PCOS - What are Risk & Complications of PCOS

The condition results in hormonal imbalances that curtail or prevent ovulation—the body’s process of producing and releasing eggs from the ovary. The limited egg development may result in irregular ovulation or a complete lack of ovulation (anovulation), which can persist for months or even years. This ovulatory dysfunction is what actually causes infertility in these women.

In women who have polycystic ovary syndrome, or PCOS, there is an imbalance in female sex hormones. The imbalance may prevent the development and release of mature eggs.

PCOS can lead to a range of health complications-

Infertility: Women with PCOS are unable to ovulate on a regular basis, preventing the generation of eggs for fertilisation. This causes problems during pregnancy and, in many cases, infertility.

Metabolic Syndrome: The majority of women with PCOS are fat or overweight. High blood pressure, blood sugar, LDL cholesterol, and low HDL cholesterol are all risks associated with this. All of these variables combine to form metabolic syndrome, which raises the risk of stroke, diabetes, and heart disease.

Endometrial Cancer: Endometrial cancer is caused by a thicker uterine lining caused by abnormal ovulation.

Sleep apnea: Obesity can induce sleep apnea, a disorder in which periodic pauses in breathing occur during the night, interrupting sleep.

Depression: Many women with polycystic ovaries suffer from depression as a result of hormonal fluctuations and undesirable hair growth.