Depression, anxiety and mood disorders are commonly found in women with PCOS. While everyone has their own explanations, one thing is clear — they’re all caused by irregular hormones.

Depression has also been associated with insulin resistance and depressed thyroid function. Disturbed LH (luteinizing hormone) levels and rhythms have been found in depressed women compared to women who are not depressed. Disturbed LH is a primary reason you don’t ovulate and is extremely common in women with PCOS.

High homocysteine levels can also cause mood disturbances. Women with PCOS commonly have elevated homocysteine which is normally broken down and made harmless. However, a poor diet and drugs such as metformin (Glucophage) help to elevate homocysteine. (http://www.ovarian-cysts-pcos.com)

Depression can be treated, and cured

Just like the majority of PCOS symptoms, regulating your hormones is key and it is a LOT easier than you think. Healthy diet (gluten free is best, glycemic index is second) regular exercise and vitamins/supplements.

There are a number of supplements that can help:

1) Vitex: regulates your hormones. One of the BEST herbs for women with PCOS. PCOSInfo highly recommends Fertility Blend for Women. It not only contains vitex but also a number of other vitamins and herbs to increase your fertility. I have used this on & off for YEARS and will never use anything else.

2) Inositol: There are two forms; inositol and D-chiro inositol. D-chiro is the preferred choice however it is more expensive. Inositol works as well but many have to take larger amounts to get the same affects they would while taking D-chiro. I just started using this: http://www.chiralbalance.com/. Inositol helps control a number of PCOS issues including insulin resistance, and high testosterone levels.

Remember, it took a while to get this way, so it will take a while to heal. Herbs heal the underlying problem, not just put a band aid over it as medications do (not to mention the number of dangerous side affects medications provide)

While you’re waiting for the effects of the supplements to kick in try these tips:

1) Regular exercise, especially things like yoga, tai-chi, etc.

2) Aromatherapy:  clary sage, basil, rose, chamomile, lavender,  rosewood, ylang ylang, sandlewood, jasmine are all EXTREMELY helpful for depression, and anxiety. I keep a bottle of rosewood on hand at all times – it stops my anxiety attacks within minutes of inhalation.

3) Acupressure or acupuncture: stimulating various points in the body can relieve a number of mood disorders. Best thing is acupressure can be done by you, in the comfort of your own home.

**For more information on supplements, and natural remedies used to treat/control mood issues, click here***