Polycystic ovary syndrome is the most widely experienced and commonly found hormonal disorder in females of reproductive age. This hormonal disease comes from the noticeable observation of tiny follicles or cysts that seldom appear on the ovaries. However, everyone diagnosed with PCOS has these follicles, and they are not responsible for this condition.
PCOS is undoubtedly treated across the world in various hospitals and specialized care centres. However, there are many hospitals that are reviewed as the top service providers that effectively offer care and personalised treatment to women diagnosed with PCOS. The best PCOS treatment in Noida is evaluated by various well-known hospitals and maternity care units under the guidance of experienced doctors and practitioners.
PCOS is diagnosed when a female has irregular menstrual patterns, high testosterone content, or other symptoms like excessive facial hair, frequent mood swings, unhealthy skin, or hair, etc. Polycystic ovaries are often observed through an ultrasound. A blood test showing high levels of anti-mullerian hormone is also an alternative method to ultrasound for diagnosing PCOS. Further, you can look for the best maternity hospital in Noida to get the best treatment.
Causes and symptoms of PCOS
The root cause of PCOS remains undetermined. PCOS is definitely stimulated through a genetic orientation. However, besides the generational component, environmental reasons are also partially responsible for contributing to PCOS. It is generally observed between approximately 5% to 18% of women. Insulin resistance and obesity further worsen the condition as excess insulin levels facilitate the risk of complications like type 2 diabetes, liver-related disorders, fatal tumours, or fibroids. Additionally, women diagnosed with PCOS are more prone to endometrial cancer.
PCOS has a wide range of signs and symptoms, including issues with ovulation, high levels of androgens, which are the hormones that accentuate masculine features like facial hair. Metabolism is also affected, leading to weight gain. The symptoms usually hit during puberty and may be masked if oral contraceptives begin at an early stage.
PCOS treatment primarily focuses on relieving symptoms and reducing long-term risks. A healthy lifestyle and weight control suggested by experienced dieticians or gynecologists are proven to be beneficial for general management. In addition, hormonal contraception methods or medicines can help regulate irregular menstrual cycles, reducing acne or unhealthy skin issues and excess hair growth. Metformin is a common anti diabetes drug that increases insulin sensitivity. For facilitating fertility, ovulation can be induced through letrozole as well.
PCOS and its association with Depression
One of the most intrusive consequences of PCOS is psychological disorders, including depression and anxiety. Depression is prevalent in women diagnosed with PCOS is relatively high and ranges from 16 to 55 %. The frequently debated signs and symptoms of PCOS also include fatigue, sleep disorders, and mood swings, which can lead to suicidal thoughts and attempts. Although their probability is observed less, obesity, weight gain, and facial hair can increasingly lead to body negativity, an inferiority complex, and acute stress. This causes individuals, particularly young women, to become addicted to anti-depression pills, psychological entrapment, and other overwhelming effects.
According to the compiled data of the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 322 million people suffered from depressive disorders worldwide in 2015-2018. Depression in the general population ranged from 2.6% to 5.9%, and the number of depression sufferers is increasing by nearly 18-20% every year. The risk factors for depression include biological and individual ones, ranging from genetic and biochemical factors to personality and life history. Life situations, traumatic and stressful events, can further deteriorate the condition.
Causes of Depression in Women
An observable level of depression was found in women with infertility issues. Numerous studies and research depict that primarily related to physical appearance and peer pressure. On the contrary, some other studies have shown a relationship between higher androgen levels and depression. It was also clinically proven that women with hirsutism and acne were prone to depression.
Women with PCOS are over 2.5 times more likely to develop depression compared to women without this condition. It is important to understand that the diagnostic criteria for depression vary across countries, but symptoms generally include both emotional and biological components. Emotional components include misery, negative thoughts, low confidence, a lack of self-esteem, feelings of guilt and incompetence, fearfulness, indecisiveness, competition, and lack of motivation, leading to decreased appetite as well as binge eating disorders, loss of libido, and slowed cognitive activity.
Treatment and therapy for depression
The most affecting cause of PCOS is insulin resistance. To overcome this, a low-carb diet and a proper exercise routine might accompany weight management. Hormonal imbalance can be treated through birth control pills, prescribed by a medical practitioner. Other treatments may include curing depression itself. Talk therapy and counselling are the most effective and moderately affordable treatments for depression. The following are the therapies that help in reducing depression…
- Cognitive therapy,
- Interpersonal therapy
- Psychodynamic theory
They prove to be helpful for easing depression and anxiety in women. Antidepressants are also an alternative method for treating depression standardly. However, they might cause weight gain and also impact blood glucose. Thus, antidepressants should not be prioritized for treating women with PCOS; it’s healthy to figure out the methods that work best depending upon diverse bodies.
There is not enough data to suggest a specific diet plan to improve mood in women with PCOS. However, some studies show that…
- Adding vegetables and legumes to a regular diet is protective against anxiety and depression.
- Consuming sugary beverages increases the risk of obesity and acne to a greater extent.
- Leading an active lifestyle generally proves to be effective for incorporating a healthier mental state.
- Regular exercise or engaging in practices like the gym, yoga, swimming, or cycling may help to release anxiety and loneliness as well as enhance weight management.
- Adding Omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil alone, or in combination with Vitamin D, as prescribed by a doctor, may decrease symptoms of depression and anxiety.
Some evidence also suggests that supplementing coenzyme Q10 can benefit self-reported anxiety and depression symptoms. Other therapies, like acupuncture, may help people with PCOS feel less depressed and anxious. Practicing mindfulness-based therapy for two to three hours a week may also lessen anxiety and stress.
Positivity and an active lifestyareere all that women need
As various studies and theories have already reported, women suffering from PCOS can be treated best through care, body positivity, and an active lifestyle. Meditations and treatment under doctors, and a healthy, balanced diet can further ease the primary concerns of obesity and unhealthy skin. However, through proper therapy, comfortable peers, and healthy surroundings, women feel confident and motivated and resist themselves from feeling depressed.
Depression and anxiety are the treacherous enemies of PCOS patients, and thus, an amalgamation of all the healthy habits and a cheerful mental cycle can offer relief to a greater extent. Therefore, before treatment and medications, it is most important for us to understand what PCOS does to women’s psychology and also to recognise the significance of love and influencing body positivity above medical treatment.
