TLDR While PCOS might increase the risk of heart disease, there's not strong evidence to prove it causes earlier heart problems.
In 2003, Richard S. Legro reviewed the potential link between Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and cardiovascular disease (CVD). The review found that while women with PCOS often have a high prevalence of metabolic syndrome X, which is associated with increased risk for CVD, the link between PCOS and primary cardiovascular events was more speculative than substantive. A long-term follow-up study from the UK involving approximately 800 women with PCOS found no increased death from cardiovascular-related causes, but an increased number of deaths due to diabetes complications. Another study from the University of Pittsburgh followed over 200 cases with PCOS and over 200 controls for a decade, showing an increased trend toward cardiovascular events/disease in the PCOS group. The document concluded that although PCOS may accelerate the development of an adverse cardiovascular-risk profile, the published evidence supporting an earlier presentation of clinical disease was weak.
61 citations,
February 2001 in “American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology” Metabolic syndrome and PCOS are related but separate conditions, with metabolic syndrome increasing the risk of heart disease and diabetes.
1947 citations,
September 1995 in “New England journal of medicine/The New England journal of medicine” PCOS is a common hormonal disorder causing irregular periods and increased hair growth, linked to insulin resistance and long-term health issues.
666 citations,
September 1977 in “British Journal of Dermatology” Common baldness, also known as Androgenetic Alopecia, is caused by a combination of genetic factors and hormones called androgens.
February 2012 in “InTech eBooks” PCOS increases the risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes in women.
The document concludes that accurate diagnosis and management of PCOS are crucial due to its associated health risks.
26 citations,
August 2008 in “Clinical endocrinology” The document concludes that more multidisciplinary research is needed to understand and treat PCOS, a condition that significantly affects women's health and quality of life.
1 citations,
February 2018 in “InTech eBooks” PCOS in lean women is a serious health condition with implications beyond fertility, affecting metabolism and increasing cardiovascular disease risk.
883 citations,
August 2016 in “Nature Reviews Disease Primers” Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a common condition in women that can cause metabolic, reproductive, and psychological issues, and requires lifestyle changes and medication for management.
