Women experience a great deal of pain or discomfort from common gynecological problems like endometriosis, heavy or irregular periods and ovarian cysts.

But even worse, these reproductive health problems might be increasing their risk of heart disease and stroke, according to new findings published Feb. 24 in the journal Heart.

Women with one or more gynecological disorders had higher risk of heart disease and clogged arteries affecting either their heart or brain health, researchers found.

The risk was highest among women with endometriosis or polycystic ovary syndrome,  results show.

“The findings suggest that it is important to raise awareness of the potential association between non-malignant gynecological diseases and cardiovascular or cerebrovascular disease both in the general public and healthcare professionals,” the research team led by Dr. Giorgia Elisabeth Colombo, an assistant physician in gynecology and obstetrics with the Cantonal Hospital Authority in Lugano, Switzerland, concluded.

For the study, researchers analyzed data pooled from 28 previous studies involving nearly 3.3 million women.

Results showed that women with at least one gynecological problem had a 28% higher risk of heart disease or stroke.

Specifically, their risk of heart disease caused by clogged arteries was 41% higher, and their risk of stroke was 33% higher.

These gynecological conditions might increase risk of heart disease or stroke by promoting inflammation throughout the body, researchers said.

Endometriosis is specifically known to cause systemic inflammation, they noted.

Female hormones also are implicated in both the development of gynecological problems and heart disease, researchers added.

More research is needed to better understand this association, however, researchers added. 

If more is known, then doctors might be able to develop strategies and treatments that better protect women from these heart health risks.

More information

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has more on common gynecological concerns for women.

SOURCE: BMJ, news release, Feb. 24, 2025

Source: HealthDay

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