Polycystic Ovary Syndrome also called PCOS is a common hormonal disorder among people who have female reproductive organs. They may have prolonged menstrual periods or excess male hormone (androgen) levels.
The exact cause of PCOS is unknown but we do know it is related to genetics and family history. PCOS is associated with increase in hormone levels of insulin and androgen.
PCOD, Polycystic Ovarian Disease, is a condition where ovaries produce many immature or partially mature eggs, PCOS is a metabolic disorder and is a more severe form of PCOD and may lead to anovulation, ovaries stop releasing eggs.
Signs and symptoms of PCOS develop around the time when the person gets their first menstrual period.. Sometimes due to substantial weight gain PCOS develops later in life.
Symptoms of PCOS
- 1. Irregular periods
- 2. Excess Androgen
- 3. Increased anxiety and depression
- 4. Excess hair growth (hirsutism)
- 5. Scalp hair loss
Note: NOT ALL PEOPLE WITH FEMALE REPRODUCTIVE ORGANS EXPERIENCE ALL THE SYMPTOMS.
Can PCOS be Cured and How to Treat it?
- Lifestyle changes, your doctor may recommend weight loss. Losing just about 5 percent of your body weight might improve your condition. It will also help a speedy recovery.
- Medications: Your doctor will prescribe you medications so make sure to take them on time. They will help your estrogen levels to be normal and regulate your menstrual cycle.
- Diet Changes: Limiting or eliminating simple carbohydrates and sugar from the diet can help stabilize blood sugar levels and keep insulin levels low. This may mean avoiding products such as: White Bread, White Pasta, White Rice, Cereal and cookies, Chips, Soda and Packaged juices
Instead try eating complex carbs which will not increase your blood sugar levels like:
- 1. Whole wheat bread
- 2. Whole wheat pasta
- 3. Whole grains
- 4. Brown rice
How does PCOS affect Mental Health and What Mental Health Disorders can be Caused?
People who suffer from PCOS are three times more likely to suffer from depression and anxiety than people without PCOS. They may also be more likely to have
OCD (obsessive compulsive disorder) and Eating Disorders. As PCOS is associated with hormones and hormones have an effect on your emotions, the imbalance creates anxiety and other disorders.
People with PCOS who have anxiety or depression may have lower levels of neurotransmitters like serotonin which play an important role associated with positive feelings.
Physically disrupted by eating and sleep patterns, psychologically disturbed by an increase of negative feelings and socially conscious by the effect PCOS has on their relationships, people with PCOS get depressed.
As this affects people who have gained weight in an unhealthy time span it results in body image issues in many people. This can be very difficult to cope with, as people may feel less attractive physically.
Other Mental health disorders caused by PCOS are:
- 1. Bipolar Disorder
- 2. Major depressive disorders
- 3. Bulimia Nervosa
- 4. Other eating disorders
- 5. Interpersonal Sensitivity
- 6. Somatizations (physical manifestations of negative mental states)
Does Masturbation Cause PCOS ?
According to reports, masturbation has no effect on PCOS and does not cause PCOS. PCOS is a condition caused by an excess amount of androgen hormones which enlarge the ovaries. Masturbation is simply a sexual activity done for self pleasure and neither affects fertility nor causes PCOS.
Consulting a doctor is the easiest and most efficient way to get proper medications as per your specific symptoms and bodily functions. As everyone has different lifestyles and different insulin levels, a specialist will guide you and help reduce your symptoms.
