Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome and Obstructive Sleep Apnea

October 2007 in “ Current Respiratory Medicine Reviews ”

Ashesh Desai, Shyam Subramanian

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome PCOS Obstructive Sleep Apnea OSA androgens insulin resistance visceral obesity sleep-disordered breathing SDB pharyngeal muscles polysomnography

TLDR Women with PCOS are much more likely to have sleep problems and should be checked for them.

The 2007 document reviews the significant relationship between Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) and Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), indicating that women with PCOS are 30-40 times more likely to have sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) than age and weight-matched controls. It suggests that the high levels of androgens in PCOS may impair pharyngeal muscles, contributing to OSA, and that insulin resistance, a common feature of PCOS, is also linked to OSA independently of obesity. The review emphasizes that visceral obesity, prevalent in PCOS, is a key risk factor for OSA. It concludes with a recommendation for screening all pre-menopausal women with PCOS for SDB, using polysomnography for those at high risk, and calls for more research to explore the impact of OSA on PCOS and whether treating SDB could alleviate PCOS symptoms.

View this study on eurekaselect.com →

Discuss this study in the Community →

Related Community Posts Join

6 / 18 results

community If You Have DUPA, PLEASE READ THIS: Everyone Should Be Scalp Biopsied

in Research 830 upvotes 11 months ago

Scalp biopsies are crucial for diagnosing hair loss conditions like Diffuse Unpatterned Alopecia (DUPA) and retrograde hair loss, as treatments like finasteride and dutasteride may not be effective if other conditions are present. Combining PPAR-GAMMA agonists with retinoids could improve treatments for conditions like Lichen Planopilaris.

community Dutasteride Isn't Working? Get a Scalp Biopsy NOW

in Finasteride/Dutasteride 19 upvotes 5 months ago

Dutasteride may not be effective for everyone due to underlying issues, suggesting scalp biopsies for further diagnosis. Users discuss using higher doses of dutasteride, topical treatments, minoxidil, and pyrilutamide for hair loss management.

community I think this is my stop, gentlepeople. So long and thanks for all the data 👋

in Transgender 2226 upvotes 1 month ago

A user shared their successful experience with hair regrowth and transitioning from male to female using minoxidil, finasteride, Nutrafol, microneedling, and hormone replacement therapy (HRT). They expressed gratitude for the results and encouraged others to explore treatments that align with their personal goals.

community Bryan Johnson just dropped his anti hair loss formula

in Treatment 339 upvotes 1 year ago

Bryan Johnson shared his hair loss treatment, which mainly relies on minoxidil and finasteride. Some users are skeptical of his results, while others appreciate his efforts in anti-aging and hair loss research.

community 21F AGA - 4 month hair growth progress (Minoxidil 5%, finasteride 1mg, theradome LLLT, viviscal vitamins, PRP twice)

in Progress Pictures 257 upvotes 3 years ago

A 21-year-old female shared her 4-month hair growth progress using Minoxidil 5%, finasteride 1mg, Theradome LLLT, Viviscal vitamins, and PRP treatments twice. Commenters praised her progress and discussed other treatments like microneedling, but she noted her dermatologist advised against it due to potential scalp damage.

community Female, 30, PCOS diagnosis, MPB Norwood 2. Endo refuses to give anything other than Spironolactone. Feel like I’m at my wit’s end here.

in Female 55 upvotes 1 year ago

A 30-year-old female with PCOS and male pattern baldness is frustrated with her endocrinologist's recommendation of only Spironolactone and minoxidil, feeling that dutasteride, finasteride, and progesterone would be more effective. Other users suggest various online sources for treatments, warn against self-medicating due to potential risks, and recommend seeking a specialized endocrinologist or considering additional treatments like Inositol, Berberine, and dermaneedling.

Related Research

3 / 3 results

research Of PCOS Symptoms, Hirsutism Has the Most Significant Impact on the Quality of Life of Iranian Women

48 citations, April 2015 in “PLOS ONE”

Excessive hair growth affects the quality of life of Iranian women with PCOS the most.

research Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and Acne

10 citations, November 2010 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.

research Tackling Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

1 citations, January 2001 in “Drug and therapeutics bulletin”

The document concludes that management strategies for PCOS are important due to its common occurrence and associated health risks.