Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: Menopause and Malignancy

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) has been extensively studied in reproductive-aged women. However, accumulating research shows that PCOS can have lifelong effects on multiple aspects of women’s health. PCOS can affect the onset and course of menopause and cardiovascular health in perimenopausal and postmenopausal patients. Moreover, PCOS may increase a woman’s risk for both gynecologic and nongynecologic malignancies. When treating older PCOS patients, physicians should be cognizant of the syndrome’s long-term effects and consider the unique needs of these women.