For many women, the ongoing toll of PCOS leads to a deeper, more insidious crisis: the silent erosion of mental health. A recent article in The Guardian sheds light on this harsh reality, affecting millions of women globally.
Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) often begin experiencing frustrating symptoms during adolescence—painful cramps, persistent acne, difficulty sleeping, and irregular or painful periods. These issues, while inconvenient, are rarely seen as debilitating, and so, life goes on without a clear solution. Yet, as these symptoms persist or worsen, they can significantly affect not just physical well-being, but also emotional and psychological health.
The impact of PCOS on mental health in numbers
PCOS affects between 8% and 13% of reproductive-age women —approximately 110 million worldwide—, many of whom face alarming mental health challenges. Recent studies show that women with PCOS are four to seven times more likely to experience depression and anxiety and three to six times more likely to develop an eating disorder. These are not just numbers, they reflect real women battling the complexities of this condition.
A recent The Guardian article delves into this issue, offering insights from both patients and experts. All ten individuals with PCOS interviewed shared a common frustration: the syndrome remains poorly understood, leaving them in limbo as they navigate conflicting medical advice and inconsistent treatment plans. In some cases, the overlap of PCOS and mental health symptoms has led to misdiagnoses.
PCOS and mental health: the invisible connection
Mental health struggles in PCOS can arise from biological factors. Elevated androgen levels contribute to mood disturbances and anxiety, while insulin resistance affects neurotransmitter function, hindering mood regulation. Chronic inflammation, common in PCOS, is also linked to anxiety and depression.
Physically, the effects of PCOS—such as weight gain, excess facial and body hair, and acne—can affect self-esteem and body image. Dr. Phimphasone-Brady, a clinical health psychologist in at the University of Colorado who specializes in PCOS, explains that these visible changes, coupled with societal pressure to meet conventional beauty standards, further undermine mental health. This can be especially damaging in an age where misinformation is rampant online. Instead of science-backed strategies, PCOS patients often encounter unhelpful, even harmful, advice.
Adding to the psychological burden is the issue of infertility, a major concern for those with PCOS, further compounding feelings of inadequacy, hopelessness, and grief.
A long way to go: treatment and research on PCOS
The mental health struggles of PCOS should not be viewed as a footnote to the syndrome but as a critical component that demands more focus. By increasing awareness and continuing to push for effective treatments, we can move toward a future where PCOS doesn’t take such a profound toll on mental well-being. As patients become more empowered, the narrative can shift from “What’s wrong with me?” to “How can I manage this condition effectively?”.
The SPIOMET4HEALTH project represents a potential treatment for PCOS, targeting the root cause of the syndrome rather than just alleviating symptoms. Learn more about our clinical trial and how you can be part of the solution. And if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out!