Is PCOS more common in women who live with diabetes?
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (known as PCOS) is a condition that affects how ovaries work. A PCOS diagnosis includes the following: excessive hair growth (hirsutism), increased levels of male hormone (testosterone), polycystic appearance of ovaries on the ultrasound, irregular menstrual periods, and absence of other conditions that can cause similar symptoms.
You are unique
While PCOS is more common among women with type 1 and type 2 diabetes, the way PCOS manifests, meaning how it develops in an individual, is different whether they live with type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes, and for those who live without diabetes.
For instance, women with type 1 diabetes usually have milder hirsutism (hair growth) compared to women with PCOS that have type 2 diabetes and to women with PCOS that do not have diabetes. These variances occur even when increased testosterone levels are the same across all these groups.
When can PCOS begin? What are the risks?
Onset of PCOS symptoms typically occur later in life among women with type 1 diabetes as compared to other groups. While symptoms tend to start around the onset of menstrual periods (known as menarche) in persons without type 1 diabetes, it is usually after menarche in those who live with T1D.
Consequences of PCOS in women who live with type 1 diabetes are unknown. For women who live without diabetes there is an associated increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes, and also an increased risk of heart disease in women both without diabetes and with type 2 diabetes.
Treatment plans
Though the medical community is constantly looking for the best treatment strategy for women with T1D and PCOS, this has not yet been established. Small studies showed that low dose birth control pills and/or metformin may be beneficial. If you are suffering from or think you may have PCOS, contact your medical provider to discuss the best treatment options for you.
