Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or PCOD (polycystic ovary disease) is common among young urban women and is found to affect 6-7% of female population. If your doctor has diagnosed you with PCOS, it may increase your future risk of developing certain medical problems. However if you are aware and follow a healthy lifestyle, these problems can be avoided till a long time.
1) Insulin resistance and diabetes: it is believed that 10-20% of all PCOS women go on to develop insulin resistance and diabetes later on in life. This risk increases even more if there is family history of diabetes or you are overweight and lead a sedentary life style. If you are more than 35 years of age and suffering from PCOS, it is advisable to undergo yearly blood sugar testing and to optimize your weight.
2) High blood pressure and heart disease starts with higher body weight and insulin resistance rather that PCOS per se. If you are diagnosed with high blood pressure, you should take antihypertensive medicines to minimise the heart damage.
3) Cancer: If a woman is having very few periods in a year(less than 3-4), then her uterine lining may get excessively thick and may lead to uterine cancer. It is advisable therefore to have a regular period at least once in two or three months. However, PCOS does not increase your risk of breast, ovarian or cervical cancer.
4) Depression and mood swings : Generally women with polycystic ovaries tend to have a poor self esteem and depression as a result of rapid weight gain and cosmetic changes on the face. PCOS may alter the way you and others look at yourself.
5) Snoring and day time sleepiness may occur if you are overweight and have extra fat around your vocal cords and neck. Inability to sleep well at night causes irritation, fatigue, difficulty to concentrate and excessive day time sleepiness. This can affect your ability to drive or do fine work requiring higher concentration.