Pic: Canva

On an estimate, one in every five Indian women suffers from a condition known as PCOS. What would also be common among these women, which make up roughly 20% of the female population would be a case of compromised mental health? Before we examine this statement further, let&rsquo;s take a look at what PCOS is.&nbsp;

PCOS or Polycystic Ovary Syndrome is a hormonal disorder that affects women that have attained reproductive age. Primarily, this affects the ovaries wherein they become enlarged and develop cysts on the outer edges. Other symptoms include an excess level of androgen in the body, irregular menstrual cycle, excessive facial hair growth, alopecia, and inexplicable weight gain. Throughout the world, this condition is becoming more common, as a larger proportion of the population over the years seems to have developed the condition. While the reasons for this condition seem unclear, it can be largely attributed to genetic and environmental factors.

PCOS and its visible symptoms are only the tip of the iceberg for women who are affected by it. The larger portion that most cannot see or, in many cases are ignorant about is the deep psychological adversity that comes along with it. Women who have PCOS most likely also suffer from alopecia, i.e., hair loss, acne, infertility, and have high chances of being obese. This puts the woman in a state of mental distress, as most of the symptoms come with their weight of stigmatization and criticism in wider society. Studies conducted on women with PCOS show a considerable correlation with anxiety and depression. It is observed that infertility and alopecia are correlated with anxiety and acne with depression

PCOS:  The Psychological Effects

Pic : Canva

The distress also stems from how society views what a woman is, and more specifically what they should look like. For eons, the traditional concept of femininity has been tied with childbearing and an inability to achieve the same is held as justifiable grounds for shame and contempt towards the woman. Having blemish-free skin, luscious hair, and a perfectly proportionate body is all a part of the conventionally attractive woman ethos. If this contrasts with the image that women see in their mirrors every day, it would not be surprising that most of them would suffer from damaged self-concepts. Anxiety, depression, and lower self-esteem are everyday realities of women who struggle with PCOS.

To label this condition as simply a &ldquo;female, or women-only problem&rdquo; is not only not solving the issue but also further isolating women that have PCOS. While there has been increasing recognition and awareness of PCOS, the mental struggles that are tied to the same get buried under the weight of misogyny, negligence, and soul-crushing stigma.&nbsp;
In the 21st century, where well-being refers to mental health as much as it does to physical health, it becomes imperative that we look beyond the physical manifestations of the issue and dive deeper into the more than often, oversight part of the struggle as well.

Chaudhari, A. P., Mazumdar, K., &amp; Mehta, P. D. (2018). Anxiety, depression, and quality of life in women with the polycystic ovarian syndrome. Indian Journal of Psychological Medicine, 40(3), 239&ndash;246. https://doi.org/10.4103/ijpsym.ijpsym_561_17&nbsp;
Pruthi, B. (2019, September 26). One in five Indian women suffers from PCOS. Return to the front page. Retrieved May 16, 2022, from https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/health/one-in-five-indian-women-suffers-fr om-PCOS/article29513588.ece

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“Every day is a fight, but I'm not giving up.”

PCOS and Women’s Mental Health