Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Help – Polycystic ovary syndrome (also known as PCOS) is a common disorder that affects 1 in 10 women in the UK alone and millions of women across the world. It causes a host of symptoms and additional health complications, which can culminate in decreased mental health and the onset of anxiety and depression for the women who are struggling with PCOS.
While those suffering with symptoms that are suspected or have been confirmed to be the symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome should always seek the advice and treatment of their medical doctors to manage their physical health, counselling is an excellent option to help deal with the mental health challenges that are common when dealing with impactful diagnoses such as polycystic ovary syndrome. At Horizon Plymouth, our counsellors are experienced in helping individuals cope with medical diagnoses, especially those like polycystic ovary syndrome that have far-reaching effects.
Symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome
PCOS is one of the leading causes of fertility problems in women—a fact which alone can be devastating for many individuals struggling to have children—but this fact is accompanied by a host of other potential symptoms or health complications. Some of these symptoms may not arise until much later in your diagnosis, while others are immediately apparent. Additionally, some women may experience the entire range of symptoms, while others may battle a select few. No matter what your symptoms look like, however, your journey with polycystic ovary syndrome is your own, and any mental health issues that arise are valid. In addition to fertility issues, symptoms associated with polycystic ovary syndrome may include:
- Irregular or absent periods: this is often one of the first signs of potential PCOS in young women
- Excess facial or body hair: due to increased androgen levels, hair usually apparent on face, chest, or back
- Weight gain: rapid weight gain, difficulty losing weight
- Oily skin
- Thinning hair
- Development of comorbid health conditions: conditions such as type 2 diabetes and elevated cholesterol levels can develop later in life.
How can counselling help?
Polycystic ovary syndrome is a physical health condition that requires the primary attention of your medical doctor. However, common symptoms can be highly impactful for women and may cause the development of mental health challenges as they try to cope with overwhelming worries, concerns, and life changes. These issues are less easily treated by a medical doctor, but are no less significant when it comes to the impact on an individual’s life and health, instead requiring the counselling expertise of the professionals at Horizon Plymouth.
Working with one of the counsellors at Horizon Plymouth can help you to come to terms with your diagnosis and the associated ramifications for your future, as well as work through any anxiety or depression that may have arisen as a result of polycystic ovary syndrome or its symptoms. For example, a woman may work with a counsellor to work through feelings of loss, guilt, or anger surrounding an inability to conceive or a difficult or complicated pregnancy. A woman could also seek counselling to help her recover her self-esteem following changes to her appearance that have affected her self-worth.
As is the case with counselling for any physical health diagnosis or disorder, coping with the symptoms is likely going to affect your mental health as well. Whether you have recently been diagnosed or have been battling the physical and mental symptoms of PCOS for an extended period of time, the counsellors at Horizon Plymouth can provide counselling services to help you cope, heal, and grow no matter how severe your mental health symptoms or how long you have been struggling. Begin your journey towards better internal healing now—contact Horizon Plymouth to speak with a representative and schedule your initial consultation today.