PMOS HAS SERIOUS LONG TERM HEALTH RISKS
There is a big misconception that PMOS is only a condition to worry about whilst you are in your fertile years, however Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian 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
Type 2 diabetes is a condition where the body does not use insulin effectively, causing blood glucose levels to become too high. Insulin resistance is common in PMOS and people with PMOS have an increased risk of developing impaired glucose regulation, prediabetes and type 2 diabetes. This increased risk can occur regardless of body weight. Identifying and managing metabolic risk early can help reduce the likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes and its associated complications.
Endometrial cancer
Endometrial cancer is cancer of the lining of the womb (uterus). People with PMOS have an increased risk of endometrial cancer, partly because irregular or absent ovulation can mean the womb lining is exposed to oestrogen for prolonged periods without enough progesterone. The overall likelihood of developing endometrial cancer remains relatively low, but protecting the health of the womb lining and investigating persistent abnormal bleeding are important aspects of PMOS care.
Obstructive sleep apnoea
Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is a condition where the upper airway repeatedly becomes blocked or narrowed during sleep, causing breathing to stop and start. This can lead to poor-quality sleep, excessive daytime tiredness, headaches and difficulty concentrating. OSA is more common in people with PMOS and can occur regardless of body weight. Untreated OSA can also contribute to high blood pressure and other cardiovascular and metabolic health problems.
Heart disease
Cardiovascular disease, including heart disease, affects the heart and blood vessels and can lead to problems such as heart attacks and strokes. PMOS is associated with a higher prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors, including high blood pressure, abnormal cholesterol, insulin resistance and impaired glucose regulation. The combination of these factors can increase cardiovascular risk over time. Regular monitoring of blood pressure, cholesterol and blood glucose, alongside a healthy lifestyle and appropriate treatment, can help manage this risk.
MASLD
Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is a condition where excess fat builds up in the liver in association with metabolic risk factors. It can range from simple accumulation of liver fat to more serious inflammation and liver damage, and in some people can eventually lead to fibrosis, cirrhosis or liver cancer. PMOS is associated with an increased risk of MASLD because of its links with insulin resistance and metabolic dysfunction. MASLD can have few or no symptoms in its early stages, making awareness and appropriate assessment of metabolic health important.
Maternity complications
Maternity complications are health problems that can occur during pregnancy, labour or after birth. People with PMOS have an increased risk of several pregnancy complications, including gestational diabetes, high blood pressure and pre-eclampsia, and preterm birth. Some people may also experience difficulties with conception or ovulation. Having PMOS does not mean that a pregnancy will be complicated, but it does mean that appropriate pre-pregnancy advice and antenatal monitoring can be particularly important to identify and manage potential risks early.
If you have concerns about any of the above please contact your GP.
Type 2 diabetes
Type 2 diabetes is a condition where the body does not use insulin effectively, causing blood glucose levels to become too high. Insulin resistance is common in PMOS and people with PMOS have an increased risk of developing impaired glucose regulation, prediabetes and type 2 diabetes. This increased risk can occur regardless of body weight. Identifying and managing metabolic risk early can help reduce the likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes and its associated complications.
Endometrial cancer
Endometrial cancer is cancer of the lining of the womb (uterus). People with PMOS have an increased risk of endometrial cancer, partly because irregular or absent ovulation can mean the womb lining is exposed to oestrogen for prolonged periods without enough progesterone. The overall likelihood of developing endometrial cancer remains relatively low, but protecting the health of the womb lining and investigating persistent abnormal bleeding are important aspects of PMOS care.
Obstructive sleep apnoea
Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is a condition where the upper airway repeatedly becomes blocked or narrowed during sleep, causing breathing to stop and start. This can lead to poor-quality sleep, excessive daytime tiredness, headaches and difficulty concentrating. OSA is more common in people with PMOS and can occur regardless of body weight. Untreated OSA can also contribute to high blood pressure and other cardiovascular and metabolic health problems.
Heart disease
Cardiovascular disease, including heart disease, affects the heart and blood vessels and can lead to problems such as heart attacks and strokes. PMOS is associated with a higher prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors, including high blood pressure, abnormal cholesterol, insulin resistance and impaired glucose regulation. The combination of these factors can increase cardiovascular risk over time. Regular monitoring of blood pressure, cholesterol and blood glucose, alongside a healthy lifestyle and appropriate treatment, can help manage this risk.
MASLD
Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is a condition where excess fat builds up in the liver in association with metabolic risk factors. It can range from simple accumulation of liver fat to more serious inflammation and liver damage, and in some people can eventually lead to fibrosis, cirrhosis or liver cancer. PMOS is associated with an increased risk of MASLD because of its links with insulin resistance and metabolic dysfunction. MASLD can have few or no symptoms in its early stages, making awareness and appropriate assessment of metabolic health important.
Maternity complications
Maternity complications are health problems that can occur during pregnancy, labour or after birth. People with PMOS have an increased risk of several pregnancy complications, including gestational diabetes, high blood pressure and pre-eclampsia, and preterm birth. Some people may also experience difficulties with conception or ovulation. Having PMOS does not mean that a pregnancy will be complicated, but it does mean that appropriate pre-pregnancy advice and antenatal monitoring can be particularly important to identify and manage potential risks early.
If you have concerns about any of the above please contact your GP.
