women with PCOS are at increased risk for cardiovascular disease

[Guest guest]

Colleagues, the following is FYI and does not necessarily reflect my own

opinion. I have no further knowledge of the topic.

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Public release date: 6-Apr-2005

http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2005-04/es-sft040505.php

Contact: Tadu Yimam

media@...

Endocrine Society

Study finds that women with PCOS are at increased risk for

cardiovascular disease

Women who suffer from polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), one of the most

common causes of female infertility in the U.S., have an increased

chance of developing cardiovascular disease, according to a new study

published this month in The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology &

Metabolism, published by The Endocrine Society. The findings also report

that the metabolic syndrome is more prevalent in women with PCOS, and

that women with both conditions would exhibit more hormonal and

menstrual cycle irregularity than women with PCOS only.

It is estimated that five to 10 percent of reproductive aged women

suffer from PCOS. While there is no actual cure for PCOS, researchers

are working to identify effective treatments as well as possible causes

for the condition " Our study highlights the relationship between PCOS,

metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular disease, " explained senior author,

Dr. Nestler, Professor of Medicine; Chair, Division of

Endocrinology & Metabolism and Vice Chair, Department of Internal

Medicine at the Medical College of Virginia, Virginia Commonwealth

University, " These findings, indicate that women with PCOS should

automatically be screened for the metabolic syndrome, to prevent the

risk of early-onset cardiovascular disease. "

After reviewing medical charts for 161 women, study investigators

identified 106 women (46 women with PCOS and the metabolic syndrome; 60

women with PCOS alone) for participation and analysis. The study

revealed that women with PCOS are nearly two times as likely to have the

metabolic syndrome in comparison with women without PCOS in the general

population. Women demonstrating characteristics of both PCOS and the

metabolic syndrome were found to also have more severe insulin resistance.

The researchers concluded that the metabolic syndrome and its related

conditions, are common in women with PCOS, putting these women at even

greater increased risk for developing cardiovascular disease.

--

ne Holden, MS, RD < fivestar@... >

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