What Happens When PCOS Goes Untreated?

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) affects 1 in 10 women of childbearing age, making it one of the most common hormonal disorders in this group. 

Despite its prevalence, many women overlook PCOS due to lack of knowledge, denial, or misdiagnosis. Unfortunately, untreated PCOS can lead to complications — don’t let it happen to you.

The Women’s Health Services team in Grand Prairie and Arlington, Texas, can diagnose PCOS and start you on a personalized treatment plan that addresses your unique symptoms. If you want to avoid the problems that come with untreated PCOS, keep reading.

Why PCOS is easy to miss

Polycystic ovary syndrome starts with a hormone imbalance that causes problems in your ovaries. The hallmark symptoms are irregular menstrual cycles, excess androgen levels, and multiple cysts in your ovaries. 

However, PCOS is complex and sneaky, so it frequently goes unrecognized and untreated.

Beyond menstrual irregularities, women with  PCOS may experience a wide array of symptoms, such as:

• Weight gain and difficulty losing weight
• Excessive hair growth, particularly on the face and body 
• Thinning hair on the scalp
• Acne on the face, chest, or upper back
• Darkening of skin, specifically around neck creases, in the groin, and under the breasts
• Skin tags in the armpits or neck area

Alone, these symptoms could point to various other health conditions. In fact, it’s easy to discount several of them as typical signs of aging. However, without a professional diagnosis, you could face severe complications.

The consequences of ignoring PCOS

Without medical intervention, your PCOS can trigger related problems, both in the short and long term.

Short-term complications of PCOS

The immediate PCOS-related problems are:

• Severe menstrual irregularity
• Anemia
• Weight gain
• Skin issues like acne and skin tags

We can help you manage these symptoms and prevent them from progressing into full-blown health problems. 

Long-term health implications of PCOS

Over time, PCOS takes a more severe toll. If you ignore PCOS, you have a higher risk of developing:

• Type 2 diabetes
• Hypertension
• High cholesterol
• Sleep apnea
• Infertility

And don’t underestimate the psychological impact of PCOS. Like all chronic illnesses, PCOS can lead to depression, anxiety, and eating disorders.

PCOS and your heart

The most concerning complication of untreated PCOS is its effect on cardiac health. Women with untreated PCOS have a higher risk for cardiovascular disease, including heart attack and stroke. 

Unfortunately, the risk spikes even higher if you also develop other PCOS-related problems, such as obesity, hypertension, and diabetes.

Find out if you have PCOS

Now that you know the gravity of untreated PCOS, it’s time to visit Women’s Health Services for a thorough examination, official diagnosis, and treatment.

How we treat PCOS

Although there is no cure for PCOS, we offer several treatments that manage your symptoms.

Your treatment could be as simple as making a few lifestyle modifications, like changing your diet and increasing your activity level. 

We may prescribe hormonal birth control to regulate your periods and reduce acne and excess hair growth.

Some women require Metformin — a diabetes medication that improves insulin resistance and lowers androgen levels. It also aids in ovulation and potentially improves the chances of pregnancy.

We can also give you medication to slow or stop hair loss so you don’t have to deal with losing your locks.

Whatever PCOS is dishing out, we can help you fight back. Don’t ignore the symptoms — call Women's Health Services or book an appointment online and sidestep the complications of untreated PCOS.