I tried to follow some of the above links, but some didn't work...
Anyway, I have suffered from IR since I'm a child, and I have had times of depression since adolescence. Reading on these boards I get the impression that PCOS and depression could be related. How could this be? Are there any biological reasons for this?
Dont really know the answer...BUT, I know that according to lots of reading and several doctors, depression is a symptoms of PCOS. Since we are not sure exactly what caused PCOS to begin with, it is kind of hard to tell what the exact relationship is with depression. However, since PCOS affects hormones, and hormones affect mood, my guess is the hormones are the key.
I hope this BUMPS up and someone who might know more can chime in...
StaciieM
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The chemicals in the body are a pretty sure bet since depression is caused by a chemical imbalance as well as PCOS.
Another thing though, which is easier to overlook. It only makes since that when you have a chronic disease, which POCS is, you could also have depression. You are dealing with a lot. Your body has become foreign to you, it has turned against you, you may be trying or worrying about in the future TTC and not sure how that will go. You stress over your health, you have health issues that pertain to PCOS. Of course it affects your life and it's only natural that depression could be a part of it. So, the better you control your PCOS...exercise, eating healthily and taking proper meds, the better your chances of not having depression. Sometimes, just taking action and taking control of your life can help. But, don't feel badly about depression. It is a natural occurence with chronic illnesses. Just one more thing to deal with. Lendi
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Thanks a lot. I appreciate the answers. I didn't know about PCOS until last summer yet I have suffered from depression for at least 10, maybe more, years. I have never worried about TTC... I go for the chemical imbalance. Even though I have to admit that I have often felt "alienated" from my body. Adolescence had played its nasty tricks and all those hormones did not make me a svelte girl with long legs, big boobs and shiny hair but I became chunky, was always always sleepy and I didn't know why I couldn't be like the other girls at school. Now, at the age of 29, it doesn't matter to me what the others say but I still feel like my body is playing some tricks.
Lendi probably you're right about the PCOS treatment helping for depression. I find that if I eat right and get some exercise, even just a 30 minutes walk, I feel much much better. (sometimes I feel overwhelmed and don't know where to start making lifestyle changes but I guess everyone here can relate)
What chemical imbalances would cause depression? I know low serotonin can be to blame so it would be better to eat low on the glycemic index but a diet very low in carbs can make it worse (at least for me).
Would excess estrogen be to blame as well?
Stephanie
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thanks for the link nobimbo. interesting information that, as one of the oldies around here, i needed to know.
Norepenephrine is the other common chemical that is know to be imbalanced in depression along with seratonin.
you might want to check into thyroid if you haven't. depression is also a symptom of low thyroid hormone. and, it seems that pcos and hypothyroidism go together quite a bit as well. actually, pcos and hormone difficulties just seem to be in partnership overall
but, for me at least, it's the constant day to day living with a chronic disease that gets to me sometimes. and, if something extra is thrown into the mix i really have a problem.
What's the relationship btw. PCOS and depression? 
