If you are dealing with a new PCOS diagnosis and you are still trying to wrap your head around why treatment is important, you will want to keep reading to find out why controlling PCOS symptoms will greatly reduce your risk of health complications now and as you get older.

We know that PCOS is one of the most common endocrine conditions affecting 1 out of every 10 women and that it typically begins during a girl’s teen years. Although there’s no cure at this time, doctors and researchers have found ways to manage symptoms and lessen health risks that are often associated with untreated or poorly managed PCOS.

Without trying to be alarming, there is no way to sugar coat the fact that women who are diagnosed with PCOS are at a much higher risk than other women (without PCOS) to develop pre-diabetes, type II diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, heart disease and a thickening of the lining of the uterus (endometrium), which can eventually lead to cancer if you don’t get your period regularly.

Although 60% of women with PCOS are obese which is associated with higher insulin concentrations, the risk of developing Type II diabetes is also a concern for non-obese women with PCOS. It’s true that symptoms can improve with proper nutrition and weight loss (if you are overweight) but you also need a health care provider that can help you explore the right treatment for you. The best advice I can give you is to learn all you can about PCOS if you have it and take your health seriously. Your risk for serious health problems can be greatly reduced if you manage your symptoms which often includes a combination of nutrition, exercise, medication and guidance from a health care provider and dietitian who specialize in treating young/adult women with PCOS.

Read more about PCOS: https://youngwomenshealth.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/PCOS-Resources-for-a-Healthier-You.pdf

– Nurse Phaedra