TLDR Women with PCOS have a higher risk of heart disease due to factors like insulin resistance and obesity.
This systematic review investigates the increased cardiovascular risk (CVR) in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a common condition characterized by symptoms such as irregular periods, acne, hirsutism, and alopecia androgenica. The review highlights that women with PCOS often exhibit insulin resistance and obesity, which contribute to chronic low-grade inflammation and elevated inflammatory markers like TNF-alpha, IL-1, IL-6, and CRP. Additionally, alterations in gut microbiota leading to increased trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO) levels, a pro-atherosclerotic metabolite, are linked to heightened CVR. The review analyzed 8 high-quality articles from a pool of 89, focusing on human studies published between 2019 and 2024, to identify the underlying causes of increased CVR in PCOS-affected women.
January 2024 in “Medicina” Statins may help treat PCOS by lowering androgen levels and improving cholesterol.
26 citations
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December 2020 in “International Journal of Molecular Sciences” Treatments for PCOS aim to reduce androgen levels and improve insulin sensitivity to lower cardiometabolic risk.
1 citations
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April 2019 in “Endokrynologia Polska” Healthy diet and exercise are important for women with PCOS to manage weight and metabolic issues, and supplements like omega-3, vitamin D, and inositol may help.
15 citations
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December 2016 in “Revista Da Associacao Medica Brasileira” Polycystic ovary syndrome is a common hormonal disorder in women, linked to increased risk of metabolic and heart diseases, and needs more research for better understanding and treatment.
1 citations
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May 2016 in “The Nurse Practitioner” Treating PCOS is complex, involving medication like metformin and lifestyle changes, and requires attention to mental health due to high depression and anxiety rates.
10 citations
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January 2011 in “Skin therapy letter” Women with PCOS often have acne because of high androgen levels, and the article reviewed how to treat this type of acne.
3 citations
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March 2007 in “Canadian Medical Association Journal” Women with PCOS should have an oral glucose tolerance test for effective diabetes screening.
