Why so many women with PCOS feel emotionally burnt out, and what’s really going on beneath the surface
For many women living with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), feeling at times like something is “off” or like you’re on an emotional rollercoaster but not being able to explain why is way more common than we think. Beyond the physical symptoms like weight gain, breakouts or irregular cycles, PCOS can also leave you feeling anxious, low and foggy, like you’re constantly running on empty.
One study showed that people with PCOS are more than three times as likely to report symptoms of anxiety and over four times more likely to report depressive symptoms, compared to women without PCOS. But despite these numbers, the emotional toll of PCOS is often downplayed or completely overlooked.
“It’s a complex condition that impacts everything from your hormones and metabolism to your self-esteem,” says Bradley Wagemaker, Medical Director at Lamelle Pharma. “So it makes sense that your mental health is affected too. But the link isn’t always obvious until you unpack it.”
The silent cycle of burnout
There’s a reason so many women with PCOS feel overwhelmed, even when they’re doing everything “right”. One key culprit, says Wagemaker, happens to be insulin resistance, which affects up to 70% of women with PCOS. “It’s not just a blood sugar issue. Insulin resistance also alters how your body makes and uses certain hormones, which can affect your brain chemistry and emotional regulation,” he says.
Chronic inflammation, elevated cortisol (your stress hormone) and the relentless societal pressure to “fix” your body add further strain to an already challenging dynamic, resulting in the perfect storm for anxiety, mood swings and emotional exhaustion.
“It’s a cycle we see often,” explains Wagemaker. “The physical symptoms drive stress, the stress worsens hormonal imbalances, and the whole thing loops back into how you feel mentally.”
For women with PCOS wondering, “what now?”, the good news is that there are ways to address the mental an emotional toll that PCOS can take. Getting diagnosed is the first step – in fact, The World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates that 70% of women with PCOS remain undiagnosed, but if your cycle is erratic, your mood is unpredictable and you’re constantly fatigued, don’t brush it off. Talk to your healthcare provider.
Secondly, when it comes to PCOS treatment, it’s vital that we treat the whole person. Managing insulin resistance and inflammation, for instance, can help balance mood and energy, but therapy, support groups and even medication are just as important.
“Ovaria was formulated specifically to support women with PCOS,” says Wagemaker. “It contains Myoinositol, which is known to improve insulin sensitivity, support hormone balance, and even benefit emotional wellbeing. It’s a gentle but powerful tool in restoring balance not just physically, but mentally too.”
And in this process, be sure to be kinder to yourself, says Wagemaker. “PCOS is a real medical condition, not a personal failing. You’re not lazy or broken, as the condition and even loved ones and some medical experts might have you believe. You’re navigating something tough and you deserve support.”
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