PCOS is believed to be genetic.
While, it is important to know where it has come from, you can’t change your genes, so it is important instead to focus on solutions.
It is easy to see why most people initially feel that PCOS is a gynecological problem – after all, it is called Polycystic OVARIAN Syndrome.
But, it is becoming widely accepted that PCOS is actually an endocrine disorder. In simple terms, the endocrine system is a group of glands that make hormones. These hormones control the way your body works, such as reproduction, metabolism and growth. When the hormones don’t work properly – as with PCOS – it creates a knock-on effect throughout the body.
In the case of most PCOS sufferers, too much insulin is created, which in turn affects the hormones controlling the reproductive cycle. There is excess production of male hormones (androgens).
Women with PCOS also find they have low energy levels because the insulin is not releasing the energy from food properly.
An endocrinologist is trained to diagnose and treat hormone problems by helping to restore the normal balance of hormones in your system.
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I’ve tried everything. I’m perfect weight, Low GI, exersise regularly and do yoga for relaxation. I have a beautiful home, perfect boyfriend and a good job. I’m into comp. therapies, so have acupuncture and have seen a nutritionist. I’m young and pretty with lots of friends but some days I hate myself and feel so low. Other days I feel sad for hating myself and feeling so low, and the rest of the time wonder what it’s all about. I was diagnosed with PCOS 6 months ago but have always been the same. I had a difficult childhood but am very emotionally robust so don’t know if my mood swings are hormone related or psychological. HELP! I want babies but suffer from panic attacks and anxiety so feel completely unfit for motherhood. My boyfriend is non-commital (understabdably), due to my awful mood swings and irrational behaviour. Either way I have PCOS so what are the chances anyway?? Sometimes I think it would be easier for everyone if I wasn’t here.
don’t feel that way. there are answers out there. ask God and he will help u.
Katy – your feelings are normal and understandable. PCOS women deal with mental health three-fold.
1) Hormonal imbalance due to the disease
2) Low self-esteem dealing with the disease which is exhausting
3) Society and the peer pressure
You are not alone and you are not crazy. Getting the PCOS undercontrol can really do a lot. I lived in deep depression for years – from age 10 to the age of about 25. I am Mild Bipolar with Mass Hysteria and Manic Depressive. I havent had an episode in over 10 years! You can get healthier and better – its just a lot of work.
Diet, exercise and a diabetic lifestyle is absolute key to kicking this thing down.
I second what Angi says. There can be any number of reasons why you feel so low at times – not all related to PCOS.
And don’t panic that you will be a bad mum. The fact that you give it any thought at all means you will probably be fantastic – I think most new mums or prospective new mums feel the same way.
And many many women with PCOS have babies. Yes, some will struggle or not be able to conceive, but they are the minority not majority. If you have your weight under control and lead a healthy lifestyle you are already way ahead of most women.