Hi everyone!
I have PCOS, am 34, and a few months ago began experiencing anxiety attacks when confronted with a meeting or social situation that I had to go to. It's being suggested that antidepressants and benzo's or other psych meds might be an option to me, but I was curious about the hormonal link and how I could treat it hormonally-wise. I rarely menstruate - have low progesterone - and have high testosterone though I've lost a pretty good amount of weight some time ago, which I thought had lowered it.
Does anyone have any thoughts as to what I could do...?
Thanks!
I was having exactly the same problem that you explain. I think I had PCOS for all my life without knowing it, and it caused me to develop too anxiety issues. There is a well known link between PCOS and depression-anxiety disorders. From being a self assured person, I started panicking at social situations, at work, even at home. I never made the connection until I got more information about PCOS and confirmed I had that syndrome.
I was put on zoloft but could not stay long in it. It made me feel worse and I got so scared with the side effects and dependence you develop on drugs. So, I went the natural road. I started by exercising EVERYDAY : Pilates and Kundalini yoga along with some cardio. Exercise is key for me to loose the panic attacks. When it is long that I have not worked out, I feel anxious again.
When anxiety strikes, I use Bach flower remedies like Rescue or Rock Rose. You put some drops under your tongue and they will help you a lot. Otherwise, if I have been anxious all day long, I take a natural pill with pasiflore and other herbs to help the body relax. But they are 100% natural.
There are also some natural remedies on line that you can check into like Amoryn. Fortunately I did not needed to get those. I was able to control my anxiety by exercising, loosing weight, and yoga.
If you are not TTCing, the best thing you can do for you is going on the pill. Yasmin worked well for me, brought back my periods, helped me lower androgens and feel better.
Give them a try for a couple of months before you jump into the anti anxiety drugs.
Exercise is key for me to loose the panic attacks.
Ditto. If I am getting anxious, most likely its because I haven't exercised for the 2 days leading up to that anxious period.
Even going for a walk now and again will help me, although I'm best when I'm doing exercise of a higher intensity regulary.
__________________
Diagnosed Aug 2005. Symptoms: No periods, obese, excessive hair
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Before I was first diagnosed with pcos I started having panic/anxiety attacks. I thought I was losing my mind and ran to a shrink who put me on 6 or 7 different antidepressants as well as zanax and ativan. I convinced the Dr. that I thought it was a hormonal issues and not really a mental issue and he ordered the blood work. Sure enough, my testosterone level was elevated to twice what a woman's should be and other indicators were there. I got put on metformin and the panic/anxiety attacks stopped. It truly is all connected and the whole insulin issue shouldn't be ignored. Also, try some deep breathing techniques...before the metformin helped me that's how I learned how to help myself.
__________________ Donna, 37, diagnosed in 2000
Mom to Nathaniel, 4 and Christopher 2
My anxiety was greatly linked to my insulin resistance. To say it's balancing act for me when it comes to taking the rx for pcos would be a huge understatement. I'm working my way thru it though. It just stinks that I have to subject myself to all this "trial and error" stuff.
I have been having good luck with 150mg of progesterone oil caps. My anxiety/panic had pretty well disappeared. I have not touched a Xanax since early January.
Interesting... since I started progesterone for PG support ( I am in my first tri ) my panic attacks have been down to zero !! does progesterone help with anxiety ? I know it calms the body and make you sleepy... but then it could be like a wonder drug for anxiety ?
Can you take it anytime during your cycle ? I will have to stop mine in some weeks but still produce it during PG, I wonder for when the baby is here, and I start cycling again.
Good info !
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Anxiety question 
