Yes it can. Women with reversible Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) are often not educated about the health risks associated with this condition. The risks, which include cardiovascular disease and Type 2 Diabetes, increase after menopause, according to a new study. [The study] published in the January 2007 edition of the journal Menopause, looked at 713 post-menopausal females, with 9.3% fitting the criteria of having PCOS. (1) The criteria for diagnosis included the presence of 3 or more of the following features common in PCOS: a history of irregular menses, hyper-androgenism (excess facial hair, male-pattern baldness), infertility or miscarriage, central obesity or Insulin Resistance. The study showed the prevalence of cardiovascular disease increased in women with 3 or more characteristics of PCOS. The most likely cause was the presence of Insulin Resistance, the root cause of PCOS. A reversible imbalance of insulin and blood glucose, Insulin Resistance leads to the body becoming insensitive to the insulin it produces, resulting in elevated circulating levels of the vital latter hormone. This, in turn, causes the hormonal imbalance and weight gain associated with PCOS. All these symptoms are risk factors for heart disease. The study highlights the importance of educating women about the condition. It is critical that all women realize the necessity of taking control of their health now and reversing PCOS, so that they do not suffer the future health risks associated with this condition.(1) Krentz AJ, von Muhlen D, Barrett-Connor E., Searching for polycystic ovary syndrome in postmenopausal women: evidence of a dose-effect association with prevalent cardiovascular disease. Menopause. 2007 Jan 19 PMID: 17245231Dr. Shackelton is a founding partner of Insulite Laboratories. She directs research and development of the formulas comprising the four Insulite Systems and those in development. Her study of the biochemical and physiological reasons for weight gain led to her focus on Insulin Resistance – the abnormal response of insulin to glucose - and its growing number of related conditions. www.pcos.insulitelabs.com
