PCOS HAS SERIOUS LONG TERM HEALTH RISKS
There is a big misconception that PCOS is only a condition to worry about whilst you are in your fertile years, however polycystic ovary syndrome is a condition for life and unfortunately comes with very serious long term health risks such as type 2 diabetes, endometrial cancer and cardiovascular disease. You can learn more about each of these below.
TYPE 2 DIABETES
Women with PCOS who have insulin resistance have an increased risk of developing a type of diabetes known as non-insulin-dependent diabetes (type 2 diabetes). This is much more likely to occur in women who are overweight, but can sometimes occur regardless of weight and it is believed women with PCOS are up to 40% more likely to develop PCOS than a woman without the condition. This number can be as high as 50% in South East Asian women with PCOS.
CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE
Women with insulin resistance may also be at risk of developing heart disease in later life. However, although risk factors for heart disease may be increased with PCOS, there is, as yet, no clear evidence that heart attacks are more common in women with the condition than in those who do not have PCOS. These risks can be reduced to a large extent by preventive measures such as good nutrition and exercise. Preventive measures are particularly important for women who are very overweight, and for women who have a family history of diabetes or heart disease.
ENDOMETRIAL CANCER
Women who have very infrequent periods – fewer than four a year – may have an increased risk of developing endometrial cancer, if the womb lining (endometrium) becomes too thick. Fortunately, this type of cancer is still quite rare and the risk can be minimised, and probably eliminated, by using appropriate treatments to regulate periods. Possible treatments include the oral contraceptive pill (either combined pill or mini pill), progestogen tablets or a progestogen releasing coil.
If you have concerns about any of the above please contact your GP.
TYPE 2 DIABETES
Women with PCOS who have insulin resistance have an increased risk of developing a type of diabetes known as non-insulin-dependent diabetes (type 2 diabetes). This is much more likely to occur in women who are overweight, but can sometimes occur regardless of weight and it is believed women with PCOS are up to 40% more likely to develop PCOS than a woman without the condition. This number can be as high as 50% in South East Asian women with PCOS.
CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE
Women with insulin resistance may also be at risk of developing heart disease in later life. However, although risk factors for heart disease may be increased with PCOS, there is, as yet, no clear evidence that heart attacks are more common in women with the condition than in those who do not have PCOS. These risks can be reduced to a large extent by preventive measures such as good nutrition and exercise. Preventive measures are particularly important for women who are very overweight, and for women who have a family history of diabetes or heart disease.
ENDOMETRIAL CANCER
Women who have very infrequent periods – fewer than four a year – may have an increased risk of developing endometrial cancer, if the womb lining (endometrium) becomes too thick. Fortunately, this type of cancer is still quite rare and the risk can be minimised, and probably eliminated, by using appropriate treatments to regulate periods. Possible treatments include the oral contraceptive pill (either combined pill or mini pill), progestogen tablets or a progestogen releasing coil.
If you have concerns about any of the above please contact your GP.
