Health Risk of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

 
In an effect to increase the awareness of polucystic ovary syndrome (PCOS among public and medical professionals, the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologist (AACE) has issued a position statement, which states that women with the PCOS are at greatest risk for diabetes and coronary artery disease.

PCOS is the most common hormonal disorder of young women, affecting 10 % of reproductive-age females in the US. Its presenting symptoms may include irregular menses, infertility, abnormal growth of facial and body hair, scalp hair loss and acne. Many women with PCOS are unaware they have the syndrome, let alone are at risk for serious complications, such as heart disease and diabetes.
 
The AACE position on PCOS highlights the serious cardiovascular risk factors associated with the disorder, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes and blood vessel abnormalities. The purpose of the position statement is to inform physicians and the public of the need to identify women with PCOS and, once a diagnosis is established, to search for metabolic and cardiovascular risk factors that may be associated with the syndrome.
 
“The physician should no longer regard these women as merely having annoying cosmetic complaints, or only suffering from infertility, but as having potential metabolic disorders that may be associated with type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular events,” comments Rhoda H. Cobin,M.D.,F.A.C.E., chair of the PCOS  Task Force. “Although the patient’s immediate problems and concerns require sensitive attention and prompt therapy, physicians should also take this opportunity to practice proactive prevention medicine.”

Lifestyle modification, including weight loss and exercise, avoidance of tobacco, correction of lipid abnormalities. Early recognition of PCOS, monitoring glucose and insulin levels especially in obese women. These are a few things that will be helpful in caring for PCOS.

Angie Fielden, Bio-identical Hormone Replacement Specialist at Solutions Pharmacy, has jive years' experience in counseling and educating patients. Solutions, 4632 Highway 58 North, has been named "the nation's experts in formulating Bio-identical hormones" by the American Medical Review.
Call (423) 894-0423 for an appointment for a free in-house hormone assessment.