My name's Lou. I have both PCOS and have been diagnosed with severe clinical depression, was diagnosed about 4 years ago but have been suffering from depression since I was a teenager.
I have only just stumbled on the fact that PCOS and depression are linked??
I'm shocked and disappointed not ONE doctor or specialist has made the link between the 2 for me. My depression is always worse pre-period (when I have a period). I've always wondered what affect my hormonal imbalance has on my depression.
I'm going to talk to my doctor about this as well. But interested in hearing others experiences and relate information for someone who suffers from both PCOS and depression.
I have both. Like you, battled depression since teens, but didn't get diagnosed til 21. I must have had an awesome GP, because my depression along with the physical signs was what made her suspect PCOS. But she was the only doctor who tied the 2. My Ob/Gyn thought my depression was all pregnancy related, despite being told that I had it before for many years. And my psychologist didn't know anything at all about PCOS until she started treating me, and I asked her to read up on it. I fully believe they are linked, as one always gets worse when the other does, or better as the other improves.
Are you currently on meds or supplements for either condition? I find that a lot of the vitamins/herbs I was taking for depression are things that a lot of women here are taking for various PCOS symptoms, and with the right combo, I have been able to come off a-d's for the first time in 9 years.
__________________ Lucky mommy of Quinn, 6 years.
PCOS, IBS, Clinical Depression, Lyme Disease, allergies
trying to go natural, down to 1 script, 1 OTC(love u Zyrtec!) and lots of vitamins
Thanks so much for responding Stelarnix. I can't you how good it is to be able to talk to someone who understands!
I'm currently on effexor and seroquel for the depression. Not taking anything for the PCOS but will be starting Metformin shortly.
One thing I've noticed is that when I have my period, my mood is better, in that I feel lighter if that makes sense. Even though my periods are extremely painful. There's got to be something with that??
I'm not sure where to go to find out what other things I can take to help with the symptoms?? Feeling a little overwhelmed at the moment.
I too suffer from chronic depression and PCOS. I am on celexa and that has been helping greatly, but i was just diagnosed w/ PCOS and am having a hard time w/ it.
Oh I'm sorry you're in the same position. Depression is horrible isn't it, let alone having PCOS as well, we really won the lottery didnt we!! lol
Yes I am in therapy for depression. I see a psychiatrist, and have for a few years now. He's very good, and he looks after my medication as well. I'm thinking of also see a psychologist for some more "pro active" treatment. I don't really feel like I'm moving forward.
I havent been getting treated for PCOS for a long time, I kind of put it on the back burner and was trying to deal with the depression. But I now realise I need to deal with both, and I'm thinking perhaps getting proper treatment for the PCOS might help with the depression.
I'm not doing the best right now, well Im very teary. I have my period for the first time in 8 months and I think my hormones are running rampant. I find I get very depressed just before my p is due, do u have the same?? Not to mention the pain blerrgghhh
Its nice to know Im not alone, but Im also sorry you're suffering as I am.
Iv spoken to my doctor who is usually pretty good in general, but when iv asked for anti depressants (Iv been suffering with it for four years) he wont give me them, no matter how much i ask. Iv tried st johns wort and seratonin but it doesnt help.
He knows i suffer from pcos and iv told him of the link but he just doesnt wanna know.
Iv spoken to my doctor who is usually pretty good in general, but when iv asked for anti depressants (Iv been suffering with it for four years) he wont give me them, no matter how much i ask. Iv tried st johns wort and seratonin but it doesnt help.
He knows i suffer from pcos and iv told him of the link but he just doesnt wanna know.
You might want to get a new doctor who has read the current research. BTW, if you have high androgen levels that aren't being addressed, this, too, might contribut to depression:
Think i will have to change doctors, he is my GP, but i may ask my specialist about it, although hes not brilliant to talk to tbh, his english isn't great.
Think i may have to maybe print out some of the articles on it and see if that works. thanks Kat
As for androgens i have no idea what they are? Last time i saw the specialist was before i had discovered this brilliant place, and didnt really have much of an idea about it. Is it a good idea for a printout of my hormone levels and maybe find out more about it on here?
New and bafflled have PCOS & Depression 
