This complex hormonal disorder can have far-reaching effects on your life β from your fertility to your physical appearance. Your hormones play a critical role in your overall well-being, and the hormonal imbalances that come with PCOS can impact your health in a number of ways. Insulin resistance can lead to high blood sugar levels.
This increases your risk of health conditions like Type 2 diabetes, obesity, and metabolic syndrome, and over half of women with PCOS develop Type 2 diabetes by age PCOS can also elevate levels of the male hormone androgen in your body. High androgen levels contribute to a number of physical changes. They can also interfere with your menstrual cycles, making them irregular or absent.
Along with insulin resistance and high androgen levels, many women with PCOS struggle to maintain a healthy weight. PCOS can cause weight gain and make it difficult to lose weight, even if you eat a healthy diet and exercise regularly. Unfortunately, excess weight can exacerbate hormonal imbalance and other associated symptoms.
One of the most common β and most distressing β effects of PCOS is its impact on fertility. The hormonal imbalances associated with PCOS can also make it harder to maintain a pregnancy, increasing your risk of miscarriage.
Despite all of this, PCOS-related infertility is treatable. A combination of lifestyle changes, medication, and assisted reproductive technologies ARTs can help you achieve a successful pregnancy.
