“A healthy lifestyle is the most potent medicine at your disposal.”
– Sravani Saha Nakhro
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) affects millions of women worldwide, yet it’s often misunderstood or under-discussed. As a condition marked by hormonal imbalances, irregular periods, and other physical symptoms, PCOS can also have a significant impact on mental health. The stress, anxiety, and frustration that come with managing the symptoms of PCOS can take a toll on your well-being, but the good news is that wellness practices—like stress reduction and self-care—can make a huge difference in managing the condition.
As a massage therapist, I’ve worked with countless women who are juggling the challenges of conditions impacted by chronic stress like PCOS, *Endometriosis, and *Telogen Effluvium (TE). And have personally experienced the negative effects of PCOS and TE being exacerbated by stress. And I’ve learned that stress plays a pivotal role in how the body copes with PCOS and conditions like it. In fact, stress can worsen many of the symptoms—making it crucial to prioritize stress reduction and wellness. Here’s how you can take charge of your health and embrace a more balanced, holistic approach to managing PCOS.
*Endometriosis: A disorder in which tissue similar to the tissue that lines the uterus grows outside the uterus in places where it doesn’t belong.
*Telogen Effluvium: A rapid hair loss condition caused by stress.
The Connection Between PCOS and Stress
Did you know that stress can exacerbate PCOS symptoms? It’s true.
Stress has a profound impact on our hormones, and for women with PCOS, it can create a vicious cycle of symptom flare-ups. Stress increases cortisol levels in the body, which can further disrupt the delicate balance of reproductive hormones. This can lead to even more severe symptoms, like acne, hair loss, weight gain, and irregular menstrual cycles.
The physical symptoms of PCOS can also be mentally and emotionally taxing. It’s not just about how your body looks or functions—it’s about how you feel. Many women with PCOS experience heightened levels of anxiety and depression, often triggered by the emotional toll of coping with the condition. So, it’s essential to focus on stress reduction as part of any PCOS management plan.
Stress Reduction: A Key to Managing PCOS
Taking steps to reduce stress can help you manage both the mental and physical symptoms of PCOS. And while you can’t eliminate stress entirely, you can learn to manage it in ways that benefit your overall well-being. Here are a few ways stress reduction can play a key role in managing PCOS:
Lowering Cortisol Levels
Engaging in stress-reduction techniques, such as deep breathing, soothing baths, or massage, can help to lower cortisol levels, balance hormones and reduce the severity of PCOS symptoms. Regular relaxation practices can help you feel more centered and grounded. I have found it to be the little practice we incorportate in our day that make the most impact.
Improving Sleep Quality
Sleep disturbances are common in women with PCOS, often due to hormonal imbalances and heightened stress. Prioritizing rest and relaxation before bed can promote better sleep, which is crucial for regulating hormones and managing PCOS symptoms. Putting screens away before bed, enchanting your senses with sleepytime aromatherapy, and curating a romanticized nighttime routine all help to promote deep restorative sleep.
Balancing Stress for Blood Sugar Levels
Stress can contribute to insulin resistance, which is a common issue for women with PCOS. By reducing stress, you may be less likely to reach for emotionally provoked unhealthy food options that trigger insulin resistance. As sad as it is for this home-baker to say, yummy cookies and cakes are not the best choice for a health-conscious person, let alone a cyster with a greater risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Self-Care: More Than Just Pampering
One of the most effective ways to combat stress is through regular self-care. It’s important to remember that self-care is not a luxury—it’s a necessity. With PCOS, taking the time to nurture your body and mind can make a significant difference in how you feel every day.
I take this concept a step further by using the term self-investment. Seeing the choices you make to improve your wellbeing as an investment in yourself now, with ongoing benefits for the future.
How can you invest in your wellness routine? Here are a few ideas:
Relaxing Bath Rituals
Taking time for a soothing bath can do wonders for both your body and mind. Use essential oils like lavender or chamomile that promote relaxation, or use bath salts containing magnesium to help ease muscle tension. A warm bath can help lower stress levels and soothe inflamed skin, a common issue for women with PCOS.
Massage and Body Work
As a massage therapist, I can attest to the power of touch when it comes to relieving stress. Regular massages or self-massage techniques can help reduce tension, increase circulation, and release endorphins, which are your body’s natural mood boosters. Plus, massages can improve sleep quality, which is key for managing PCOS.
Mindfulness and Prayer
The stress of life can weight us down and when we allow ourselves to dwell on the negative we further spiral into anxiety that disrupts our nervous system. Instead, be mindful about the thoughts you think, be mindful about the actions you take. Measure your steps with intentionality and focus on the things that are in your direct control.
And the things that are out of your control, give to God. He is a patient listener, and the best friend a person could have in their corner. No one in this world can calm a racing chaotic mind like God can. His peace passes all understanding, and is greater than any problem you throw at Him.
In my opinion, the greatest aid to improving your well-being for the long term would be to cultivate a practice of prayer. Lifting your concerns, worries, and cares onto God, the one who has more than enough strength to shoulder it all.
Products That Support Your PCOS Wellness Journey
I’ve seen how the simple act of caring for yourself—whether through a mindful bath, a luxurious body oil, or a soothing massage—can positively impact women managing PCOS. That’s why I’ve developed a line of all-natural and coconut-free bath and body products specifically designed to help reduce stress and promote overall wellness.
Here’s how these products can benefit you on your PCOS journey:
- Calming Bath Soaks: Infused with all-natural ingredients like essential oils, magnesium, and baking soda, these bath soaks are designed to help reduce stress and soothe both the body and mind.
- Relaxing Body Oils: Our body oils are formulated with high quality ingredients to hydrate the skin while providing calming effects through stress-relieving scents.
- Aromatherapy Perfume Oil: These perfume oils are designed to hydrate your skin while promoting relaxation with calming, therapeutic ingredients that provide an aromatic playground for the senses.
By making these self-investment rituals a part of your routine, you can help manage stress, relax your mind, and nurture your body—all essential components of managing PCOS.
Final Notes: Prioritize Your Wellness
Living with PCOS can be challenging, but with the right tools and mindset, you can take control of your health. Stress reduction, self-investment, and holistic wellness practices are essential for managing the physical and emotional symptoms of PCOS.
Remember, wellness is not a luxury—it’s a priority. By making your health a daily focus, you can live a more balanced, empowered life.
So, whether it’s taking a few minutes each day to relax, using a calming bath soak, or simply embracing mindfulness, I encourage you to invest in your well-being. You deserve it.
Stay cozy,
