Fibroids common in PCOS

Women suffering from polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are more likely to suffer from fibroids later. PCOS is a hormone disorder that causes ovaries to develop multiple cysts, and is usually accompanied by lack of ovulation, weight gain and other problems. Researchers from the Boston University, Massachusetts conducted a study to establish an association between PCOS and uterine fibroids, both of which are common diseases in women of childbearing age. The researchers followed 23,571 women who at the beginning of the study had no history of fibroids. Over 6 years of follow-up, there were 3631 new cases of fibroids and PCOS was reported in 275 of subjects overall. After taking account of other factors, women with PCOS were 65 percent more likely to develop fibroids than women without the condition. They found that, since women with PCOS require more medical attention, fibroids are more likely to be discovered. The findings suggests that women with PCOS would benefit from regular monitoring for the presence of uterine fibroids in addition to other conditions commonly associated with PCOS, including obesity, diabetes, and cancer of the uterus.