If you’re a woman out there with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), you know that there’s a lot more to this hormonal condition than just irregular periods. That’s an stressful symptom, sure, but it doesn’t begin to cover all the issues that can stem from this diagnosis. To be honest, I try to keep this blog as positive as possible, because PCOS symptoms are 100% manageable, so there’s no reason to feel dejected and defeated . . . 

However, when you’re in the thick of your PCOS diagnosis and symptoms, things can be dark. In fact, women with PCOS are up to 8 times more likely to experience anxiety and depression. This is partially due to the hormonal imbalances that can genuinely make joy and peace hard to come by. But it can also be due to all the symptoms you may be dealing with on a daily basis! Fatigue, acne, weight gain, hair loss, unwanted body hair growth, infertility, digestive problems, constant aches and pains… it’s a lot to deal with and it can make life just hard to live. 

Mental health is a challenge for many women with PCOS, and though I like to keep things light, I’d be doing a disservice to so many of my Cysters who are struggling. I’ve discussed some other mental health disorders that stem from PCOS in the past, but I haven’t discussed the topic of eating disorders much. But, I know lots of Cysters who have experienced disordered eating as a direct result of their PCOS. 

So, today, we’re going to get into it. I’ll explain how they’re related and what you can do about it. Here’s what you need to know about PCOS and eating disorders:

What’s the Relationship Between PCOS and Eating Disorders?

Eating disorders can be one of the scariest things people face when having a mental health crisis. It can quickly spiral into something not just bad for you mentally and emotionally, but physically, too. Unfortunately, it’s not uncommon that Cysters develop eating disorders. This is due to how PCOS impacts your metabolism, hormones, and cognitive health.   

What is an Eating Disorder?

Eating disorders are serious health conditions where people develop abnormal eating habits that negatively impact them. It becomes obsessive and compulsive, threatening a person’s physical and mental health. Usually, these stem from body image issues in regards to weight, leading to things like food restriction, binge eating, and purging. Some common ones often linked to PCOS are anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder. 

Can PCOS Cause Eating Disorders?

Yes! There’s a clear relationship between PCOS and eating disorders. In fact, Cysters are up to 4 times more likely to develop an eating disorder than a woman without a metabolic disorder. Bulimia nervosa and binge eating disorders are the two most common for women with PCOS. 

This relationship between PCOS and eating disorders starts with high androgen levels and insulin resistance. These two common root issues of PCOS can lead to weight gain, difficulty losing weight, and intense cravings. It’s not hard to see how a Cyster already struggling with common psychological issues with PCOS like depression, anxiety, and other mental health problems could become at odds with the way their body looks and feels and fall into binge eating or purging. 

It starts as a will to lose weight, but the issues of dropping the pounds despite effort combined with the intense cravings and mental health issues can be a devastating combination! If this is you, please know that I see you and am here for you! Find help fast from a supportive team of health professionals and don’t feel any shame. You are not the only Cyster dealing with this! 

What Are The Treatments For Eating Disorders With PCOS?

Multidisciplinary Approach 

First of all, eating disorders with PCOS can’t be solved with ONLY a dietitian, a psychiatrist, a primary care doctor, an endocrinologist, etc. One can’t do it alone! Together they can work on the multiple layers of your health and give you the best attention and support with what they specialize in. It can start from working on your mental health and stress management techniques to your PCOS root problems and chronic metabolic symptoms. Don’t let this overwhelm you, though! Just start with one, and add each additional provider based on their recommendation and your readiness! 

Psychological Support

Did you know that a psychiatrist and a therapist are actually different health professionals? It’s a good idea to have both! A therapist can help conduct things like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) that helps you with the mental and emotional setbacks that may be keeping you from healing. 

Nutrition Counseling 

Nutrition counseling isn’t just there to help you diet. NO WAY! Nutrition counseling from a registered dietitian can help you look at food healthily and positively again. Nutrition counseling can help you develop a better mindset around food as well as habits and avoid common triggers. 

Plus, the right nutrition plan not only helps you have a better relationship with food, but it can also reverse your insulin resistance, hormonal imbalances, and other PCOS root issues that are leading to weight gain and cravings. That eliminates two big contributors to eating disorders! 

For more on PCOS-friendly food from a dietitian like me who specializes in this hormonal condition, download The Cysterhood app! I’ve got tons of PCOS recipes and resources along with a loving community that’s ready to embrace and support you! 

Lifestyle Changes

There are lots of lifestyle changes that you can make that will get to the root issues of your PCOS: handling insulin resistance, inflammation, and hormone imbalances. When you treat those problems, symptoms ease symptoms like weight gain, fatigue, cravings, mood swings, and more! As those physical and mental issues are resolved, handling eating disorders can feel a lot more possible (when combined with the other treatments on this list.) 

Make a plan to improve stress management, participate in daily slow-weighted workouts, get great sleep, and just practice good self-care. All these things impact both your physical and mental states, helping you live symptom-free with PCOS and improving your chances of beating your eating disorder! 

Support Groups 

Remembering you’re not alone can go a long way. I recommend joining a support group that can identify with your struggles. You can have a safe space to share what you’re working through, ask for practical advice, and hear real success stories. This can be super motivating as you go through your healing journey! 

Cysters are more likely to experience eating disorders, but there is hope for healing!

Eating disorders aren’t a simple, quick fix. You won’t suddenly love your body after one motivational podcast episode and your cravings won’t go away after one healthy meal. It takes time, support, a plan, and plenty of supportive professional help. 

Take the first step to find a doctor and open up to them about your condition! Then, align with your healthcare team to develop a strategy for healing. There is hope for life after your eating disorder and your PCOS!

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