In recent years it has become clear that PCOS is closely related to a problem with insulin. Insulin is a hormone released from the pancreas after a meal and it allows the organs of the body to take up energy from food we eat. Some women with PCOS have high insulin levels.
Long-term risks of high insulin and the other hormone changes in PCOS can include:
- An increased risk of developing diabetes - which may need treatment with tablets or injections of insulin
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol levels
- An increased risk of cancer of the lining of the womb (endometrial cancer), especially if you do not have regular periods
It is important to keep a watch on these risk factors and others that make heart disease more likely (such as smoking and not doing any exercise)
Go to Treatment: irregular periods
Back to PCOS main page