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PCOS and Inflammation

Written by Caitlin Johnson


What's the connection between PCOS and chronic low-grade inflammation?

PCOS is a hormonal and metabolic syndrome causing symptoms like fertility problems, insulin resistance, fatigue and so much more. Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) has a negative effect on hormone levels in women. This is true of both sex hormones and endocrine hormones. For many years this condition has been treated like it's only important for women's reproductive health: when they are trying to grow their family. That is just not what the evidence shows. There is research showing that women with PCOS have higher levels of inflammation than those without PCOS. 

Emerging research shows that low-grade chronic inflammation is something we need to be paying attention to for thorough evaluation and treatment of PCOS. Basically, if your doctor isn't monitoring for inflammatory markers and helping you treat any elevated markers, that is not thorough care. This stuff matters, it can affect symptoms, but it also has other intimidating consequences like impacting your risk of heart disease and cardiac events.

 


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