Many women might not realize that their mental health is impacting their menstrual well-being, and vice versa, until it starts affecting them personally. For years, I struggled to understand why my emotions were a roller coaster each month. It wasn't until I was diagnosed with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome at 18 years old that I learned how deeply intertwined my mental health was with my menstrual health. PCOS is a common condition that affects hormones. It causes irregular menstrual periods, excess hair growth, acne and infertility.
I didn’t fully understand this connection until my own experience with PCOS began to impact both my mind and body. The comparison I often made to others — about my weight, body image and the “ideal” beauty standard — took a significant toll on my mental health. The relationship between these two facets of women’s wellness is often overlooked, yet it plays a crucial role in our overall well-being. Societal pressure, judgment and ruthless remarks tore me apart, but after making the lifestyle changes suggested by my physician, I lost 22 pounds on the scale and 220 pounds of stress.
Hormonal conditions like PCOS, along with its symptoms, can lead many women to feel uncomfortable with themselves. These changes can negatively affect body image and self-esteem. I found myself comparing my body to others, feeling frustrated that I wasn’t at my “ideal” weight and began to eat less to control it. This eventually made me almost anemic due to a lack of iron, exacerbating my fatigue and mental health struggles. This is a result of depressive disorders which took over as I focused on the less important things. This, in turn, affected my menstrual well-being, as my body needed macro nutrients, the nutritive components of food that the body needs for energy and to maintain the body's structure and systems.
But restricting my diet wasn’t the solution. Over time, I realized that focusing on nourishment, rather than deprivation, was crucial. Finding friendly recipes that balanced nutrition helped me regain my energy and sense of control. Rather than feeding into the problem with extreme dieting or self-criticism, I started paying attention to what my body really needed — both physically and emotionally.
Yoga and music therapy became a crucial part of my PCOS journey, offering more than just physical relief. Music therapy for me meant practicing Indian classical music. Whenever I experience even the slightest discomfort, I turn off all the lights and start singing. The act of singing in darkness brings a sense of calm and healing. This form of therapy is deeply therapeutic, as the ragas — musical scales or modes — intertwine with my soul in profound ways.
Each raga has its own unique emotional and psychological effect, resonating with different states of mind and aspects of my inner self. The melodies and rhythms not only soothe my nerves but also help in balancing my emotions and mental state, offering peace amidst the chaos. It has been proven to have healing effects, with ongoing research continuing to support its benefits.
These therapies provided a way to care for both my mind and body. Engaging in yoga and meditation allowed me to channel my energy into something positive, helping me stay fit while also managing my anxiety and stress. These practices gave me the space to relax, reflect and truly understand my body’s needs instead of forcing it to fit unrealistic standards. Scientific research supports the benefits of both yoga and music therapy for reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression, improving mood and promoting relaxation. These therapies empowered me to address my health holistically, emphasizing mental well-being alongside managing physical symptoms.
And these solutions don’t just work for PCOS. They are also effective for other chronic conditions, such as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, which similarly exacerbates both physical and mental health challenges. The emotional toll of managing these conditions, combined with the physical symptoms, can be overwhelming. I personally experienced this cycle of stress and discomfort, and, at first, it felt unimaginable to overcome. But it’s important to remember that these are common issues, and while they can cause panic and frustration, they are treatable. Yoga, meditation and music therapy can be incredibly effective in easing these problems, helping women to regain control over their health and well-being. These holistic approaches provided me with relief from physical symptoms and supported my emotional and mental recovery.
Despite the prevalence of these issues, discussions around menstrual health often remain taboo. Cultural stigmas around menstruation and mental health prevent many women from seeking the help they need. It’s time to break this silence and foster open conversations that lead to change.
Aryaa Mishra (she/her) is a sophomore studying marketing, business and analytics, and economics and quantitative methods.
