A diagnosis of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) often carries with it an expansive list of symptoms and related health issues. Depression and anxiety are often at the top. With PCOS being so closely associated with changing hormone levels, its easy to understand that mood swings would play a factor. But depression is more than a bad mood -- depression is a chemical imbalance of neuron receptors in the brain. When hormone levels are spiking and falling, like they do in PCOS patients, it can affect the way the brain functions.
While knowing about this link is important, it does little to settle the minds of those with depression issues caused by PCOS. Depression doesn’t just affect one’s mood, it can affect the body in other ways, as well -- sore or achy muscles, headaches, slow nervous system response, among others. It also affects relationships, responsibilities, and normal daily functions. Patients often complain about lack of motivation, lack of energy, and loss of interest in the things they once cared about. Depression is a disease which, if left untreated, demeans the life of the patient to a point that often proves fatal, in many cases leading to suicide.
PCOS and Depression Treatments
Almost any treatment that is currently available for depression is safe for patients who also suffer from PCOS. The most common treatment is low-dose medication, advised along with therapy sessions and/or support groups, but treating PCOS alone often has positive effects on the depression experienced by women with the syndrome.
Gynecologists and endocrinologists who diagnose PCOS often immediately prescribe birth control pills, not only to induce the onset of a period and regulate a normal menstrual cycle, but also to control the hormones that are peaking and diving so often with their patients.
As the pills regulate hormone levels and bring back a normal cycle, many women see the side-effects and symptoms of PCOS brought under control as well. Depression and anxiety may take a few weeks or even two to three months to become well-under control, but it is possible to do so with the use of birth control pills alone.
Finding a Therapist
For women who don’t see a substantial change in their depression and anxiety with birth control or other hormone prescription, therapy is another treatment choice. Finding a therapist can be as easy as simply performing an internet search with the words “therapist” followed by the patient’s zip code.
From there, creating a list with the information on each therapist can help ease the decision. Include information like issues they specialize in, proximity to home or work (in case of an urgent issue, it's important to be able to reach the doctor quickly), and the degree they have (some therapists are licensed, but haven’t completed a full-degree program like a Psychologist, Ph. D., or Psychiatrist, M.D.. However they are still licensed to help patients work through issues related to depression and anxiety).
For patients who don’t have ready access to the internet or those who aren’t comfortable choosing a doctor just by Googling them, asking for a referral from one’s physician is another good approach. Physicians can point patients in the direction of therapists who can specialize in depression, or even in women with PCOS. It never hurts to ask.
Geographically, hourly rates will always vary, but fees between $80 and $150 USD are in the normal range. If the patient is paying out-of-pocket (i.e. sessions are not covered by health insurance), many practitioners offer a sliding scale as low as $70 USD. If the therapist has extensive experience, they can charge over $200 USD.
PCOS Support
Sometimes one-on-one therapy is not a feasible option, whether financially or otherwise, but support is still widely available. Since the early 2000s, when PCOS became recognized worldwide, support groups have popped up in communities everywhere. Some are through church organizations, others are associated with community programs, and others can be found through one’s doctor. One fail-proof place to find support is online.
With PCOS affecting between 5-15% of women in the world, online support is one of the most convenient and complete resources for support with almost any PCOS symptom. Soulcysters.net is a network of women across the globe affected by PCOS -- it even includes support for loved ones of PCOS patients. Their message boards address nearly every symptom of the syndrome, with special attention paid to depression and anxiety, specifically. And with time zones spanning the globe, patients’ questions are even answered as they sleep!
For women with a PCOS diagnosis, depression is often the most debilitating side effect. Finding help starts with the first step - asking for it. Therapy, support groups, hormone medications, and depression prescriptions have helped millions of women lead happier and more fulfilling lives.
**Sources:
www.mayoclinic.com "Polycystic Ovary Syndrome" (accessed February 10, 2010)
Dr. Vivian Lin, Medical Center For Women, St. Jude's Hospital
Melisa Hesson - Melisa is the Marketing and Programs Director for energy efficiency and lighting company RAY-LITE Industries in Brea, CA. This position ...
Join the Conversation