Could PCOS be causing my depression?

I have had depression like symptoms for the past two years but I have had PCOS since I was sixteen ( seven years now ). For those who dont know PCOS is Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, which is a health problem that can affect a woman's menstrual cycle, ability to have children, hormones, heart, blood vessels, and appearance. I mean my recent doctor said that depression was one of the symptoms of PCOS, so I dont know what kind of help to get, mental or if this is just a hormonal change in my body, but whatever it is, I am just in a rut and need some kind of truth. All the people around me dont support my quest for help and my family thinks I am making all this up.

To answer your question--- yes! I'm not sure about the hormonal influences, but certainly the psychological impact of PCOS can cause serious self-esteem/hopelessness issues, especially as it relates to one's physical appearance or ability to bear children (if that's something you desire).

I'm actually speaking from experience. I was diagnosed with the condition about 10 years ago. However, to make a long story short, I was 'undiagnosed' with it about a year ago. I won't go into details about that, only to say that I sympathize fully with both the impact of depression and living with PCOS (since I 'lived' with it for about 9 years).

As for your depression. If this is something that you have been living with for the past couple of years, you definitely need to have that checked out. If you have a family doctor, explain your feelings of depression and ask for a reference for a psychologist/psychiatrist. If not, I'm sure your endocrinologist/gynecologist (I'm assuming you have one if you're being treated for PCOS) would be able to provide you with one. He/she would very much be aware of the emotional fallout from having this condition.

Symptoms of depression, even if they seem mild and manageable at times, should always be taken seriously.

Good luck!

Ooops!

I forgot to mention that there's a great website for women with PCOS called soulcysters.com. I highly recommend it.

There's also a message board where you can find plenty of support and answers to your questions. I think that's at soulcysters.net, but you can find a link from the main site.

Well the doctors appointment is soon, but I started to occupy myself to try and not think about the depression, I have been getting into art again and I am trying to learn German.

Art and learning a language sounds wonderful!

Keeping my mind occupied, finding fun distractions, expressing myself in some sort of creative fashion - all help me with depression and anxiety.

I hope your doctor sorts things out and can help your depression.

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