Dr Emem Jay, a gynaecologist, has warned that women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) may face increased risks of Type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
Jay of M and M Fertility Centre, Abuja, gave the warning in an interview with reporters on Wednesday in Abuja.
He described PCOS as a common hormonal and metabolic disorder affecting how the ovaries function, adding that it was also closely linked to metabolic health.
According to him, many women with PCOS experience insulin resistance, abnormal cholesterol levels, increased abdominal fat or high blood pressure.
He explained that when several of these conditions occurred together, they could constitute metabolic syndrome, which increases the risk of cardiovascular disease and Type 2 diabetes.
The gynaecologist said insulin resistance was common among women with PCOS, noting that it could occur even in women who were not overweight.
“High insulin levels can stimulate the ovaries to produce more androgens and can interfere with normal ovulation.
“Over time, persistent insulin resistance can increase the risk of prediabetes and Type 2 diabetes,” he said.
Jay said common features of PCOS included irregular or absent menstrual periods, difficulty becoming pregnant, excessive facial or body hair, persistent acne, thinning hair and unexplained weight gain or difficulty losing weight.
He said that dark, thickened skin around the neck or other skin folds could also be associated with insulin resistance.
The expert stressed that women with normal body weight could also develop PCOS and related metabolic complications.
“Being slim does not rule out PCOS,” he said.
He advised women to seek medical assessment, adding that diagnosis was usually based on a combination of clinical assessment, medical history and relevant investigations after other possible causes had been excluded.
Jay said PCOS could also affect fertility by interfering with regular ovulation, but that the condition did not mean a woman could not conceive.
“Many women with PCOS conceive naturally or with appropriate treatment,” he said.
He urged women with PCOS to adopt healthy lifestyles, including regular physical activity, balanced diets, adequate sleep and regular monitoring of blood pressure, blood glucose and cholesterol.
The gynaecologist further warned that unmanaged PCOS could be associated with high blood pressure, abnormal cholesterol, cardiovascular disease, difficulty conceiving and pregnancy complications.
He said prolonged irregular periods could also increase the risk of endometrial hyperplasia and, over time, endometrial cancer.
He advised women not to normalise consistently irregular periods, excessive facial hair, persistent acne or unexplained fertility difficulties.
The gynaecologist also cautioned women against relying on social media, supplements or herbal mixtures as substitutes for proper diagnosis and treatment.
“PCOS is manageable, but management should be individualised,” he said.
Jay added that early detection, appropriate treatment, lifestyle modification and regular monitoring could help women with PCOS maintain good health and get pregnant.
