As it is, PCOS & Endometriosis are conditions that don’t get enough importance. With many still trying to understand the physical toll it takes on the body, the mental health impact of these conditions are grossly overlooked.
PCOS & mental health:
Though estimates vary, between 8 & 13% of reproductive age women have PCOS and many experience adverse mental health outcomes. Recent studies have shown that people with PCOS are:
Four to seven times likely to have depression and anxiety
Three to six times more likely to have an eating disorder
8.47 times more likely to attempt suicide
Endometriosis & mental health
The most common symptom of endometriosis is chronic pelvic pain, especially just before and during the menstrual period. Endometriosis is also associated with mental health conditions, including depression and anxiety, and a reduced quality of life.
Women with endometriosis are twice as likely to suffer from mental health conditions. One survey found that about 50% of women with endometriosis experienced suicidal thoughts or feelings related to their gynecological condition.
Your hormone levels also play a role in how endometriosis can affect your mental health. The hormone estrogen aids in many important bodily functions, including regulating your menstrual cycle. Women with endometriosis often have higher-than-normal estrogen levels, which can cause mood swings, anger, irritability, and frustration.
If you or someone you know is suffering from PCOS or Endometriosis and would like someone to talk to, there are mental health services are available to you:
Sri Lanka Sumitrio: https://srilankasumithrayo.lk
Happy Minds SL: https://happymind.lk
