Polycystic ovary syndrome, PCOS, is a common health issue that affects about 1 in 10 women of childbearing age. You may first suspect you have this disorder if you have irregular periods. Women with PCOS experience prolonged or infrequent menstrual cycles.
Other symptoms of PCOS include facial hair, body hair, acne, or male-pattern baldness. These symptoms are caused by an excess male hormone, androgen.
Dr. Fernando Porter at Capital City Primary and Immediate Care in Silver Springs, Maryland, and Washington, DC, can diagnose and treat this widespread condition so that you don’t experience complications. Here, they share six common complications you may experience if you don’t treat PCOS.
Infertility
If your period is infrequent or irregular, it can make getting pregnant problematic. In fact, many women first discover they have PCOS when they have trouble getting pregnant. It’s a common cause of infertility, but, fortunately, it is a treatable issue.
Type 2 diabetes
Women with PCOS also often have insulin resistance. Insulin is a hormone that helps break down glucose so that your body can use it for energy. If the glucose, or blood sugar, is not broken down, it builds up in your body and eventually can lead to type 2 diabetes.
Sleep apnea
Sleep apnea is when a person experiences sleep interruptions that they may or may not be aware of throughout the night. Women with PCOS are at higher risk of developing this condition, contributing to other PCOS symptoms.
Miscarriage
Because of the high levels of male hormones and perhaps insulin resistance, women with PCOS are at higher risk of miscarriage than women without PCOS. Studies show that women with PCOS are three times as likely to miscarry as are women without PCOS.
Metabolic syndrome
Metabolic syndrome is a complex group of symptoms such as insulin resistance and obesity that overlap with common PCOS symptoms. Having metabolic syndrome puts you at higher risk of developing heart disease and diabetes, as well as other health issues.
Endometrial cancer
Endometrial cancer is cancer of the uterine lining. Common PCOS symptoms, as mentioned above, such as ovulation irregularities, insulin resistance, and diabetes, are known to increase your risk of developing endometrial cancer.
Fortunately, many treatment options are available to help you manage PCOS, and you also can make lifestyle changes to help reduce your risk of developing PCOS.
If you have PCOS, Capital City Primary and Immediate Care can develop a personalized treatment plan to help manage and resolve symptoms.
For more information on PCOS and treatment options, call our office or book an appointment online today.
