Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Increases Risk of Cardiovascular Disease
As many as one in ten women could be affected with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), which affects a woman’s menstrual cycle, fertility, hormones, insulin production, heart, blood vessels, and appearance. A recent study has also shown that mothers of daughters diagnosed with PCOS most likely had the syndrome as well. As these mothers age, they are experiencing:
- Higher cholesterol levels
- Higher rates of insulin resistance
- Higher prevalence of metabolic syndrome,
None of these characteristics are good. They all increase the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Anecdotally, many of my friends have had a PCOS scare at one time or another when they’ve had trouble conceiving. Some were misdiagnosed because they were overweight. although not all were, and others truly had the disorder. It’s not something that we should be ashamed of or ignore because there are ways to treat it.
- Maintain a healthy weight, which will reduce glucose levels, improve insuling efficiency, and possibly reinstate menstruation
- Take birth control pills.
- Take diabetes medications, e.g., Metformin or glucophage
- Take fertility medications
- Take medicine to reduce hair growth or decrease the level of male hormones
- Undergo surgery, such as ovarian drilling to induce ovulation
MedPage Today, April 18, 2006
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