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PCOS and other health conditions

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) can increase your risk of developing other health conditions. Learn about lifestyle changes that may reduce your risk.
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Key takeaways

  • PCOS is associated with other health conditions like diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
  • It’s important to understand the risk factors and what you can do to reduce them.
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Health risks associated with PCOS

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a complex condition that affects different systems in the body.

It’s hard to tell the difference between causes, symptoms and associated conditions.

Women with PCOS are at higher risk of conditions relating to:

  • the heart
  • metabolism
  • the reproductive system
  • mental health.

It’s important to understand the risks. But if you have risk factors, it doesn’t mean you will develop these conditions.

PCOS and insulin resistance

Insulin resistance affects between 44% and 85% of women with PCOS. It’s involved in many aspects of PCOS. Insulin resistance may be a co-occurring condition, a cause of PCOS or a result of PCOS.

PCOS and diabetes

Women with PCOS are more likely to have problems with glucose tolerance and develop type 2 diabetes, regardless of their age and body mass index (BMI).

Women with type 1 and 2 diabetes also have a higher risk of PCOS.

PCOS and cardiovascular disease

Women with PCOS may have:

  • higher weight
  • glucose intolerance
  • hypertension
  • diabetes
  • metabolic syndrome.

This can increase the risk of developing cardiovascular disease.

PCOS and endometrial (uterine) cancer

A heavier weight, having infrequent periods and type 2 diabetes are all linked to endometrial cancer risk. They are also commonly associated with PCOS.

PCOS and sleep apnoea

Women with PCOS are almost 10 times more likely to have sleep apnoea than women without PCOS. A heavier weight and disrupted hormonal systems may contribute to sleep apnoea.

PCOS and depression and anxiety

Women with PCOS are more likely to experience depression, anxiety, low self-esteem and negative body image. This may be due to physical symptoms of PCOS, for example, excess hair and weight. In some cases, mental health can worsen with the use of certain hormone medicines.

Psychological conditions can make it hard for women to follow a healthy lifestyle plan and self-manage symptoms of PCOS.

PCOS and eating disorders

Women with PCOS are more likely to have risk factors for eating disorders, including:

  • higher weight
  • depression
  • anxiety
  • low self-esteem
  • poor body image.

Disordered eating, for example, binge eating, are more common in women with PCOS, but they often go undiagnosed.

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