Your body image is your internal picture of your outer self and includes how you see, think and feel about your body. PCOS can add to a negative body image and put some women at more risk of self esteem and emotional issues or make it difficult to make healthier lifestyle changes around food and exercise. There is some evidence that women with PCOS may be at risk of depression for a variety of reasons. It is important to continue talking with health professionals about how you are feeling and to seek support when you don’t feel that you are coping.
|
To maintain a healthy body image:
|
- Discuss your concerns about hair, femininity or your body with your doctor or a counsellor and look carefully at all the options for treatment.
|
|
- Try not to judge yourself by negative media or community stereotypes.
|
|
- Focus on how your whole body helps you to enjoy life, rather than the 'parts' that you don't like as much. Notice the wide variety of different body shapes and sizes there are at any age.
|
|
- Participate regularly in pleasurable exercise, even if you do feel a little self-conscious.
|
|
- Develop realistic goals about what a healthy shape or weight is for you. Consult a qualified dietitian for concerns about weight and beware of dieting patterns that may lead to later rebound weight gain.
|
|
- Seek qualified counselling help if you feel a poor body image impacts on your daily self-esteem or ability to make healthy lifestyle choices. Also, ask for help if you feel you may have an emotional eating problem.
|
|
Finally
|
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome is not a disease, but a collection of clinical problems that can affect ovulation, periods and other body systems. It is extremely common and 5-10% of woman may experience some of these problems at some stage during their life. It can be improved by a healthy lifestyle, especially good nutrition and exercise, and particular symptoms can be helped with medical treatment. Help is available, and it is important to understand as much as possible about the condition, so ask your doctor.
|
Disclaimer
|
The Royal Women’s Hospital does not accept any liability to any person for the information or advice (or use of such information or advice) which is provided in this booklet or incorporated into it by reference.
We provide this information on the understanding that all persons accessing it take responsibility for assessing its relevance and accuracy.
Women are encouraged to discuss their health needs with a health practitioner.
If you have concerns about your health, you should seek advice from your health care provider or if you require urgent care you should go to the nearest Emergency Dept.
|
Published June 2008
|
