PCOS, Insulin Resistance and Depression:
Resistance to Insulin May Cause Depression in Women With PCOS
Aug 30, 2009
Depression, anxiety and mood disorders are commonly found in women with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, or PCOS, though researchers have not yet determined the link between PCOS and mood disorders. It is commonly believed that the hormonal imbalances typically found in women with PCOS causes depression. Women with PCOS often have abnormal levels of estrogen and cortisol as well as higher levels of androgens such as testosterone in their blood stream.
In one study, women with slightly elevated levels of testosterone were more likely to suffer from depression than women with normal amounts of testosterone. Interestingly, this study also found that women with extremely elevated levels of testosterone were not more likely to suffer from depression. It is believed that women with extremely elevated levels of testosterone were more able to adjust to the higher levels.
Recent Studies Suggest That Depression in Women With PCOS is Caused by Insulin Resistance
Depression in women with PCOS has also been linked to insulin resistance. Researchers have not confirmed the relationship between the two conditions, but have confirmed a link between depression and Diabetes. Researchers already know that Diabetes and obesity increase the risk of developing certain types of dementia, such as Alzheimer’s Disease.
Studies show that insulin resistance is consistently found in Alzheimer’s patients suggesting a link between the two. More recent studies further found that insulin resistance may cause depression and other mood disorders. In fact, in many cases depression preceded the onset of Alzheimer’s Disease. Based on these findings, it is now believed that insulin resistance may also cause depression in women with PCOS. There is a growing body of evidence showing that the imbalance of glucose and insulin in the bloodstream have a stronger link to depression than previously believed. In the same way that Diabetes and obesity lead to the development of Alzheimer’s Disease, insulin resistance is thought to cause depression in women with PCOS.
Depression in Women With PCOS may be the Result of Living With the Symptoms of the Disorder
It is also possible that depression in women with PCOS is simply a result of living with the physical symptoms of the disorder such as weight gain, acne, increased facial hair and hair loss. After all, what woman wouldn’t be depressed if she was suffering from male pattern baldness, increased facial hair, acne and rapid weight gain? However, one study suggested a biological link between obesity and depression in women with PCOS.
That study found that women with PCOS were five times more likely to suffer from newly diagnosed depression than women who did not have PCOS. Likewise, the study found that women with PCOS who were also obese were more likely to suffer from depression than women with PCOS who were not obese. The study suggested, but could not confirm, that it was obesity and not PCOS that caused the depression in the women studied. However, that study did not consider how many of the non-PCOS women in the control group, who suffered from depression, were also obese.
Women With PCOS Find Relief From Depression When They are Treated for Insulin Resistance
Whatever the cause, women with depression and other mood disorders showed improvement when treated for insulin resistance. Women with depression have also shown improvement, at least to some extent, with a healthy diet and exercise program, nutritional supplements and stress management. Weight loss also helps reduce insulin resistance. A woman who has PCOS should be screened regularly for insulin resistance and depression. If both insulin resistance and depression are found, the relationship between the two should be considered. If you think you PCOS or depression, you should consult a health care professional.
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