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 #180: Why PCOS Symptoms Rarely Show Up Alone
If you’ve ever wondered why PCOS symptoms like bloating, fatigue, acne, or mood swings seem to pile on all at once, this episode will help you make sense of it all. In this insightful conversation, you’ll learn why your symptoms rarely show up in isolation and how recognizing clusters of symptoms can reveal powerful insights into your root causes. From cycle irregularity and inflammation to cravings and anxiety, your body is constantly communicating—and in this episode, you’ll discover how to finally start listening. You’ll walk away with a new lens for decoding your symptoms, identifying patterns, and finding clarity on what your body truly needs to heal. Don’t forget to take the free PCOS Root Cause Quiz linked in the show notes to start mapping your own symptom patterns.
Episode #179: Why “Doing All the Right Things” Still Doesn’t Fix PCOS
If you’ve followed the plans, taken the supplements, cut the carbs, tracked your labs, and still aren’t seeing progress, you’re not alone. In this episode of the PCOS Repair Podcast, you’ll discover why doing “all the right things” doesn’t always lead to healing, and why the problem isn’t your effort, it’s the approach. You’ll learn why generic advice often falls short for women with PCOS, how symptoms like fatigue, weight fluctuations, and inflammation are actually adaptive signals, not signs of failure,and why listening to your body with clarity and curiosity is the key to real results. If you’re feeling discouraged despite your dedication, this conversation will help you reconnect with your body, rebuild your confidence, and finally understand what your symptoms are trying to tell you.
Episode #178: Why PCOS Symptoms Aren’t Random (And What They’re Actually Telling You)
In this eye-opening episode of the PCOS Repair Podcast, you’ll discover how to reframe the frustrating symptoms of PCOS, irregular cycles, fatigue, inflammation, and more, as valuable messages from your body, not random or broken disruptions. If you’ve ever felt like you’re doing everything right but still not seeing results, this conversation will help you make sense of those patterns. By diving into the hormonal communication network behind your symptoms, including insulin, cortisol, and reproductive hormones, you’ll learn how to decode what your body is truly asking for. You’ll explore why common “healthy” strategies like calorie cutting or intense workouts can actually backfire, and how to shift toward a healing path that supports your unique root causes.
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
