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Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and Obstructive Sleep Apnea

  • Chapter
Sleep Disorders in Women

Part of the book series: Current Clinical Neurology ((CCNEU))

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Abstract

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is an extremely common disorder in women of reproductive age. Affected patients frequently complain of menstrual irregularities, symptoms of hyperandrogenism, and infertility. The entity was first characterized in 1935 by Stein and Leventhal (1), who observed enlarged ovaries, obesity, hirsutism, and infertility associated with chronic anovulation (2). Because PCOS is associated in the long term with diabetes, heart disease, and cancer (1), accurate diagnosis and treatment are extremely important. In recent years, it has become increasingly evident that PCOS is also a significant risk factor for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). OSA is characterized by sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) and can be a debilitating condition leading to serious health problems if not treated or diagnosed adequately.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cincinnati, OH

    Mira Aubuchon MD

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  1. Mira Aubuchon MD
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  1. Vermont Regional Sleep Center Department of Neurology, University of Vermont College of Medicine/Fletcher Allen Health Care, Burlington, VT

    Hrayr P. Attarian MD

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Aubuchon, M. (2006). Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and Obstructive Sleep Apnea. In: Attarian, H.P. (eds) Sleep Disorders in Women. Current Clinical Neurology. Humana Press. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-59745-115-4_11

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