What Is Inflammatory PCOS?
PCOS is a hormonal condition that can cause ovarian cysts, irregular menstrual cycles, and other health problems.
PCOS is a common cause of infertility and affects an estimated 8% to 13% of reproductive-aged females.
Jose Luis Pelaez Inc / Getty Images
Symptoms of PCOS may include:
What’s the Connection Between PCOS and Inflammation?
All of these factors are involved in the immune response and are also found during inflammation.
What Causes Inflammation?
This inflammatory response can cause different symptoms such as swelling, pain, fatigue, and headaches.
When elevated, CRP can indicate that an inflammatory response is occurring in the body.
Elevated CRP has been associated withpancreatitis,appendicitis, and more.
Can Inflammatory PCOS Cause Complications?
This can increase the risk of having a heart attack.
Infertility
PCOS can cause problems with ovulation and fertility.
This can result from unbalanced hormones, such as testosterone levels.
What is the life expectancy of a person with PCOS?
Most people with PCOS are able to lead a normal life without serious complications.
One of the best ways to do this is through a healthy diet that includesanti-inflammatory foods.
It’s also recommended that you avoid foods that can spike your blood sugar or cause inflammation.
Foods to avoid with PCOS include:
Exercise
Research shows that exercise can reduce PCOS-related inflammation.
Aerobic exercise, in particular, was found to be effective in lowering inflammatory markers in those with PCOS.
That means some supplement products may not contain what the label says.
Summary
PCOS and hormone-related health conditions, including fertility problems, may be due to inflammation.
Some studies have shown a link.
Inflammation also may play a role in diabetes and other conditions that can co-occur with PCOS.
Blood tests and imaging studies can be used to diagnose an inflammatory condition.
Your healthcare provider can recommend treatment and prevention strategies, including changes to your diet.
Blumenfeld Z.The possible practical implication of high CRP levels in PCOS.Clin Med Insights Reprod Health.
2022 Aug 11;14(16):3294. doi: 10.3390/nu14163294.
Sproston NR, Ashworth JJ.Role of C-Reactive Protein at Sites of Inflammation and Infection.Front Immunol.
2018 Apr 13;9:754. doi: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.00754.
Barbieri RL, Ehrmann DA.Patient education: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) (Beyond the Basics).UpToDate.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Diabetes and polycystic ovary syndrome.
2019 Mar;16(6):942. doi:10.3390/ijerph16060942
Johns Hopkins Medicine.PCOS diet.
