Having poor cholesterol levels increases your risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Although your diet, physical activity level and other lifestyle choice affects your risk of developing high cholesterol, certain health problems can also cause elevated cholesterol levels. Polycystic ovarian disorder, a condition that affects hormone levels, often leads to high cholesterol levels in women.
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome
Polycystic ovarian syndrome is a condition caused by hormonal imbalances. This condition gets its name from the many cysts that develop on the ovaries due to unreleased eggs, resulting from hormonal problems. Women with polycystic ovarian syndrome have slightly elevated levels of hormones known as androgens, which include testosterone and are generally found in high levels in males. The increased androgen levels disrupt the female menstrual cycle and result in a variety of other symptoms.
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome and Cholesterol
Subtle changes in androgen levels can also affect the levels of other hormones in the body. Consequently, women with polycystic ovarian syndrome are at risk of developing a number of complications. Women who have polycystic ovarian syndrome are more likely to have abnormally low levels of HDL, or "good," cholesterol, MayoClinic.com states. Elevated levels of triglycerides, another lipid found in the blood, as well as increased levels of bad, or "LDL," cholesterol are also common.
Cardiovascular Disease Risk
Elevated cholesterol increases their risk of developing cardiovascular problems. High LDL and low HDL cholesterol levels are linked to atherosclerosis, a condition in which cholesterol accumulates in the walls of the arteries, making them stiff and narrow. Women with polycystic ovarian syndrome commonly have other risk factors for cardiovascular disease, including type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and obesity, the National Women's Health Information Center notes.
Treatment
There are a number of ways to treat poor cholesterol levels. A healthy diet, low in fat and refined grains, combined with exercise can help women lose weight, normalize their hormone levels and improve their cholesterol levels. Cholesterol lowering medications, such as statins and fibrates, may also be effective. One diabetes medication, metformin, can lower blood glucose and cholesterol levels in women with polycystic ovarian syndrome, the National Women's Health Information Center reports.
