TLDR Adults with polycystic ovary syndrome are much more likely to have obstructive sleep apnea.
The meta-analysis by Helvaci et al. from 2017 examined the link between polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), including 13 studies with 404 PCOS patients and 611 controls. It found that PCOS patients had a 22% prevalence of OSA, which was significantly higher in adults (32%) than in adolescents (8%). Adult PCOS patients were approximately 9.74 times more likely to have OSA, while the increased risk was not significant in adolescents. The study concluded that there is a significant association between PCOS and OSA in adults, and it emphasized the need for diagnosis and treatment of OSA in this group due to the risk of cardiometabolic disorders. The document also noted that the risk of OSA in PCOS is not solely due to BMI, as central obesity and high androgen levels may also contribute to the development of OSA. Despite limitations such as small sample sizes and variability in diagnostic criteria, the study suggests that physicians should screen for OSA in PCOS patients to protect their cardiometabolic health.
1265 citations,
October 2013 in “The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism” The guideline suggests using specific criteria to diagnose PCOS, recommends various treatments for its symptoms, and advises screening for related health issues.
53 citations,
January 2012 in “Fertility and Sterility” Women with PCOS are more likely to have sleep apnea, mainly if they are obese.
1514 citations,
December 2011 in “Fertility and sterility” Experts agree that PCOS affects women's health in complex ways, but more research is needed to understand and treat it effectively.
105 citations,
February 2011 in “The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism” Treating sleep apnea in young obese women with PCOS can improve heart health and insulin sensitivity.
66 citations,
March 1998 in “Mayo Clinic Proceedings” Removing a testosterone-producing tumor cured a woman's sleep apnea and other symptoms.
March 2023 in “Seminars in reproductive medicine” PCOS often leads to sleep problems, especially obstructive sleep apnea, affecting overall health.
February 2012 in “InTech eBooks” PCOS increases the risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes in women.
October 2007 in “Current Respiratory Medicine Reviews” Women with PCOS are much more likely to have sleep problems and should be checked for them.
60 citations,
October 2014 in “Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology” Dermatologists play a key role in treating skin symptoms of PCOS like dark patches, excess hair, acne, and hair loss.
53 citations,
January 2012 in “Fertility and Sterility” Women with PCOS are more likely to have sleep apnea, mainly if they are obese.
