Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the common problems in women. Due to this health disorder, the ovaries start producing androgen hormones in abnormal amounts. Androgens, considered sex hormones primarily in men, are usually present in smaller amounts in women.
Its increased quantity in the body due to PCOS can cause many types of health problems. Health experts advise all women to identify the symptoms of PCOS and get it treated in time.
The condition of PCOS can be problematic in many ways, but in a recent research, experts have found that it can have serious side effects on mental health, even increasing suicidal thoughts. This means that an alert has been issued regarding the increase in cases of suicide among women suffering from PCOS.
Problems caused by PCOS
Taiwanese researchers have alerted in a recent study that women suffering from PCOS are more likely to attempt suicide. Scientists say that given such risks, it becomes necessary for such women to pay serious attention to their mental health along with their physical health and seek timely advice from psychiatrists if they feel any problems.
Many of the physical changes caused by PCOS have been found to negatively impact mental health.
What did the study find?
In a study conducted in the United Kingdom in 2022, researchers reported that women diagnosed with PCOS were more likely to have suicidal thoughts, self-harm, rumination, and disturbed feelings over time.
Similarly, a 2016 Swedish study showed that women with PCOS were 40% more likely to attempt suicide than other women. Researchers said that PCOS is a problem that increases the risk of anxiety and depression, which has been seen to increase the feeling of self-harm.
PCOS and the problems caused by it
PCOS affects 8 to 13 percent of women of reproductive age worldwide. It is also considered to be the main cause of infertility. Women suffering from this disease may be at risk of having acne, excess hair on the face or body, obesity, and menstrual problems.
To understand how it affects mental health, Amar Ujala spoke to a senior psychiatrist and Dr. Satyakant Trivedi, who works on suicide prevention. Dr. Satyakant says the medical history of 50-60 percent of women who attempt suicide reveals PCOS problems.
What do psychiatrists say?
Psychiatrist Dr. Satyakant Trivedi explains that problems caused by PCOS such as unwanted hair on the face, frequent acne, and menstrual problems along with hormonal imbalance can be the main cause of stress. Uncontrolled stress can increase the risk of depression and suicidal thoughts. It is common to see the problem of PCOS in women suffering from depression who come to OPD.
Due to these reasons, it is important to pay serious attention to the problem of PCOS and if its symptoms are worsening then consult a doctor in time. This disease, which is generally considered a physical health problem, can also increase the risk of serious mental illnesses.
(PC: iStock)
