Long-term health risks of PCOS increased risk of the development of diabetes, especially if women are overweight. cholesterol and blood fat abnormalities. cardiovascular disease (heart disease, heart attack and stroke) endometrial cancer (if there is long-standing thickening of the lining of the womb).
Women with PCOS may be at higher risk for type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, heart problems, and endometrial cancer. The types of treatment for PCOS may depend on whether or not a woman plans to become pregnant. Women who plan to become pregnant in the future may take different kinds of medications.
PCOS is also linked to increased risk for several known autoimmune diseases, including Hashimoto's thyroiditis, Graves' disease, Type 1 diabetes, systemic lupus erythematosus, and psoriasis. However, it is not currently categorized as an autoimmune disease but is considered a disease of the endocrine system.
In PCOS low level of progesterone overstimulates immune system that leads to production of autoantibodies and therefore it can be labeled as an autoimmune disorder [61]. Summary of the autoantibodies that have been detected so far in PCOS is given in Table 3.
If polycystic ovary syndrome is left untreated, the syndrome may lead to serious, life-threatening illnesses such as cardiovascular and heart disease, type 2 diabetes, stroke, and uterine and endometrial cancers. Therefore, PCOS treatment is critical and one cannot afford to ignore!
Not All Women With PCOS Are the Same
While women with PCOS may have similar symptoms, they can vary in their severity and presentation. This variation in women can result in medical professionals overlooking a PCOS diagnosis by focusing on treating the problem women most want help with.
If you ignore PCOS for a long time, it may cause mood swings and depression which you may not be able to control. It can reduce your self-confidence and self-esteem to a great extent. 7. High blood pressure and high cholesterol are risk factors of PCOS.
PCOS is a diagnosis of exclusion and is a multiorgan disease affecting most endocrine organs including ovaries, adrenals, pituitary, fat cells, and endocrine pancreas. The manifestations of PCOS are diverse, and up to 50% patients are normal weight.
It is a multi-faceted illness, affecting the body in several different ways including infertility, hair growth, disrupted or absent menstrual cycles, weight gain and resistance to insulin. It has impacts on the reproductive, metabolic and cardiovascular health of sufferers.
People with PCOS may be at increased risk of developing lupus and other autoimmune diseases. This article explores the potential link between PCOS and lupus and provides tips on living with the two conditions. We also discuss some other diseases associated with PCOS and offer advice on when to contact a doctor.
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a complex hormonal condition. PCOS can be associated with problems such as irregular menstrual cycles, excessive facial and body hair growth, acne, obesity, reduced fertility and increased risk of diabetes.
The exact cause of PCOS is not known. Most experts think that several factors, including genetics, play a role: High levels of androgens. Androgens are sometimes called "male hormones," although all women make small amounts of androgens.
PCOS is not a specific disease, but a set of symptoms with the common denominator of irregular ovulation. The root causes of PCOS are both hormonal and metabolic, and many of the symptoms or conditions interact.
It is well-known that PCOS puts women at higher risk for complications during pregnancy and delivery. The two main complications that are associated with PCOS are increased risk for a miscarriage in early pregnancy and gestational diabetes.
Women with severe PCOS have greater menstrual irregularity, androgen excess, more total and abdominal fat and resistance to insulin; and also have more severe risk factors for diabetes and cardiovascular disease than women with less severe forms of PCOS.
Symptoms: there are no noticeable symptoms in around half of women with the condition, and there is usually no vaginal soreness or itching. Symptoms may include a greyish-white, thin and watery vaginal discharge with a strong fishy smell, especially after sex.
Weight gain. Oily skin or acne. Excessive hair growth (hirsutism) on the face, chest, back and buttocks. Rarely symptoms of PCOS include decreased breast size, deeper voice and thinning hair.
depression and mood swings – because the symptoms of PCOS can affect your confidence and self-esteem. high blood pressure and high cholesterol – which can lead to heart disease and stroke. sleep apnoea – overweight women may also develop sleep apnoea, a condition that causes interrupted breathing during sleep.
Lea Michele
The Glee star has opened up about being diagnosed with PCOS after experiencing severe acne and fluctuating weight. “The side effects [of PCOS] can be brutal — like weight gain and bad skin,” Lea shared with Health. “I went to a great doctor, and the minute she looked at me, she was like, 'Oh, you have PCOS.
Menstrual irregularity is often due to an imbalance of hormones. 1 Some women with PCOS can have a period that lasts three weeks. Others may not get a period for three months, never knowing when or if it will show up. Some women may get no periods whatsoever.
Complications and Long-Term Concerns Related to PCOS
Women with this syndrome have a greater risk of developing diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and heart disease (metabolic syndrome). 5 All of these are treatable or preventable, but she will need to make certain lifestyle changes.