Long-term health outcomes in young women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: a narrative review

Allen, Lowri, Shrikrishnapalasuriyar, Natasha and Rees, D. Aled ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1165-9092 2022. Long-term health outcomes in young women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: a narrative review. Clinical Endocrinology 97 (2) , pp. 187-198. 10.1111/cen.14609

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Abstract

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) has long been recognized as a common disorder in young women leading to reproductive and cutaneous sequelae. However, the associated health risks are now known to extend beyond these familiar manifestations to a range of longer-term comorbidities. Here we review the evidence for an association of PCOS with adverse long-term health outcomes, discussing the pathophysiological mechanisms involved in addition to opportunities for therapeutic intervention. Cross-sectional and longitudinal studies point to an increased risk of type 2 diabetes, hypertension and dyslipidaemia, with recent data confirming that these translate to an increased risk of cardiovascular events independently of obesity. Obstructive sleep apnoea, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and endometrial cancer are also more prevalent, while mental health disorders, notably anxiety and depression, are common but under-appreciated associations. Uncertainties remain as to whether these risks are apparent in all patients with PCOS or are confined to particular subtypes, whether risks persist post-menopausally and how risk may be affected by ethnicity. Further work is also needed in establishing if systematic screening and targeted intervention can lead to improved outcomes. Until such data are available, clinicians managing women with PCOS should counsel patients on long-term health risks and invest in strategies that limit progression to metabolic and non-metabolic morbidities.

Item Type:	Article
Date Type:	Publication
Status:	Published
Schools:	MRC Centre for Neuropsychiatric Genetics and Genomics (CNGG) Medicine Neuroscience and Mental Health Research Institute (NMHRI)
Publisher:	Society for Endocrinology
ISSN:	0300-0664
Date of First Compliant Deposit:	5 October 2021
Date of Acceptance:	3 October 2021
Last Modified:	27 Feb 2024 12:36
URI:	https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/144687

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