Heart Disease
Obese women with polycystic ovaries are at greater risk of heart disease. Excess weight is linked to high blood pressure and excessive levels of cholesterol in the bloodstream, both known risk factors for heart disease. A high fibre, low fat and low sugar diet at a young age may help reduce these risks in later life – as will stopping smoking.
Diabetes
Diabetes in later life, in which the body becomes unable to use sugar efficiently, is also associated with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. An intrinsic error to insulin metabolism appears to contribute to the hormonal imbalance and to obesity that acompanies this syndrome. Medication might be needed, but weight loss and a lower intake of carbohydrates will also help.
Atypical endometrial hyperplasia and endometrial cancer
If the lining of the womb (endometrium) becomes thick and is not shedding in the form of a period in frequent intervals, then there is a risk, although still relatively small, to develop endometrial cancer in the long future.
However this risk is eliminated if the woman has at least three to four periods per year. If the endometrium appears thick or irregular on an ultrasound scan, a D&C (dilatation and curettage) operation might be advised.