LONG-TERM HEALTH RISKS IN POLYCYSTIC OVARIAN DISORDER: FROM CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE TO ENDOMETRIAL CANCER

Abstract

Polycystic Ovarian Disorder (PCOD) is a health condition caused by several factors and has an effect on systems besides the reproductive ones. The review explores how PCOD can increase a woman’s chance of developing cardiovascular disease or endometrial cancer. The problem of PCOD starts with disruptions in three areas: hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian signalling, insulin resistance, continuous low-level inflammation and excessive body fat deposited around the organs. PCOD often causes hypertension, high cholesterol, dysfunction in the blood vessels and an early form of atherosclerosis, regardless of obesity levels in women. At the same time, when a woman does not ovulate for a long time and is exposed only to oestrogen, her chances of endometrial hyperplasia and cancer increase. Because of insulin resistance and obesity, peripheral oestrogen is produced more and this leads to additional negative outcomes in cancer. The condition may lead to type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, problems with ovulation and subfertility. Implementing changes in lifestyle, using medicine and regularly screening the patients can decrease the dangers of these illnesses. Here, we highlight that PCOD is not only an annoying gynaecological issue, but also a long-term health condition. This means that researchers should adopt teamwork and examine new ways to support and prevent health issues in women at each life stage.