Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal disorder that affects individuals with a uterus/ovaries. PCOS affects 6-13% of those within reproductive age; that’s around 5-6 million women in the US alone according to the World Health Organization! The most common symptoms are irregular periods, excessive body/facial hair (hirsutism), loss of hair, weight gain, excess of androgen, and painful cysts on your ovaries*. If left undiagnosed and untreated, PCOS can potentially lead to infertility, type 2 diabetes, and, in some cases, endometrial cancer. For those who have a menstrual cycle, hormonal changes can already feel incredibly difficult to manage. On top of feeling bloated, tired, and moody, PCOS can deeply affect our mental health. Studies show that many who struggle with PCOS are more likely to struggle with depression, anxiety, body image issues, and potential eating disorders. The disconnect we feel from our body with PCOS can shift our perception of ourselves and cause further damage to our psyches. As someone who struggles with PCOS personally, I know how hard it can be to feel like myself again. Here, we will dive into what different symptoms arise with PCOS and how to find proper care and support when struggling with PCOS.

*It is important to note that if you find yourself struggling with any of the symptoms listed, contact your primary care physician and ask about PCOS and what resources they may have.

PCOS & You

Hormonal Symptoms

The most common first sign of PCOS is doctors looking for a hormonal imbalance. The ovaries of women with PCOS produce higher levels of androgens, which can lead to a variety of physical symptoms such as acne, unwanted facial hair, and scalp hair thinning. However, this hormonal imbalance also affects the brain, like our serotonin and dopamine levels, which play a critical role in regulating mood. Elevated testosterone levels in women can impact areas of the brain that regulate mood and stress. Additionally, the hormonal fluctuations that accompany PCOS, such as irregular periods and the potential for infertility, can increase those feelings of anxiety or depression. These struggles can be difficult to face, but there are many options for receiving proper care.

Physical Symptoms

The physical symptoms of PCOS can have a significant impact on a woman’s self-esteem and body image. As previously mentioned, PCOS can lead to unwanted facial hair, hair thinning, and even acne. These visible changes can lead to feelings of shame, embarrassment, and frustration. This disconnect can fuel negative self-talk and emotional distress. Sometimes, we may feel as though we’re losing control of the situation and start to fall into potentially more harmful ways of coping, such as eating disorders. While it may feel as if there is no answer to these related issues, there are several options to try and curb our negative self-esteem. Everyone deserves to feel happy in their own skin, and PCOS does not need to rob us of that joy.

Reproductive Struggles

One of the most challenging aspects of PCOS is its effect on fertility. PCOS is one of the leading causes of infertility in women, as hormonal imbalances can prevent ovulation. For women who are planning to start a family, the diagnosis of PCOS can be emotionally devastating. The inability to conceive naturally can lead to feelings of isolation, grief, frustration, and a sense of loss. This emotional toll may result in anxiety, depression, or even relationship strain. Even for women who do not experience infertility, the uncertainty of reproductive health can cause anxiety. Irregular periods or the lack of a regular menstrual cycle can trigger anxiety about health outcomes, and this unpredictability can be mentally exhausting. No one deserves to live in constant fear and anxiety surrounding their reproductive health.

The Role of Stress 

Dealing with a chronic condition like PCOS requires significant emotional and psychological resilience. The stress of managing a long-term condition with no cure can feel immense. Women with PCOS often find themselves dealing with multiple health concerns simultaneously, which can create a sense of overwhelm. The stress related to managing the various symptoms of PCOS—whether it’s dealing with hormonal imbalances, weight fluctuations, or infertility—can cause feelings of helplessness. Coping with these challenges requires strong mental and emotional fortitude, which not all individuals may possess or they may need assistance in building up that strength. While it may feel impossible, you can reduce the feelings of anxiety and stress surrounding PCOS, and you will find what works best for you and your healing journey.

Getting Help

Many individuals with PCOS may turn to unhealthy coping mechanisms, such as disordered eating, excessive exercise, or avoidance behaviors, which can worsen their mental health. These coping strategies may give a temporary sense of control but are ultimately harmful in the long term. It is important to find coping strategies that both alleviate the symptoms and bring us a sense of comfort and peace. Here are some options when dealing with PCOS.

Hormonal Treatment

Managing the hormonal imbalance of PCOS can reduce many of its physical and mental health effects. Birth control pills may help regulate hormone levels and alleviate some of the emotional struggles. It’s essential to work with a healthcare provider to develop an individualized treatment plan that addresses both physical and mental health.

Focus on Physical Health

Engaging in calming physical activity, such as yoga, walking, or swimming, can have a profound impact on mental well-being. Exercise has been shown to reduce anxiety and depression, and it can help manage weight and improve body image. A balanced diet rich in whole foods, along with sufficient sleep, can further support both mental and physical health. Again, it is important to talk to your primary healthcare provider about your needs. All bodies and minds are different, and it’s important to find what works best for you.

Build a Support System

It is crucial to build a support system of family, friends, or other communities who understand and empathize with the challenges of living with PCOS. Joining a support group or online forum can help reduce the feeling of isolation and provide opportunities to share experiences with others who understand.

Practice Self-Compassion

Self-compassion is key when living with a chronic condition. Being kind to oneself and acknowledging that PCOS is beyond your control can reduce feelings of guilt or shame. It’s important to remember that managing PCOS requires patience and persistence, and it’s okay to seek help when needed. Remember: you may feel as though PCOS controls you, but you have the ability to take back control.

Seek Professional Support

Mental health concerns should never be ignored. Seeking support from a therapist or counselor can provide a safe space to process the emotional struggles that come with PCOS. A mental health professional can also help develop healthy coping mechanisms to deal with stress. Mental health professionals can work with healthcare providers to develop tailored plans that recognize the unique mental health needs of individuals with PCOS. A counselor can help you find alternatives or even help you verbalize the struggles you’re dealing with that others might not understand.

PCOS does not currently have a known cure, so while researchers continue to find resources, talk to a counselor about your concerns. Help is not out of reach. You deserve to reconnect your mind and body to feel like yourself.

LINKS:

World Health Organization: WHO & World Health Organization: WHO. (2025). Polycystic ovary syndrome. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/polycystic-ovary-syndrome

Dewani, D., Karwade, P., & Mahajan, K. S. (2023). The Invisible Struggle: The Psychosocial Aspects of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. Cureus, 15(12), e51321. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.51321