Does PCOS Come With Multiple Health Issues?

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is considered the most common endocrine system disorder found among women of the reproductive age group. PCOS is understood as a multifaceted disease that is associated with chaotic ovarian steroid genesis, excessive oxidative stress, deviant insulin signaling, etc. To date, clinical attention and PCOS treatment focused on the management of the specific signs and symptoms associated with PCOS.

Most of the time they are referred to endocrinologists due to its multifactorial association with other systems of the body.  Gynecologists are the next line of referral. Lately, with more understanding of this condition and increased awareness among the population, the trend is moving towards being referred to and seen by Reproductive Endocrinologist and infertility specialist’s the especially reproductive age group women with PCOS as PCOS and infertility are related.

Following are the late consequences or health conditions consociated with the syndrome:

1. Metabolic syndrome

Metabolic syndrome occurs when the body fails to balance its chemical processes as well as other processes which are necessary to create and use energy. Many patients who are diagnosed with PCOS also have metabolic syndrome which is a constellation of metabolic disorders. It includes metabolic disorders such as abdominal obesity, high blood sugar, insulin resistance, high cholesterol, and blood pressure.

2. Cardiovascular diseases and high blood pressure

Several elements of PCOS such as insulin resistance, hyperinsulinemia, obesity, metabolic disorders, etc. increase the risks of cardiovascular diseases in women. The insulin resistance associated with PCOS works in two ways to heighten the chances of cardiovascular diseases in women. One is the direct atherogenic action and the other is the adverse effect of the lipoprotein profile.

The most common cardiovascular diseases affected by women having PCOS are coronary artery diseases like atherosclerosis and cardiomyopathy. There is also a direct relationship between blood pressure and insulin plasma level because of which the risks of hypertension is higher in women with PCOS.

3. Ovarian cancer

Concerns about the risks of ovarian cancer in women with PCOS are still debated. Studies suggest that there is a connection between PCOS and ovarian cancer and that PCOS can increase the risk of ovarian cancer. One of the hypotheses could be because of anovulatory cycles in such a group of women and hence the broad use of drugs for inducing ovulation in these patients to achieve pregnancy. The risk seems to be greater in nulliparous women or those who have early menarche and late menopause. The lack of sufficient evidence put the relation between PCOS and ovarian malignancy at odds. However, ovarian cancer is generally seen as one of the important risks affiliated with PCOS.

4. Endometrial cancer

Concerning the long-term health risks linked with PCOS, endometrial cancer is one of them. Prolonged anovulation which characterizes PCOS is conceived to be responsible for the continual unopposed secretion of estrogens. This can cause endometrial hyperplasia which leads to the risks of endometrial malignancy.

Abnormal amounts of estrogen when not balanced with a sufficient amount of progesterone are one of the reasons for abnormal overgrowth of the endometrial lining of the uterus. Furthermore, factors such as obesity, diabetes, infertility, null parity or certain medications, etc. which are very much consociated with PCOS are the known factors that increase the chances of developing endometrial cancer.

5. Breast cancer

The development of breast cancer in women having PCOS seems to be associated with obesity, infertility, and hyperandrogenism. The family history of breast cancer and PCOS is another reason.  However, data on the link between PCOS and breast cancer are very limited.

Conclusion

PCOS is a syndrome or a disease which is very common in women. This disease does not come alone; it can come with several other diseases that are mentioned above. One should take proper follow up and counseling and medication if needed. Every woman carries her own individualized risk of getting affected by these health issues, hence it is very important to discuss these issues with treating doctors if there are any concerns.