environment.
Whether you're seeking support for anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship issues, or personal growth, we’re here to help. Our mission is to guide you toward resilience, healing, and a stronger sense of self.
Explore our services or connect with a therapist today at www.anchoridgecounselling.com.
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