New name, same concern: PMOS and stroke risk

Experts officially renamed polycystic ovary syndrome to polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome to better reflect the full extent of the condition that affects 1 in 10 women worldwide. In addition to causing irregular periods, ovarian cysts and weight gain, PMOS increases a woman’s risk of experiencing a stroke.

PMOS causes hormonal and metabolic fluctuations that can cause weight gain and increase your blood sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

“These are all factors that increase your risk of stroke,” said Dr. Timothy Mikesell, a vascular neurologist at Advocate Health Care. “While the condition itself may not directly cause stroke, PMOS symptoms can lead to other comorbidities that increase stroke risk.”

Similar to PMOS, other women’s health conditions that cause symptoms that can potentially increase stroke risk include:

Pregnancy

High blood pressure, gestational diabetes, preeclampsia or blood clots during pregnancy can increase your risk of stroke.

“The key to reducing your risk of stroke during pregnancy and postpartum is to work closely with your health care provider to maintain healthy blood pressure and blood sugar levels,” Dr. Mikesell said. “Eating a balanced diet, staying active and avoiding excessive pregnancy weight gain can help control these factors.”

Menopause

Menopause increases your risk of stroke due to hormonal fluctuations. Declining estrogen levels make you more prone to plaque buildup in the arteries, potentially leading to heart disease or stroke. Weight gain is also common during menopause, a known stroke risk factor.

Endometriosis

Endometriosis is a condition that occurs when uterine tissue grows outside of the uterus, leading to pain and inflammation. Inflamed blood vessels are more likely to form clots that disrupt blood flow to the brain and therefore cause a stroke.

If nonsurgical treatments don’t help alleviate your symptoms, it may be recommended you have an oophorectomy, the surgical removal of the ovaries, or hysterectomy, the surgical removal of the uterus. An oophorectomy can potentially increase your stroke risk since it causes a sudden decline in your hormone levels.

So, how can you reduce your risk of stroke?

Dr. Mikesell says regular checkups with your primary care provider and letting them know if you have a family history of stroke are important ways to reduce your risk.

“It’s also important to address and manage your health conditions, such as PMOS, with your primary care or OB-GYN provider,” Dr. Mikesell said.

Making lifestyle changes can also help keep blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar in check. This includes eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly and limiting alcohol consumption.

To help identify stroke symptoms in yourself and others, remember the acronym “B.E. F.A.S.T.“:

• Balance: Loss of coordination

• Eyes: Trouble seeing

• Face: Drooping of one side of the face

• Arms: One arm drifting downward

• Speech: Slurred or strange

• Terrible headache/time to call 911