Complications of Polycystic ovary syndrome
Complications list for Polycystic ovary syndrome:
The list of complications that have been mentioned in various sources
for Polycystic ovary syndrome includes:
See also the symptoms of Polycystic ovary syndrome and Polycystic ovary syndrome: Introduction.
Complications and sequelae of Polycystic ovary syndrome from the Diseases Database include:
Source: Diseases Database
See also the symptoms of Polycystic ovary syndrome and Polycystic ovary syndrome: Introduction.
Complications of Polycystic ovary syndrome:
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): NWHIC (Excerpt)
PCOS can negatively affect fertility since it can prevent ovulation.
Some women with PCOS have menstrual periods, but do not ovulate. A woman
with PCOS may be able to take fertility drugs, such as Clomid, or
injectable fertility medications to induce ovulation. To help ovulation
occur, women also can take insulin-sensitizing medications or steroids (to
lower androgen levels). Some research also shows that taking low doses of
aspirin, which helps prevent blood clotting in the uterine lining and
improves blood flow, can improve chances of pregnancy.
There appears to be a higher rate of miscarriage in women with PCOS
(possibly by 45%). The reason for this is being studied. Elevated levels
of leuteinizing hormone, which aids in secretion of progesterone, may play
a role. Elevated levels of insulin and glucose may cause problems with
development of the embryo. Insulin resistance and late ovulation (after
day 16 of the menstrual cycle) also may reduce egg quality, which can lead
to miscarriage. The best way to prevent miscarriage in women with PCOS is
to normalize hormone levels to improve ovulation, and normalize blood
sugar, glucose, and androgen levels. Recently, more doctors are
prescribing the drug metformin to help with this.
Since PCOS causes high glucose levels, it can be helpful for pregnant
women with PCOS to have earlier screenings for gestational diabetes during
pregnancy. Gestational diabetes occurs when a woman’s ability to process
glucose is impaired. The baby also has trouble processing glucose, which
can lead to a large baby, immature lungs, and birthing problems. Although
a carefully balanced diet and/or insulin injections have been used to
control gestational diabetes, there is new evidence that high insulin
levels also can be damaging. Some doctors allow pregnant women with PCOS
to continue taking metformin in pregnancy, while others won’t prescribe it
to women trying to conceive. There is no evidence that it causes birth
defects, but the long-term effects on the baby are not known. Women and
their doctors should discuss the risks and benefits of medications. Women
taking medication usually are monitored more closely. After pregnancy,
many women with PCOS develop normal menstrual cycles and find it easier to
become pregnant again.
(Source: excerpt from Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): NWHIC)
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): NWHIC (Excerpt)
Irregular menstrual periods and the absence of ovulation cause women to
produce estrogen, but not progesterone. Without progesterone, which causes
the endometrium to shed each month as a menstrual period, the endometrium
may grow too much and undergo cell changes. This is a pre-cancerous
condition called endometrial hyperplasia. If the thickened endometrium is
not treated, over a long period of time it may turn into endometrial
cancer. PCOS also is linked to other diseases that occur later in life,
such as insulin resistance, Type II diabetes, high cholesterol, hardening
of the arteries (atherosclerosis), high blood pressure, and heart disease.
Depression or mood swings also are common in women with PCOS. Although
more research is needed to find out about this link, there are studies
linking depression to diabetes. Therefore, in PCOS, depression may be
related to insulin resistance. It also could be a result of the hormonal
imbalances and the cosmetic symptoms of the condition. Acne, hair loss,
and other symptoms of PCOS can lead to poor self-esteem. Infertility and
miscarriages also can be very stressful. Medications that restore the
balance to hormone levels or antidepressants can help these feelings.
(Source: excerpt from Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): NWHIC)
Polycystic ovary syndrome Symptoms: Book Excerpts
You may also want to research other symptoms
in our Symptoms Center.
About complications:
Complications of Polycystic ovary syndrome are secondary conditions, symptoms, or other disorders that are
caused by Polycystic ovary syndrome.
In many cases the distinction between symptoms of Polycystic ovary syndrome and complications
of Polycystic ovary syndrome is unclear
or arbitrary.
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