Scientists emphasize that these findings should not cause panic. The study shows a correlation but does not prove that gynecological diseases directly cause heart or cerebrovascular diseases, writes “EverydayHealth”.
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However, specialists say that such data is worth knowing, especially for women who suffer from endometriosis, have heavy or irregular periods, or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
In a systematic review and meta-analysis, scientists combined the results of 28 studies published up to April 2024. In total, more than 3.2 million people participated in them.
The researchers examined gynecological conditions unrelated to cancer: endometriosis, polycystic ovary syndrome, heavy menstruation, and irregular menstrual cycles. They compared this data with the risk of heart and cerebrovascular diseases.
It turned out that, compared to women without such gynecological disorders, women who had at least one of these conditions had:
- 28% higher risk of heart and cerebrovascular diseases,
- 41% higher risk of ischemic heart disease,
- 33% higher risk of cerebrovascular diseases.
Ischemic heart disease develops when the heart muscle receives less blood and oxygen due to narrowed heart vessels. Cerebrovascular diseases include stroke, brain aneurysm, brain hemorrhage, and carotid artery disease.
The highest overall risk was found in women with endometriosis, PCOS, or both conditions.
What are endometriosis and PCOS?
Endometriosis is a condition where tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus. It can cause severe menstrual pain, chronic pelvic pain, pain during sexual intercourse, and fertility difficulties. For some women, symptoms are so severe that they affect daily life, work, and physical activity.
Polycystic ovary syndrome, or PCOS, is a hormonal and metabolic disorder. It can manifest as irregular periods, absence of menstruation, acne, increased hair growth, weight gain, insulin resistance, or fertility problems.
PCOS is often associated not only with reproductive health but also with metabolic changes, such as a higher risk of type 2 diabetes, overweight, increased blood pressure, or cholesterol disorders.
Some women may have both endometriosis and PCOS, so it is important to assess their health risk factors more broadly, not limited to gynecological symptoms alone.
The study is important but has limitations
Co-author of the study, Dr. Mathew Leonardi, an associate professor of obstetrics and gynecology at McMaster University in Ontario, says that the risk size varied in different studies, but the overall picture suggests that women with gynecological conditions may be more prone to heart disease or stroke.
However, scientists acknowledge that the quality of the studies included in the analysis varied greatly. More than half were assessed as having a high risk of bias.
This means that some studies may have inadequately accounted for other important factors, such as a woman’s body weight, physical activity, smoking, blood pressure, cholesterol levels, diabetes, or medications used.
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Dr. Abha Khandelwal, a women’s heart health specialist at Stanford Medical Center who was not involved in this study, also emphasized the need for higher-quality research in this area. According to her, to better understand women’s cardiovascular risk, more attention must be paid specifically to women’s health studies.
Why are gynecological conditions related to the heart?
This analysis was not designed to precisely answer why such a connection exists. However, specialists name several possible explanations.
First, some gynecological conditions are associated with chronic inflammation. Inflammatory processes in the body can also affect the condition of blood vessels.
Second, PCOS is often associated with metabolic risk factors – insulin resistance, higher risk of diabetes, increased body weight, blood pressure, or cholesterol changes. All of these can increase the likelihood of cardiovascular diseases.
Third, severe menstrual pain or chronic pelvic pain can interfere with maintaining a heart-healthy lifestyle. If a woman moves less due to pain, avoids exercise, or lives with constant discomfort for a long time, this can also affect overall health.
Another possible factor is hormonal fluctuations. Irregular cycles may be related to changes in sex hormones, which can affect the inner lining of blood vessels – the endothelium, which helps regulate blood flow.
Scientists also point out that some treatments may be important. For example, hormonal preparations or surgeries such as hysterectomy can affect long-term cardiovascular health. Therefore, these aspects are worth discussing individually with a doctor.
What should women know?
Specialists emphasize: if a woman has endometriosis, PCOS, heavy or irregular periods, it does not mean she will definitely develop heart disease or have a stroke. However, such information can be an incentive to look at one’s health more broadly.
According to Dr. M. Leonardi, the most important thing is to be active but not to panic. Having a chronic gynecological condition, it is worth talking to a doctor not only about the cycle, pain, or fertility but also about risk factors for heart and vascular diseases.
Doctors advise checking blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood glucose levels, especially if a woman has PCOS, endometriosis, or other chronic gynecological disorders.
It is also important to maintain a heart-healthy lifestyle: regular physical activity, balanced nutrition, not smoking, ensuring adequate sleep, and trying to control body weight, blood pressure, and blood sugar levels.
If a woman takes hormonal medications or has had a hysterectomy or ovary removal surgery, it is also worth discussing this with a doctor, especially if there are other cardiovascular risk factors.
