What complications can result from PCOS?

Untreated PCOS may lead to numerous health complications:

• Diabetes- many women with PCOS develop diabetes or pre-diabetes. Some studies estimate that 50% of women with PCOS will develop diabetes or impaired glucose tolerance before the age of 40.
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  Heart disease- women with PCOS have a four-fold to seven-fold risk of having a heart attack when compared to women without the condition. Hypertension is common in women with PCOS and may be exacerbated by obesity.
• Hypertension- women who suffer from PCOS are more likely to have hypertension, and may develop hypertension at a younger age than women without PCOS,
• Hypercholesteremia- women with PCOS tend to have high levels of “bad” cholesterol and low levels of the good kind. This can lead to the development of heart disease.
• Sleep apnea- women with PCOS are at higher risk of developing sleep apnea (a condition in which the sufferer stops breathing for brief periods while sleeping). This may be partly due to obesity, which raises the risk of sleep apnea.
• Depression- women who have PCOS may be more prone to develop anxiety and depression. This may be due to unpleasant aspects of the condition such as acne, infertility, obesity and hirsutism that may cause low self-esteem. Depression and anxiety may also be influenced by hormonal imbalance.
• Cancer- women with PCOS are at higher risk of developing endometrial cancer due to irregular menses and lack of ovulation.

As can be seen, PCOS is a complicated condition that may require treatment from various specialists. There is no cure, so women diagnosed with the condition must treat the effects of their disease on a symptom-by-symptom basis. Women who have difficulty conceiving should consult a specialist in PCOS and fertility. IVF may be possible for women who are unable to conceive. Depression is common in this condition and should be monitored and treated. By keeping their symptoms under control, women with PCOS can lead full and satisfying lives.