Dr. Simone’s Mind Space

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a hormone imbalance that causes infertility, obesity, and excessive facial hair in women, can also lead to severe mental health issues including anxiety, depression, and eating disorders.

A study supervised by Columbia University School of Nursing professor Nancy Reame, MSN, PhD, FAAN, and published in the Journal of Behavioral Health Services & Research, identifies the PCOS complications that may be most responsible for psychiatric problems. While weight gain and unwanted body hair can be distressing, irregular menstrual cycles is the symptom of PCOS most strongly associated with psychiatric problems, the study found.

Menstrual abnormalities in women with PCOS was the strongest predictor for mental health issues, particularly when there are so many other symptoms—like beard growth and infertility—that can make a woman feel unfeminine.

Women with PCOS had significantly higher levels of psychological distress than the general population. For more than half of those disorders, the women with PCOS had distress levels statistically similar to those of the female psychiatric patients.

Reame et al. 2014 found that when comparing participants with women in the general population, PCOS women had significantly higher scores on all of the symptoms evaluated and on corresponding psychological distress measures, particularly for anxiety, depression, somatization (the conversion of psychological distress to physical symptoms), and interpersonal sensitivity.

PCOS is estimated to affect 6 to 17 million women aged 18–44 in the U.S. It is one of the most common causes of infertility. There’s no single test to diagnose PCOS, and there’s no cure. The disorder is typically characterized by an excess production of the hormone testosterone, irregular ovulation, and cysts, or fluid-filled sacs, in the ovaries.

How to improve psychological and physical well-being?

-Acknowledging the challenges both the psychological and physical ones.

-Speak with an expert, to relive tension and stress.

-Changing habits can improve symptomatology.

-Exercise improves general, but particularly mental well-being.

-Diet and exercise in combination can boost your body-mind balance and improve symptomatology.

-Seek support for infertility. The earlier the better.

-Talk to other women in the same position and get support from likeminded women, facing similar challenge.

Sources: https://www.nursing.columbia.edu/news/psychiatric-complications-women-polycystic-ovary-syndrome-most-often-linked-menstrual

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PCOS and infertility challenges part 2

Having PCOS does not mean you can't get pregnant. PCOS is one of the most common, but treatable, causes of infertility in women. In women with PCOS, the hormonal imbalance interferes with the growth and release of eggs from the ovaries (ovulation). Without ovulation, it isn’t possible to get pregnant.

How to get treatment for infertility related to PCOS?

Talk to a fertility doctor about ways to help you ovulate and raise your chance of getting pregnant. You can also use an ovulation calculator to see which days in your menstrual cycle you are most likely to be fertile.

Treatments of PCOS to improve fertility

• Losing weight. If you have overweight or obesity, losing weight through healthy eating and regular physical activity can help make your menstrual cycle more regular and improve your fertility. Find a personalized healthy eating plan.

PCOS and pregnancy complications

PCOS can cause problems during pregnancy for you and for your baby. Women with PCOS have higher rates of 6:

• Miscarriage

Sources: https://www.womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/polycystic-ovary-syndrome#:~:text=Having%20PCOS%20does%20not%20mean,you%20can't%20get%20pregnant.

@drschwank 

@unesurcent

As currently seven month pregnant woman, I feel more energetic and strong than ever before. A completely unexpected experience! I was expecting to feel low of energy, low in mood, huge, and unattractive. None of the above occurred, rather the complete opposite. I feel absolutely amazing, full of energy, up for new projects, ideas, and business opportunities. There’s no mountain high enough for women to climb. Perseverance, self-confidence, dedication, passion, and a clear vision to strive to the top. That’s what reflects me as a person. I’ve never ever given up in my life. No matter how strong the wind blew against me.

If Plan A didn’t work, I chose plan B, C, D, and back full speed to plan A. My passion and dedication to share this with other women never stops. I like to be an inspiration for other women, bring women together to exchange and encourage each other. That’s the goal of UNE SUR CENT, my female empowerment movement.

@unesurcent

@drschwank

Stress verschlimmert die endometriosen-induzierten Schmerzen, denn er führt zu einem Hormonungleichgewicht und kann die Ursache für einen niedrigen Progesteronespiegel sein, und so die Endometriose-herde unkontrolliert stimulieren. Zudem hat das Stressbedingt erhöhte Niveau an Kortisol im Blut einen entzündungsfördernden Einfluss und ist eine wesentliche Komponente der Verschlimmerung der Endometriose, die ebenfalls eine chronische Entzündung darstellt.

Was tun gegen Stress?

• Kleine Schritte führen zum Erfolg.

@drschwank

@unesurcent 

@optimalperformancezurich

Stress-reducing activities, such as short HITT-units can reestablish your hormone balance and improve your immune system response. A hormonal equilibrium is essential to reduce symptom severity and general well-being. Exercise or stay active at least 2-3 days a week. Gentle exercises such as yoga, Pilates, tai chi, qi gong or walks combined with 7-15min HITT-units are a perfect choice. Start with the 5min daily exercise rule a day. Manageable routines you can keep up.

How to go about it?

-Routines rock!

-Small steps to a new weekly exercise habit.

-Find an exercise buddy, it‘s so much easier to commit!

-Set yourself reasonable, manageable goals.

-The 5min daily exercise/activity rule.

-Get yourself a nice outfit, that you like to wear during your activities. Motivation matters!

@drschwank

@unesurcent

@optimalperformancezurich