International Women's Day 2023: Tips to take care of mental health with PCOS

Polycystic ovary syndrome isn’t a new concept anymore and is largely associated with several health problems related to menstruation in women. A complex and chronic lifelong problem caused due to hormonal imbalances results in different physical health problems as well as mental health and women with PCOS are usually diagnosed to be insulin-resistant, have inflammation throughout the body with high levels, are obese and lead a stressful life. International Women's Day 2023: Tips to take care of mental health with PCOS In fact, health experts reveal that women who are diagnosed with PCOS are three times more likely to suffer from symptoms of severe anxieties and depression than the others and the link between both can be due to various physical, emotional, and social reasons. In an interview with HT Lifestyle ahead of International Women's Day 2023, Dr Geeta Komar, Senior Consultant – OBG at Kinder Women’s Hospital and Fertility Centre in Bengaluru, established the link between PCOS and mental health and said, “Although the reasons behind why women with PCOS are more likely to be at an increased risk of depression and anxiety are unclear, it is true that their symptoms are often overlooked and stay untreated.” She revealed, “Emotional health for women with PCOS can be particularly influenced by factors such as continuous physical and psychological changes that they go through, declining self-esteem, altering body-image, lifestyle and inability to cope up with stress. Several research studies have also suggested that low levels of serotonin are found in people with PCOS which can lead to feeling depressed and anxious more often.” Suggesting tips to take care of mental health with PCOS, Dr Geeta Komar said, “The key to managing PCOS is to be aware of things that may trigger mood swings and managing lifestyle.