Crane Counseling Services 605 Washington Avenue North Haven, CT
Polycystic Overy Syndrome and Therapy
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), also known as polycystic ovarian syndrome, is a common health problem caused by an imbalance of reproductive hormones. The hormonal imbalance creates problems in the ovaries. The ovaries make the egg that is released each month as part of a healthy menstrual cycle. With PCOS, the egg may not develop as it should or it may not be released during ovulation as it should be.
Some of the symptoms of PCOS include:
- Irregular menstrual cycle. Women with PCOS may miss periods or have fewer periods (fewer than eight in a year). Or, their periods may come every 21 days or more often. Some women with PCOS stop having menstrual periods.
- Too much hair on the face, chin, or parts of the body where men usually have hair. This is called "hirsutism." Hirsutism affects up to 70% of women with PCOS.3
- Acne on the face, chest, and upper back
- Thinning hair or hair loss on the scalp; male-pattern baldness
- Weight gain or difficulty losing weight
- Darkening of skin, particularly along neck creases, in the groin, and underneath breasts
- Skin tags, which are small excess flaps of skin in the armpits or neck area
Source: U.S department of Health and Human Services. September 15, 2021. https://www.womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/polycystic-ovary-syndrome
Because PCOS is a hormonal disorder, it can often be a contributor to depression in many women with PCOS. In addition, the common symptoms of PCOS are enough to cause depression or at a minimum self consciousness in women. PCOS treatment can and should be in consultation with your OBGYN and if necessary a therapist. A therapist well versed in PCOS can be helpful. PCOS treatment in therapy may include finding ways to manage the symptoms, long term and short term goal planning, may include a solution focused approach, and helping the client combat the hormonal challenges that impact their life.
PCOS can not be cured. It is a disorder that will impact a woman, more so if symptoms like insulin resistance, weight gain, and hormonal imbalance are not in the forefront of a woman's health care. Clients with PCOS can have a very difficult time losing weight. This can feel defeating at times. Counseling with a therapist you feel comfortable with can be pivotal in setting long term goals and coming to terms with your diagnosis. Your therapist may focus specifically on PCOS symptoms with you and may also help you look at other areas of your life that impact your mental health. “If we feel stronger on the inside we will feel stronger on the outside” (Jennifer Crane, 2021)
