Polycystic ovary syndrome, or PCOS, is a condition that many women of reproductive age suffer from. The Center for Young Women's Health states that as of 2009, one in every 10 women has PCOS. The word polycystic comes from the typical appearance of the ovaries in women with this condition. Doctors often refer to this appearance as a "pearl necklace" due to the multiple cysts. Women with PCOS suffer irregular periods, lack of ovulation and male-pattern hair growth. In addition, polycystic ovary syndrome increases the risk of certain diseases.
Coronary Heart Disease
Coronary heart disease occurs when the blood vessels that carry blood and oxygen to the heart narrows. The main cause of coronary heart disease is a build-up of plaque in the walls of the arteries. This condition is called atherosclerosis. When atherosclerosis occurs, the coronary arteries become narrow, making it harder for the blood flow through. In some cases, blood flow may even stop. This can lead to shortness of breath or a heart attack. Symptoms of coronary heart disease are pressure or a sense of heaviness in the chest, chest pain, shortness of breath or fatigue with activity. People who have an increased risk of developing coronary heart disease include smokers, people who had a stroke, alcoholics, men in their 40s, menopausal women, bad genes, diabetes, high blood pressure, kidney disease, abdominal aortic aneurysm and women with polycystic ovary syndrome. Dr. Walter Futterweit of OBGYN.net states that women with polycystic ovary syndrome are the largest group of women at risk of developing this disease.
Diabetes
Diabetes affects the way the body uses blood glucose. Blood glucose--also called blood sugar--contains the main source of energy for the cells that make up your muscles and tissues. Having enough glucose in the body is vital as it is the body's main fuel source. However, diabetes causes glucose levels to increase to a dangerous level. Symptoms of diabetes are increased thirst, frequent urination, unexplained weight loss, extreme hunger, blurred vision, slow healing sores, fatigue and frequent infections. Uncontrolled diabetes can result in cardiovascular disease, nerve damage, kidney damage, eye damage, foot damage and skin and mouth conditions. According to the Mayo Clinic, the risk for diabetes increases in people who are overweight, inactive, people with a family history of diabetes, African-Americans, Hispanics, American Indians, Asian Americans, people over the age of 45, women who developed gestational diabetes and women with polycystic ovary syndrome.
Metabolic Syndrome
Metabolic syndrome is defined by a group of risk factors in any one person. These factors include abdominal obesity, blood fat disorders, high blood pressure, insulin resistance, high fibrinogen or plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 in the blood and high C-reactive protein in the blood. According to the American Heart Association, over 50 million Americans have metabolic syndrome, and people with this syndrome are at increased risk of developing coronary heart disease and type 2 diabetes. According to Insulite Laboratories, women with PCOS have a higher risk for metabolic syndrome.
