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Millions of women worldwide suffer from Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), a widespread hormonal condition that is particularly prevalent in India, where a significant portion of the female population is affected. Although the physical symptoms of PCOS, such as irregular periods, weight gain, and infertility, receive most of the attention, the effects on mental health can be just as severe. Mood fluctuations, anxiety, and depression are common in women with PCOS, and they can have a serious negative impact on their quality of life.
The most frustrating part of PCOS is that it can make you feel like your body is betraying you, but understanding it empowers you to take back control. We will discuss the effects of PCOS on women's mental health in this blog, as well as the reasons why online therapy has become a popular option for easing the emotional toll of the condition. We will also go over the reasons Rocket Health India is the ideal ally for helping women along this path.
What is PCOS and Its Prevalence Amongst Women
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal disorder that primarily affects women of reproductive age. It can lead to the development of several tiny cysts on the ovaries and is typified by an excess of androgens, or male hormones. Although the precise cause of PCOS is still unknown, lifestyle factors including poor diet and inactivity as well as hereditary factors and insulin resistance are thought to have a role. Infrequent menstrual periods, hirsutism (excessive hair growth), acne, and substantial weight gain are common in women with PCOS.
According to a study, acne is linked to depression, while infertility and alopecia are linked to anxiety. There is a correlation between hirsutism and a reduced psychological quality of life (Chaudhari et al., 2018). In addition to this, individuals with PCOS are two to six times more likely than the general population to have cardiovascular disease, hypertension, lipid metabolic issues, and endometrial cancer (Kauffman et al., 2008).
In India, the prevalence of PCOS varies from 3.7% to 22.5%, according to the population under investigation and the diagnostic standards applied (Ganie et al., 2019). The prevalence of this ailment has increased dramatically as a result of changes in lifestyle, both in urban and rural regions. This is mostly because of rising levels of stress, poor diets, and sedentary habits. The main factor contributing to female infertility caused by anovulation (absence of ovulation) is PCOS (Simon et al., 2023).
It is critical to address both physical and mental health since the emotional burden that PCOS diagnoses place on women is compounded by cultural and societal expectations around women's fertility and looks.
The Mental Health Impact of PCOS
Living with PCOS can have serious effects on one's emotional health in addition to physical suffering. Women with PCOS may experience difficulties with:
1. Depression: A lot of women with PCOS express a persistent sense of sadness, pessimism, and disinterest in once-enjoyed activities. Depression may eventually result from the physical symptoms' persistence combined with social pressure and low self-esteem.
2. Anxiety: Worries about symptoms, potential infertility, and even weight gain can make people more anxious. A common sense among women with PCOS is that they have little control over their bodies, which adds to their anxiety and worry.
3. Body Image Problems: Weight gain and physical changes like acne and undesirable hair development are common side effects of PCOS. These symptoms can negatively affect one's perception of one's physique, which can result in low self-esteem and, in certain situations, disordered eating habits.
4. Mood Swings and Irritability: Women with PCOS are more likely to experience erratic mood swings and irritability as a result of hormone imbalances. Relationships and interactions with others may suffer as a result, further isolating people.
5. Social Stigma: PCOS can lead to a distinct set of mental health issues in India, where there are strong cultural expectations around women's fertility. The emotional strain is exacerbated for women who may experience stigma associated with their appearance and fertility. According to a study with an increase in chances of infertility there is a decrease in self-esteem and body satisfaction (Bazarganipour et al.,2013).
Women with PCOS frequently experience mental health issues that are either ignored or overshadowed by their physical symptoms. Women may be reluctant to seek treatment for the emotional aspects of this condition in a nation like India, where talking about mental health issues is still somewhat taboo, which could result in prolonged suffering.
How Online Therapy Helps Manage PCOS-Related Mental Health Issues
Online therapy has become a viable and efficient option for women managing the psychological effects of PCOS as mental health awareness has grown. Here's how online therapy might be beneficial:
1. Convenient Access to Care: The accessibility of online therapy is one of its biggest benefits. Women can get professional assistance from the comfort of their homes, which is crucial in India's rural and semi-urban areas where there may not be as many mental health facilities available. For instance, Rocket Health India provides simply accessible online therapy choices, increasing the accessibility and inclusivity of mental health care.
2. Personalised Counselling: One-on-one sessions catered to the specific mental health requirements of each person are possible with online therapy. Whether a woman is struggling with anxiety, sadness, or body image difficulties, licensed therapists may help her with these and other specific challenges. Specialised therapists who are aware of the particular difficulties faced by women with PCOS are available through online treatment platforms such as Rocket Health India.
3. Anonymity and Privacy: Many Indian women may be reluctant to see a therapist in person due to the stigma associated with mental health issues and PCOS. For people who are concerned about societal judgments, online therapy provides a discreet, anonymous alternative. Women are able to freely express their feelings without worrying about being observed or stigmatised, which promotes more candid and open conversations.
4. Flexibility and Affordability: In India, time and money are frequently obstacles to receiving conventional therapy. Online platforms such as Rocket Health India offer reasonable packages and flexible scheduling choices, allowing women to fit therapy into their busy lives without financial pressure.
Why Rocket Health India is the Ideal Platform for Women With PCOS
With solutions tailored to the unique needs of Indian women coping with PCOS, Rocket Health India has established itself as a reliable source of mental health services. This is what makes Rocket Health India unique:
1. Specialized Mental Health Professionals: Women's health, PCOS, and associated emotional difficulties are among the areas in which Rocket Health India offers access to qualified mental health specialists. Their counsellors are educated to provide compassionate, culturally aware care that gets to the core of problems with mental and physical health.
2. Holistic Approach: In addition to offering mental health services, Rocket Health India places a strong emphasis on PCOS management that is comprehensive in nature. This includes advice on stress management, dietary adjustments, and lifestyle modifications—all of which are crucial for enhancing one's physical and mental health. PCOS doesn’t come with a one-size-fits-all solution, which is why self-care and personalised treatments are crucial.
3. Culturally Relevant help: By addressing the particular societal constraints, familial dynamics, and traditional beliefs that frequently contribute to mental health concerns connected with PCOS, the platform provides help that is culturally relevant to Indian women.
4. Accessible All Over India: Rocket Health India offers excellent therapy right at your fingertips, regardless of where you live in India—in a big city or a small rural community. Even women in underdeveloped areas will have access to the care they require thanks to the user-friendly platform.
Conclusion
Millions of Indian women suffer with PCOS, a complex condition whose effects extend well beyond the body. The quality of life for women with this condition can be considerably reduced by their mental health challenges, which include depression, anxiety, and problems with body image. Thankfully, online counselling has developed into an effective resource for women facing similar difficulties.
Rocket Health India and similar platforms are transforming mental health treatment by offering services that are culturally aware, reasonably priced, and easily accessible. Women can address the emotional toll of PCOS and take efforts to improve their general well-being by participating in individualised online therapy sessions.
Getting assistance through online therapy might be the first step toward recovery if you or someone you love is struggling with PCOS and its effects on mental health. We at Rocket Health India are ready to help you at every stage.
References
Bazarganipour, F., Ziaei, S., Montazeri, A., Foroozanfard, F., Kazemnejad, A., & Faghihzadeh, S. (2013). Body image satisfaction and self-esteem status among the patients with polycystic ovary syndrome. Iranian journal of reproductive medicine, 11(10), 829–836.
Chaudhari, A. P., Mazumdar, K., & Mehta, P. D. (2018). Anxiety, Depression, and Quality of Life in Women with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome. Indian Journal of Psychological Medicine, 40(3), 239–246. https://doi.org/10.4103/ijpsym.ijpsym_561_17
Ganie, M., Vasudevan, V., Wani, I., Baba, M., Arif, T., & Rashid, A. (2019). Epidemiology, pathogenesis, genetics & management of polycystic ovary syndrome in India. The Indian Journal of Medical Research, 150(4), 333. https://doi.org/10.4103/ijmr.ijmr_1937_17
Kauffman, R. P., Baker, T. E., Baker, V. M., DiMarino, P., & Castracane, V. D. (2008). Endocrine and metabolic differences among phenotypic expressions of polycystic ovary syndrome according to the 2003 Rotterdam consensus criteria. American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 198(6), 670.e1-670.e10. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajog.2008.01.037
Simon, V., Peigné, M., & Dewailly, D. (2023). The psychosocial impact of polycystic ovary Syndrome. Reproductive Medicine, 4(1), 57–64. https://doi.org/10.3390/reprodmed4010007
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