Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Common Reproductive Syndrome with Long-Term Metabolic Consequences
November 2017
in “
Hong Kong Medical Journal
”
TLDR Polycystic ovary syndrome increases the risk of diabetes, heart disease, and endometrial cancer, and requires early treatment to manage these risks.
The 2017 document "Polycystic ovary syndrome: a common reproductive syndrome with long-term metabolic consequences" discussed Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a common reproductive disorder with significant long-term metabolic effects. The study found that PCOS increased the risk of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and endometrial cancer. The syndrome was also associated with menstrual dysfunction, increased risk of miscarriage, gestational diabetes, pre-eclampsia, and preterm labor. Women with PCOS often exhibited androgen excess, with hirsutism affecting up to 70% of these women. Insulin resistance was found in 60% to 80% of women with PCOS, and 95% of obese women with PCOS. The document emphasized the importance of early diagnosis, treatment, and long-term management of PCOS to mitigate these risks. Treatments included lifestyle changes, metformin, and in severe cases, bariatric surgery. The document did not specify the number of participants in the study.