People who have polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are at a higher risk of developing certain health conditions, which is why people with PCOS require attentive, thorough, long-term care. The following are the more common conditions that people with PCOS might experience.
Prediabetes or diabetes
Prediabetes is a condition in which a person’s blood sugar levels are higher than what’s healthy, but not high enough to be diabetic. According to the U.S Department of Health and Human Services, more than half of people with PCOS have prediabetes or diabetes before 40 years of age.
Sleep apnea
Also called obstructive sleep apnea, people with this condition stop breathing for small amounts of time while they’re asleep. A common side effect is snoring and gasping, along with sleepiness during daytime hours. Sleep apnea can put people at risk for conditions like diabetes and stroke, so it’s important for people with PCOS and symptoms of sleep apnea to be tested, as it occurs more often in this population.
Obesity
It’s unclear what the connection between PCOS and obesity is. According to the National Institutes of Health, nearly 80% of people with PCOS are obese. People who are obese are more likely to develop PCOS, most likely because of genetics and problems with insulin sensitivity.
Furthermore, studies have shown that PCOS can lead to increased central obesity and difficulty with weight loss. One of the best ways to manage PCOS is to maintain or lose weight through diet and exercise.
Metabolic syndrome
This condition results from a combination of insulin sensitivity problems, high blood sugar, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and central obesity. Metabolic syndrome raises one’s risk of diabetes and heart disease. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, almost one out of three people with PCOS has metabolic syndrome.
Cardiovascular disease and heart disease
People with PCOS are at a higher risk of developing coronary artery disease, atherosclerosis, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and cardiomyopathy, which are all conditions related to the heart and arteries. It’s important for people with PCOS to be monitored for these conditions and to manage them if they appear.
Mood problems, depression, eating disorders
Many people with PCOS develop anxiety, depression, body image issues, or eating disorders as a result of the symptoms of the condition or the hormonal imbalances that come with PCOS. They might feel nervous about how they appear or be disheartened at how difficult it is for them to lose weight. Lots of people with PCOS could benefit from seeing a therapist or going to a support group for other people with PCOS.
Endometrial cancer
The US Department of Health and Human Services reports that people with PCOS are at a higher risk of developing endometrial cancer. This is because, without a normal period, the lining of their womb can build to unhealthy levels and eventually lead to cancer. This is why a lot of people with PCOS take hormonal birth control to regulate their periods.
Modern medicine has made it so that many of the above conditions can be prevented or managed through medication, lifestyle changes, or even both. However, left untreated, conditions related to PCOS can be life-threatening, so proper diagnosis and follow-up treatment are essential for these conditions.
Reviewed by the Ovia Health Clinical Team
Sources
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“Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) fact sheet.” Womenshealth. Office on Women’s Health, US Department of Health and Human Services, Dec 23 2014. Web.
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“Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: Patient Guide.” Hormone. Endocrine Society, Jan 2014. Web.
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Mayo Clinic Staff. “Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): Definition.” MayoClinic. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, Sep 3 2014. Web.
