Episode #25: PCOS and Depression
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What you’ll learn in this episode
Women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are more likely to experience depression. Studies say that anywhere from 27 percent to around 50 percent of women with PCOS report being depressed, compared to around 19 percent of women without PCOS. That is more than double…. But does depression have to your reality and how can you break past these statistics so that you can live a life that you are excited to engage in? That is what today’s episode is all about.
Disclaimer
Before we dive into this topic I want to give a disclaimer! Depression is a serious situation and one that I encourage you to seek help from your medical doctor as well as your therapist. And if you feel like your depression is at all putting you at risk call a crisis line and ask for assistance. I will add some resources in the show notes to offer a starting point for further support. This episode is meant to offer encouragement that it can get better and a holistic approach to health that you can implement alongside the support of your medical team. This episode is not meant to treat depression or to take the place of seeking medical help.
PCOS & Depression: What’s the Connection?
Here is what we do know about why depression and PCOS often occur together.
Our mood and mental outlook are very complicated. They are a combination our what is happening in our lives and our skills at coping with it, Also our mindset and the thoughts that we keep rehearsing in our minds as well as our current chemical or hormonal state.
What is the treatment for depression if you have PCOS?
In addition to working with your medical team, you can take a holistic approach by caring for your PCOS-related hormones and root cause.
If you would like to get started caring for your PCOS root cause the best place to start is to take the PCOS root cause quiz and then go back and listen to episodes 3 & 4 which I will link to in the show notes below.
The PCOS and Depression Cycle
For women with PCOS and depression, there may be a cycle of depression symptoms and PCOS symptoms. For example, depression can cause weight gain, which can make PCOS worse. This, in turn, can worsen depression.
But you can also break this cycle by addressing the root causes of insulin, stress, inflammation, nutritional deficiencies, or hormone disturbances. And that starts by taking the PCOS root cause quiz.
Resources & References Mentioned in this episode
Take the PCOS Root cause quiz to learn what your body needs to heal
Results are not guaranteed. Please see Medical Disclaimer for more detail.
Similar Podcasts You Will Enjoy
Episode #175: Whole-Body Healing: A Holistic PCOS Approach
In this episode of the PCOS Repair Podcast, you’ll get a fresh perspective on what it truly means to heal from PCOS, not just manage symptoms or follow a checklist of tips, but to create a whole-body, sustainable transformation. If you’ve ever felt like you’re doing “everything right” and still not seeing results, this episode is a must-listen. You’ll learn why healing PCOS isn’t about doing more, it’s about doing the right things together. You’ll walk through the 8 key areas that support PCOS recovery, from nutrition and movement to emotional wellness and stress regulation, and discover how bringing these pieces into harmony can create powerful shifts in your energy, cycle, and overall wellbeing.
Episode #174: Physical Activity & Your Mindset
When time is tight and energy is low—especially around the holidays—exercise can easily drop off your radar. But what if movement wasn’t just another box to check, but a tool to support your hormones and emotional wellbeing? In this episode of the PCOS Repair Podcast, you’ll learn how to shift your mindset around physical activity so it feels supportive, not stressful. You’ll discover how even small, gentle forms of movement can reduce cravings, boost mood, and help regulate your cycle—no punishment required. Most importantly, you’ll walk away with practical strategies for building a consistent, joyful routine that aligns with your PCOS healing journey.
Episode #173: Natural or Assisted Fertility: Designing Your Path
In this episode of the PCOS Repair Podcast, you’ll gain clarity around one of the most personal and complex decisions women with PCOS face: whether to pursue natural or assisted fertility. Ashlene walks you through the key hormonal factors that influence ovulation and pregnancy with PCOS and helps you understand the role both lifestyle and medical support can play in improving your fertility outcomes. You’ll explore how root causes like blood sugar imbalance or stress can delay ovulation and make conception harder, even if your periods seem “regular.” Whether you’re navigating early fertility challenges or preparing for the future, this episode will help you tune into your body’s signals and choose the path, natural, assisted, or a combination, that feels right for you. Plus, you’ll learn why compassion, testing, and a flexible mindset are essential ingredients for creating a fertility plan that supports your long-term hormone health and emotional wellbeing.
PCOS FERTILITY MEAL GUIDE
What I changed to finally get pregnant after almost 2 years of trying.
What the heck to eat to boost PCOS fertility
It’s not a one size fits all
Sample Meal Plan Included
Plan and Prep Guide Included
Go beyond diet & nourish your hormones to boost fertility
I share the steps I followed in this FREE MEAL GUIDE.
About the Show
Welcome to The PCOS Repair Podcast!
I’m Ashlene Korcek, and each week I’ll be sharing the latest findings on PCOS and how to make practical health changes to your lifestyle to repair your PCOS at the root cause.
If you’re struggling with PCOS, know that you’re not alone. In fact, it’s estimated that one in ten women have PCOS. But the good news is that there is a lot we can do to manage our symptoms and live healthy, happy lives.
So whether you’re looking for tips on nutrition, exercise, supplements, or mental health, you’ll find it all here on The PCOS Repair Podcast. Ready to get started? Hit subscribe now
