If you’ve been diagnosed with PCOS, you’re probably familiar with the physical symptoms—irregular periods, acne, and difficulty losing weight. But what’s often overlooked is how PCOS impacts mental health. Many women with PCOS struggle with anxiety, mood swings, and even depression, and insulin resistance plays a major role in this connection.
I know this firsthand. Anxiety runs in my family, and I’ve dealt with it for as long as I can remember. But after having my first child, I developed postpartum anxiety, and managing it became even harder. It’s something I have to be mindful of every single day, but I’ve found that following a Low Insulin Lifestyle makes it far easier to manage. That doesn’t mean it disappears completely, there are still tough days, but lowering my insulin levels has made a bigger difference in my mental well-being than anything else I’ve tried.
How Insulin and Testosterone Affect Mood
PCOS is driven by hormonal imbalances, particularly high insulin and testosterone levels. Many women with PCOS experience insulin resistance, which means the body isn’t responding properly to insulin, leading to excess insulin in the blood. This disrupts everything from metabolism to skin health to mental well-being.
On top of that, elevated testosterone levels can cause acne, hair thinning on the scalp, and excess hair growth in unwanted areas. These physical symptoms can be frustrating on their own, but the underlying hormone imbalances also impact mood regulation, making it harder to cope with stress and emotions.
Why Women with PCOS Are More Likely to Experience Anxiety
Research shows that women with PCOS are three times more likely to experience anxiety and depression. A big reason for this is how insulin influences neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin, which help regulate mood.
- Insulin plays a role in transporting tryptophan, the precursor to serotonin, into the brain. When insulin resistance is present, serotonin levels can become imbalanced, leading to increased anxiety and low mood.
- Insulin also affects dopamine, which is responsible for motivation, focus, and emotional stability. High insulin levels can throw off dopamine regulation, making stress harder to manage.
For me, the connection between insulin and mental health became undeniable once I started focusing on keeping my insulin levels low. My mood became more stable, my anxiety felt more manageable, and I didn’t have the same overwhelming crashes that left me feeling emotionally drained.
How a Low Insulin Lifestyle Can Improve Mental Health
Following a Low Insulin Lifestyle has been one of the most effective tools for both my physical and emotional health. Keeping insulin levels stable can:
- Reduce inflammation, which has been linked to anxiety and depression
- Support serotonin and dopamine production for better mood regulation
- Improve sleep quality, which is critical for mental health
- Prevent blood sugar crashes that can cause mood swings and irritability
This doesn’t mean that anxiety disappears overnight. I still have to manage it every day, but by controlling my insulin, I’ve taken away one of the biggest triggers. It’s made everything else (stress, emotions, daily challenges) so much easier to handle.
Exercises That Help Manage PCOS Stress and Anxiety
Regular movement helps regulate insulin levels and lowers cortisol, the stress hormone that can make anxiety worse. If you’re trying to find an exercise routine that works for you, focus on activities that feel good and fit easily into your life.
- Walking – A simple, low-impact way to lower cortisol and insulin levels, helping to reduce anxiety.
- Strength training – Lifting weights or using resistance exercises improves insulin sensitivity and boosts mood.
- Yoga – A combination of gentle movement, deep breathing, and mindfulness that helps lower cortisol and balance insulin levels.
Even just 10 to 15 minutes of movement a day can make a noticeable difference in both insulin resistance and emotional well-being. Some days, when my anxiety starts creeping up, I go for a walk, and it helps me reset.
Taking Control of Your Insulin for Better Mental Health
If stress and anxiety feel overwhelming, managing your insulin levels can be a game-changer. PCOS isn’t just about reproductive health, it’s a metabolic and hormonal condition that affects everything, including how you feel emotionally.
