Possible long-term problems of PCOS
If you have PCOS, over time you have an increased risk of developing diabetes, a high cholesterol level, and possibly high blood pressure. For example, about 1 in 10 women with PCOS develop diabetes at some point. These problems in turn may also increase your risk of having a stroke and heart disease in later life. These increased health risks are due to the long-term insulin resistance (and also being overweight which is common in women with PCOS).
If you have no periods, or very infrequent periods, you may have a higher than average risk of developing cancer of the uterus (womb). However, the evidence for this is not conclusive and if there is a risk, it is probably small.
A sleeping problem called sleep apnoea is also more common than average in women with PCOS.
Are any tests needed?
Tests may be advised to clarify the diagnosis, and to rule out other hormone conditions.
- Blood tests may be taken to measure certain hormones. For example, a test to measure testosterone and LH which tend to be high in women with PCOS.
- An ultrasound scan of the ovaries may be advised. This can detect the typical appearance of PCOS with the many follicles (small cysts) in slightly enlarged ovaries.
Also, you may be advised to have regular checks of blood sugar, blood pressure, and blood cholesterol to detect any abnormality as early as possible. Exactly when the checks are done depends on your age, your weight, and other factors. For example, women with PCOS who are obese may be advised to have a blood sugar check every three years to check for diabetes.
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