Shunmukha Priya S, Sani Sebastian
Right Diet.fit, India
Scientific Tracks Abstracts: J Steroid Horm Sci
Statement of the Problem: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is commonly recognized as a disorder that affects adolescents and young girls, with common symptoms including irregular cycles and infertility; however, women over 40 also face challenges due to PCOS, which can lead to serious health consequences. Introduction: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrine disorder among women of reproductive age. This condition affects women's health and quality of life throughout their lives. This review aims to assess the impact of PCOS on women over the age of 40. Methodology & Theoretical Orientation: A review of the literature search was performed using terms such as PCOS, polycystic ovary syndrome, Insulin Resistance, Cardiovascular risk, diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, menopause, metabolic syndrome, plus forty women, subclinical atherosclerosis. The search was carried out with reference tracking, from databases such as PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Science Direct. Original articles and review papers on PCOS were considered for the study. Observations: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) increases the risk of metabolic issues such as insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, dyslipidemia, and cardiovascular disease. These risks become more pronounced with age, particularly in women over 40. It's important to note that PCOS does not go away after menopause; affected women usually experience menopause a few years later and may have lower serum FSH levels. As women age, PCOS is often associated with obesity, which can exacerbate metabolic issues and lead to other health problems, including endometrial cancer and sleep apnea. Additionally, PCOS can create psychological challenges and a negative body image, which may continue into later life. Conclusion & Significance: As individuals age, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) transitions from a reproductive issue to a metabolic disorder. It is linked to insulin resistance and increases the risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Managing PCOS complications requires a multifaceted approach. Treatment should include dietary and lifestyle changes, insulin sensitizers, and psychological support to help manage potential complications.
Dr. Shunmukha Priya, a Food Science and Nutrition Researcher. hold an M.Phil. and Ph.D. in Food Science & Nutrition from the Avinashilingam Institute for Home Science and Higher Education for Women, Coimbatore.
