Check sugar and cholesterol in women who have ovary problems
Although women with an ovary problem should be screened for blood sugar and cholesterol, a new survey of obstetricians and gynecologists found few were ordering these tests.
In the U.S., up to 12 percent of women have poly cystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), a hormone disorder that causes irregular periods, acne, weight gain, and difficulty in getting pregnant.
Most women with PCOS have multiple cysts on their ovaries.
The researchers wrote in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology that women with PCOS are also at increased risk for cholesterol and blood sugar.
‘Recognition of these abnormalities can allow the provider and the patient to work together to determine the next steps in health care improvement including nutritional changes and exercise, weight loss, starting a medication, and/or referral to a specialist,’ said lead author Dr. Amy Dhesi of Kaiser Permanente Los Angeles Medical Center.
The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends that all women with PCOS get screened every two to five years for high blood sugar and every two years for high cholesterol.
The tests recommended are a 2-hour glucose tolerance test and a fasting lipid profile, but many doctors use less sensitive blood sugar tests that may not pick up on early issues.
Dr Richard Legro, vice-chair of research at Penn State University College of Medicine in Hershey, emphasized the importance of catching blood sugar and cholesterol issues in the early stages.
Dr Legro, who wasn’t involved with the new study, said, ‘Early detection can lead to prevention of developing diabetes and heart disease.’
‘Patients are more likely to change their lifestyle when they know they have a related abnormality.’ Dhesi said it’s important for PCOS patients to talk to their doctors about possible health risks and monitoring for them.
Dhesi further told Reuters Health, ‘It is important for patients with PCOS and their health care providers to discuss the common metabolic abnormalities associated with PCOS . . . and work towards a common goal to improve their health for the future.’
If you have PCOS, remind your doctor to check for sugar and cholesterol levels!
