Does smoking lead to PCOS?

How are the two related?

PCOS or Polycystic Ovary Syndrome is one of the most common conditions affecting women all across the globe.

Here is a blog I have about PCOS management:

• PCOS/ PCOD weight loss diet for Indians.

The symptoms of PCOS can be various. The condition can primarily disrupt women’s menstrual cycle, cause acne, weight gain, excess facial hair growth, male pattern baldness and dark skin patches on areas such as armpits.

Although its exact causes are not fully known, experts believe that it stems from factors such as genes, insulin resistance, and higher levels of inflammation in the body.

So how is smoking related to PCOS?

Smoking increases something called AGE i.e. Advanced Glycation End products in the body. AGEs are basically compounds which when expose to heat, increase oxidation and inflammation in the body, both of which can cause symptoms of PCOS.

So if you do have PCOS and you smoke a lot as well, then your AGE levels are very high and it makes your symptoms only worse.

This is not limited to cigarette smoking, but also to hooka, sheesha, passive smoking, and environmental fumes.

Therefore, if you want to start reversing your PCOS symptoms, you should make sure to stay away from all forms of smoking as much as possible.

What does science say?

There was a study conducted in 1997 called “Tobacco smoke is a source of toxic reactive glycation products”. The findings of the study clearly show that glycation products are present in extracts of tobacco and in tobacco smoke in a form that can rapidly react with proteins to form AGEs.

Another 2016 study in this regard, was called “Relationship between Advanced Glycation End Products and Steroidogenesis in PCOS”. According to this, women with PCOS have elevated levels of the harmful Advanced Glycation End Products (AGEs).

The study said that women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are at risk for metabolic syndrome, which may be exacerbated or worsened by smoking.

Another reason for you to drop that butt.

Trust this helps,

Roshni Sanghvi.