Insulin Resistance Syndrome
Individuals with PCOS are resistant to insulin, a hormone essential in metabolising carbohydrates and maintaining normal blood sugar levels. Consequently, these individuals are at higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes, heart attack and stroke at a much younger age.
Diabetes
More than 50% of women with PCOS will have diabetes or pre-diabetes before the age of 40.
Heart Disease
Individuals with PCOS have heart disease at an early age; 40% have calcification in the coronary arteries before age 45 (compared to 20% of women without PCOS). Additionally, these individuals have a 50% increase in coronary events such as heart attacks.
High Blood Pressure
Women with PCOS are at a greater risk of high blood pressure, particularly in those age 40 years and over.
Cholesterol
In women with PCOS, low-density cholesterol (bad) cholesterol levels are higher whereas high-density cholesterol (good) cholesterol levels are lower.
Cancer
Women with PCOS are at a higher risk of endometrial (uterine) cancer if left untreated.