Women with hormonal imbalances linked to polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), complex menopause and excessive weight gain during pregnancy are likely to develop obesity with elevated levels of blood sugar and cholesterol. These are the findings of a study, published in Cell Metabolism, which advocates screening of these markers early on in a woman’s reproductive span.
According to Dr Richa Chaturvedi, Senior Consultant, Endocrinology, Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, New Delhi, the study has made it clear how important it is to address hormonal imbalances, which can be done easily with early life lifestyle corrections and medication.
Why are women with PCOS at a higher risk of developing Type 2 diabetes and cholesterol?
This is because of hormonal imbalances. In PCOS, women have higher-than-normal male hormone (androgen) levels, which can interfere with ovulation, impacting menstruation cycles, and disrupt glucose and insulin metabolism, which can eventually trigger diabetes.
Unregulated, hormone fluctuations and imbalances in the early years of menstruation can worsen menopause symptoms later in life, lead to excessive weight gain during pregnancy which may persist in later years, increase bad cholesterol and so on.
That’s why it is important for women with reproductive health issues to watch out for insulin resistance and inflammation early so that they can avoid chronic diabetes and cardiovascular diseases later.
Which hormone marker is most bothersome for women with PCOS?
PCOS involves higher levels of testosterone levels, which can directly contribute to insulin resistance. This means cells in the body become less responsive to the effects of insulin. To compensate, the pancreas starts overproducing insulin in an effort to lower blood sugar. Over the years, all that excess insulin stresses out the pancreatic beta cells that make it, and they can eventually become damaged or exhausted. Once these beta cells fail, insulin production drops and blood glucose levels start to spiral, resulting in Type 2 diabetes.
How does hormonal imbalance impact belly fat?
The higher testosterone and other hormonal fluctuations of PCOS encourage visceral fat accumulation, what we call belly fat. This releases fatty acids and inflammatory compounds that worsen insulin resistance and increase the diabetes risk even further.
Detecting and managing the early warning signs, like elevated testosterone and blood sugar levels, are crucial. Lifestyle interventions targetting insulin sensitivity and weight management are much-needed.
What are some of the major reproductive milestones that can impact a woman’s long-term health?
1. Onset of puberty/first period: An early period cycle (before age 12) signals faster maturation and hormone changes, which increase risks of reproductive cancers and chronic diseases later on.
2. Pregnancy: Excess weight gain during pregnancy makes it harder to lose weight afterwards and raises risks of gestational diabetes/high blood pressure. These increase chances of developing Type 2 diabetes and heart disease post-pregnancy.
3. Perimenopause/menopause: Hormone shifts leading up to menopause may indicate higher risk of heart disease or osteoporosis over time.
4. Conditions like PCOS or endometriosis: These reproductive health disorders involve hormone imbalances that can trigger wider inflammatory and metabolic changes. They raise risks of numerous health issues down the road.
So what signs and symptoms should women look out for?
Watch out for shifts in menstrual cycles, such as cycles shortening or lengthening dramatically or becoming irregular after previously being regular.
The development of many new and intensified premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms can also signal changing hormone patterns. Rapid weight gain that is difficult to control, excess facial or body hair, severe acne or thinning scalp hair may indicate PCOS.
Worsening reproductive symptoms over time, such as a progression of cramping and pelvic pain or the observation via ultrasound of small ovarian cysts, warrant medical attention as well.
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