A complicated hormonal condition known as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) affects menstrual periods and ovulation in women of reproductive age. PCOS and its symptoms are believed to be caused by increased production of male hormones (androgens), insulin resistance, elevated insulin levels, and inflammation.

However, did you know that PCOS may hurt your mental and emotional well-being and impact your physical health? Yes, it’s true. There is a higher likelihood that women with PCOS will experience alterations in their mental health, including depression and anxiety.

What is a shift in mood? It is defined as a change in your emotional state that is abrupt or intense. Consider the most recent occasion when you felt positive and joyful before abruptly becoming depressed, angry, or irritated. This sudden shift is a mood fluctuation. 

There are numerous causes of mood fluctuations, including significant life events and tension. However, extreme and recurrent mood swings may indicate an underlying health issue. One of the most frequent reasons for mood swings in women is a change in hormone levels. 

Consequently, do hormones link PCOS and mood swings? Let’s find out. 

Possible Causes of PCOS-Related Mood Swings

Since the causes of PCOS are not completely understood, it is difficult to comprehend why PCOS-affected women are prone to mood fluctuations.

There are several hypotheses as to why PCOS and mood fluctuations co-occur.

Insulin Resistance

Insulin resistance, or the body’s cells’ failure to react to insulin, is a condition that affects the majority of PCOS patients. This condition may result in elevated blood sugar levels and, as a result, elevated insulin levels. The body produces more androgens due to elevated insulin levels, which may cause PCOS symptoms, including weight gain, hair loss, acne, abundant facial hair, and infertility. 

With PCOS, these symptoms make daily living challenging to manage and may be a factor in feelings of hopelessness and body image problems. PCOS can cause difficulties with weight loss and fertility, as well as the frustration of having less influence over how your body functions. All of these factors may provide to increased mood fluctuations in PCOS. 

Extreme Stress

Stress may be greatly increased by having PCOS and dealing with the symptoms daily. When you cannot manage your tension, its accumulation can increase cortisol production and unstable blood sugar levels. 

Even without additional stress, mental health problems are more likely to develop. Stress may negatively affect other aspects of your lifestyle, such as your nutrition and sleep, which can also contribute to mood changes when combined with disrupted hormonal and blood sugar levels.

Inflammation

A common side effect of PCOS for most women is persistent, mild inflammation. Cortisol levels may increase as a result of this. Mood swings and diseases like anxiety and depression are strongly correlated with chronically increased cortisol levels. 

In addition, high cortisol levels increase the risk of insulin resistance, which, as we’ve seen, can contribute to mood fluctuations.

Thus, you are aware that PCOS may cause sudden mood swings in which you want to party and hide your face the next. But is there no way to escape the emotional turmoil caused by PCOS? Will living with PCOS be emotionally draining for the rest of your life? 

There is optimism that circumstances will improve. Here are some options for you. 

How to Treat PCOS-Related Mood Swings, Particularly Depression and Anxiety?

Understanding how to manage mood fluctuations in PCOS may be one of the more sophisticated aspects of the condition. It would help if you discussed your condition and potential treatment options with your healthcare provider, including:

Medications

Medications that aid in treating PCOS may also aid in treating symptoms like mood fluctuations. Your doctor may prescribe metformin, which reduces your body’s insulin resistance and helps to stabilize your insulin levels, thereby normalizing your hormonal levels. 

It could help stabilize your disposition. Always consult your physician before applying for medication for mood swings.

Behavioral Modifications

A modest change in lifestyle made daily can have a significant impact on managing PCOS symptoms.

A balanced diet that includes difficult carbs, good fats, lean protein, and high-fiber foods may help people stay at a healthy weight while supplying them with all the nutrients they need. 

If you slim down, you may be able to fix insulin resistance and the chemical instability that comes with it, which is thought to cause mood swings. 

Losing weight can also aid in managing the most distressing PCOS symptoms, such as hirsutism, obesity, and infertility, contributing to PCOS-related mental health issues. 

Regular exercise (beginning at least 30 minutes per day, five days per week) can increase insulin sensitivity and reduce PCOS symptoms, such as mood fluctuations. 

Additionally, you can attempt to do more of what calms you down. Nature walks, time spent with family, physical activities, and alternative treatments like yoga and meditation can help you relax your mind and lower your stress levels, which can help you handle mood swings.