September is PCOS awareness month. This month is marked to provide more awareness about Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, a condition that affects 6-13% of reproductive aged women worldwide. 1
PCOS often leads to hormonal imbalances, irregular menstrual cycles, elevated androgen levels, and the formation of small cysts on the ovaries. Because ovulation may occur infrequently or not at all, conceiving can become challenging. In fact, PCOS is one of the most common causes of infertility in women. 1
MedBound Times connected with Psychologist Liza Hazarika, (MA in Clinical Psychology), for a conversation about insensitivity of people regarding PCOS and towards the women suffering through the condition.
She discussed that sometimes even healthcare professionals cross a boundary and produce a negative comment while reacting to a patient's illness or persisting conditions.
If someone is suffering from PCOS, I always suggest them to seek counselling, because PCOS and mood disorders go hand in hand.Liza Hazarika, Clinical Psychologist
Psychologist Liza discussed about a recent case that she encountered during a therapy session with a client.
“I remember one case clearly—a 19-year-old client with PCOS who faced severe self-image issues. Her gynecologist told her, ‘Why don’t you exercise and work on your weight? How will you get married? What will happen to your parents if you don’t get married?’ That remark had a deep impact on her," she recalled.
This particular experience from Psychologist Liza reflects findings from the research paper Body Shape Concern, Self-Esteem and Psychological Well-Being in Adolescent Females Having Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS), which mentioned that adolescent girls with PCOS report significantly higher body image concerns, lower self-esteem, and poorer psychological wellbeing compared to their peers without PCOS.
The study emphasizes that clinicians should address these psychosocial factors holistically, rather than focusing solely on physical symptoms.
Psychologist Liza explained how repeated scrutiny can intensify emotional distress for women with PCOS. She noted that “there used to be constant monitoring of the client's food intake, of her weight and constant remarks on her weight,” which became significant stressors for her client.
“So, she was going through depression and these were the contributing factors,” she added, highlighting how repeated weight-related comments can worsen mental health.
The research paper Psychological and Physical Health Profile in Women with PCOS, mentioned that women with PCOS are at higher risk of depression, anxiety, and body image preoccupation compared to women without the condition.
Liza stressed on that “psychologically women experience a range of issues from their own physiology, from their own emotions and from the society as well,” underscoring the need for sensitive, holistic care that addresses both physical and psychological aspects of PCOS.
She emphasized the significance of addressing mental health alongside the physical symptoms of PCOS. “As a psychologist, I will, of course, give the psychological perspective,” she explained. “If someone is suffering from PCOS, I always suggest them to seek counselling, because PCOS and mood disorders go hand in hand.”
1. World Health Organization. “Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.” Fact sheet. World Health Organization. February 7, 2025. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/polycystic-ovary-syndrome
Reviewed by Dr Sumbul, MD Anatomy