For all women with PCOS, regardless of where you are in your family building journey, it’s crucial to understand how it affects your overall health. PCOS is influenced by numerous genetic and environmental factors that contribute to why some people experience more symptoms than others. Exploring the biology behind it may add some clarity.
PCOS involves an overproduction of androgens and an increase in insulin resistance. Insulin is a vital hormone that regulates blood glucose levels and has a significant role in how our body uses food as energy. The downstream effects of the dysregulation of these two hormones may lead to more serious health implications, affecting your health beyond fertility.
1. Diabetes – 10% of PCOS patients have a diagnosis of diabetes, while 50-75% of women will have some degree of insulin resistance. The body’s response to insulin is lowered by as much as 40% in PCOS compared to women without. Even without a diagnosis of diabetes, your chances of having gestational diabetes during your pregnancy increase in PCOS as a result.
2. Weight gain – Obesity increases your risk for having PCOS, but outside of this, the increased insulin and androgens levels in PCOS often go hand in hand with weight gain and fat deposition. Patients with PCOS will often have difficulty losing weight in comparison to patients without.
3. Abnormal cholesterol levels -higher amounts of “bad” cholesterol LDL and triglycerides are found in many women with PCOS. This is important because commonly prescribed cholesterol medications known as “Statins” cannot be taken in pregnancy – (which is why it is important to talk to your doctor about your family planning goals!).
4. High Blood Pressure -hypertension is an important and treatable risk factor for coronary artery disease and can lead to complications in pregnancy, including preterm delivery and growth restriction.. Making sure to keep track of your blood pressure and have regular visits to your primary care physician are important.
5. Uterine cancer -irregular menstrual cycles can lead to a uterine lining that continues to grow over time, without shedding. Even if not trying to get pregnant, having regular cycles is important to mitigate your risks. If you’ve gone more than 4 months without a period, follow up with your OBGYN to be evaluated.
Take control over your modifiable risk factors. Talk with your OBGYN, Fertility doctor or PCP about these important aspects of your health. Let’s make sure you are setting yourself up for success – be it to live a Long and healthy life or work towards building a family.
