Do you know that the effects of PCOS extend far beyond reproductive health? It impacts cardiovascular health, insulin resistance, mental health, and raises the risk of cancer, among other things. Living with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) entails managing both short-term symptoms and long-term health consequences. For those impacted, being aware of the long-term PCOS issues and how to manage them makes an important difference.
Let’s discuss serious conditions that can emerge over time with PCOS, from heart disease to diabetes, and complications with fertility, pregnancy, and mental health. In this blog, we guide you on everything you must know about PCOS and the long-term health risks linked to PCOS. Continue reading to know how PCOS can shape health in the long run–and how proactive care can make all the difference.
Seven Long Term Health Risks with PCOS
About 4 - 21% of women worldwide have been diagnosed with PCOS, a common endocrine condition. The prevalence ranges from 2 to 35% in India alone. It can affect almost all the facets of life. PCOS can have a wide range of consequences, from difficulties conceiving to an elevated risk of chronic diseases. Let’s see the potential long term health risks and complications PCOS can bring in detail.
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1. Insulin Resistance and Type 2 Diabetes
- Insulin resistance is a condition in which cells find it difficult to react to insulin in women with PCOS, a common condition.
- The hormone that controls blood sugar levels is called Insulin.
- The body overproduces insulin to make up for this resistance, which raises blood insulin levels above normal.
- This extra strain has the potential to raise blood sugar levels over time. Also, the chance of getting Type 2 diabetes is greatly increased by this.
- Compared to women without PCOS, women with PCOS have a 4-7 times higher risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.
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2. Cardiovascular Disease
- Insulin resistance causes higher insulin levels in women with PCOS, which can have a major effect on heart health.
- Chronic inflammation is linked to high insulin levels and is a contributing factor to cardiovascular problems, including abnormal cholesterol levels, and elevated blood pressure.
- These variables increase the risk of heart disease by placing additional strain on the heart and blood vessels.
- Research shows women with PCOS are almost twice as likely as those without PCOS to experience cardiovascular complications in later life.
- For women with PCOS, regular heart health monitoring, medication if suggested, and lifestyle modifications are essential for staying healthy.
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3. Metabolic Syndrome
- Metabolic syndrome is a collection of disorders that substantially increases the risk of major illnesses including diabetes and heart disease.
- Among the main characteristics of metabolic syndrome are:
- Being overweight: Obesity
- High blood sugar: Diabetes
- Unusual cholesterol levels: Hyperlipidemia
- High blood pressure: Hypertension
- Statistically, about 30-40% of women with PCOS develop metabolic syndrome.
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Over time, this condition increases the risk of cardiovascular disease.
PCOS have a 4-7 times higher risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.
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4. Endometrial Cancer
- Frequent irregular periods are caused by PCOS that result in prolonged exposure to estrogen without regular ovulation.
- The risk of endometrial cancer (cancer of the uterine lining) is raised by this hormonal imbalance.
- The endometrium accumulates without shedding during irregular periods, increasing the risk.
- Women with PCOS who fail to take treatment or consult professionals to regulate their menstrual cycles are at an increased risk of developing endometrial cancer.
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5. Pregnancy Complications
Women with PCOS are at a high risk of getting complications related to pregnancy, such as:
- Gestational Diabetes: This is the condition of higher blood sugar levels during pregnancy, leading to complications in carrying the child.
- Preeclampsia: Elevated blood pressure and organ damage during pregnancy is called preeclampsia, which usually develops after 20 weeks of pregnancy.
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Miscarriage: The capacity to carry and hold the egg in its developing stage is very low for women with PCOS, which is why there is an increased risk of early loss of pregnancy.
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6. Infertility and PCOS
- Although it’s not a given, irregular ovulation is frequently associated with PCOS and infertility.
- Insulin resistance and elevated androgens (male hormones) interfere with the normal release of eggs.
- This disturbance results in irregular or absent menstrual cycles, which complicates conception.
- While infertility is not a problem for all women with PCOS, the condition is a contributing factor in about 70-80% of cases who struggle with conception and have PCOS.
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7. Mental Health Issues
- The physical and hormonal symptoms of PCOS can cause emotional difficulties for women, including anxiety and depression.
- Women with PCOS have depression rates that are about twice as high as those of women without this condition.
- Weight gain, acne, and excessive hair loss are examples of body image problems that can affect self-esteem and exacerbate depression.
- Concerns about looks, fertility, and teh chronic nature of PCOS are frequently associated with anxiety.
- Support options like regular counseling, support groups, mindfulness practice therapy, and meditation can help manage these mental health challenges effectively.
What to Remember
While PCOS is more than just a hormonal disorder; it can affect a person’s physical and mental health for a long time. You can enjoy a healthy, full life by recognizing the long-term issues and taking preventive measures including diet, exercise, yoga, and meditation. The overall quality of life is enhanced by seeking advice or help from a healthcare professional for individualized care and ongoing observation. Keep in mind that there is never a standard method because every person is unique, and so are the issues. That is why it is crucial to customize treatment plans to meet the needs of each patient.
FAQs
- Is PCOS caused by Insulin resistance?
Yes, insulin resistance is one of the reasons women get the condition called polycystic ovary syndrome PCOS, which means women with PCOS produce insulin but can’t use it properly. This can lead to glucose intolerance and an increased risk of Type 2 diabetes.
- Is PCOS curable?
Well, PCOS is not curable but the symptoms can be managed. Its symptoms can be managed effectively through lifestyle changes, medication, fertility treatments, and treatments tailored to individual needs. However, treatment plans depend on the woman’s experiences and her risk of long-term health issues.
- Does PCOS get worse over time?
If left untreated, PCOS can get worse over time. There is an elevated risk of developing long-term health issues such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, metabolic syndrome, mental health issues, and many more. However, with proper treatment and lifestyle adjustments, many women control their symptoms and reduce these risks.
- What happens if PCOS goes untreated?
If PCOS goes untreated, it can lead to a range of health complications, including Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, cardiovascular diseases, endometrial cancer, and worsened mental health issues. Additionally, untreated PCOS may exacerbate symptoms like irregular periods, weight gain, and acne.
- Can polycystic ovaries lead to cancer?
Yes, having polycystic ovaries can increase the risk of endometrial cancer due to the prolonged exposure of the uterine lining to estrogen without the balancing effect of progesterone, especially in women with irregular periods.
- Can untreated PCOS cause cancer?
Yes, untreated PCOS can increase the risk of certain types of cancer including endometrial cancer and pancreatic cancer. MSK research study in 2022 reveals that women with PCOS double the risk of developing pancreatic cancer.
Sources :
CDC - Diabetes and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
Mayo Clinic - Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
U Chicago Medicine - Health Risks Associated with PCOS
MSKCC - Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Associated With Higher Risk of Pancreatic Cancer
