Research has concluded that women who are treated for infertility and receive assisted reproductive treatment (ART) are more likely to develop symptoms of anxiety and depression. Studies also propose that patients with high levels of depression before beginning ART can be comparative to reduced rates of pregnancy.

Infertility Treatment, Anxiety, and Depression in Women

Infertility refers to the concept that pregnancy happens infrequently and the failure of conception between couples. This term can be used interchangeably with sterility.

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Symptoms of PCOS include; infertility, mental health issues, hirsutism, insulin resistance, absence of menstruation, obesity, acne, and more.

PCOS Symptoms

Gnoth, C., Godehardt, E., Frank-Herrmann, P., Friol, K., Tigges, J., &amp; Freundl, G. (2005). Definition and prevalence of subfertility and infertility. Human Reproduction, 20(5), 1144–1147. https://doi.org/10.1093/humrep/deh870 

Definition and prevalence of subfertility and infertility

Infertility

Excess testosterone, also known as hyperandrogenism, is the primary source of hormonal dysregulation in people with PCOS. A common misconception is that PCOS is caused by hypoestrogenism, or low estrogen; in fact, the fluctuations of both hormones and the body's attempt to compensate for them are the reason for symptoms. 

Excess Testosterone

Due to unwanted symptoms, such as excess body and facial hair, obesity and excess adipose tissue concentrated in the midsection, male patterned baldness, painful cystic acne, and irregular menstruation, many people with PCOS develop poor self-esteem and body image. Common psychiatric comorbidities include depression, anxiety, OCD, body dysmorphic disorder, borderline personality disorder, and more.

 Women with PCOS are 4 times more likely to attempt suicide than women without PCOS.

PCOS and Psychiatric Comorbidities

As a chronic condition, PCOS requires lifelong monitoring and maintenance. Some challenges patients and providers face in creating a long-term treatment plan include:
- Attrition
- Stigma
- Lack of health literacy
- Poor relationship between patient and provider
- Distressing symptoms and psychiatric comorbidities

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