Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) has historically been considered a reproductive hormone issue. However, females with PCOS have elevated risks of metabolic and cardiovascular health issues. In fact, insulin resistance is an underlying cause of PCOS for the vast majority of females with the syndrome.
I’m currently reading Dr. Christopher Palmer’s book Brain Energy. Admittedly, I haven’t gotten too far into the book, but from hearing him on several podcast episodes, I know that his main theory is that metabolic issues are an underlying cause of most, if not all mental illness.
Given the prevalence of metabolic dysfunction among females with PCOS, if Dr. Palmer’s hypothesis is true, it is unsurprising that females with PCOS would also experience increased rates of things like depression and anxiety. This article explores some of the research on this association as well as some of the research on tools that can improve mental health indicators for PCOS.