New Research Finds an Overlooked Link Between Gynecologic Health and Cardiovascular Risk

By Dr. David Samadi

Conditions like endometriosis or irregular periods are often perceived as mere inconveniences or hormonal imbalances. However, the latest research is unveiling a deeper and potentially more serious connection: your gynecologic health could be a crucial indicator of your heart’s well-being.

That’s right—new evidence suggests that women with certain gynecologic disorders may face a higher risk for cardiovascular disease and stroke. The most notable culprits? Endometriosis and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). But even heavy or irregular periods might be signaling trouble in the cardiovascular system.

A Closer Look at the Research

A recent meta-analysis pulled together data from 28 studies involving over 3.2 million women to explore the relationship between non-cancerous gynecologic conditions and diseases affecting the heart and brain. Here’s what they found:

• Women with one or more of these gynecologic conditions had a 28% higher risk of developing heart or cerebrovascular disease.
• The risk of ischemic heart disease—when the arteries supplying the heart narrow—was 41% higher.
• The risk for cerebrovascular conditions like stroke or aneurysm rose by 33%.
• PCOS and endometriosis were most strongly linked to these elevated risks.

These are striking numbers. While the quality of individual studies varied, the overarching trend is too significant to ignore.

Understanding the Conditions

Let’s break down what we’re talking about:

• Endometriosis occurs when tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus, often causing severe pain and fertility problems. It affects about 1 in 9 women between the ages of 15 and 44.
• PCOS is a hormonal imbalance where the ovaries produce excess androgens (male hormones). This leads to irregular periods, acne, weight gain, and often insulin resistance. It’s estimated to affect up to 15% of women of reproductive age.

Both conditions are common, chronic, and too often dismissed as “just women’s issues.” Now we’re seeing they may be much more than that.

What’s Driving the Risk?

While this study wasn’t designed to determine the why, there are some reasonable theories:

• Inflammation: PCOS and endometriosis both involve chronic inflammation, which plays a role in heart disease.
• Hormonal Disruptions: Irregular hormone levels can impair the function of blood vessels.
• Lifestyle Barriers: Severe period pain or fatigue from these conditions can discourage physical activity.
• Treatment Effects: Hormonal therapies or surgeries, such as hysterectomy, may also influence cardiovascular risk.

It’s a complex picture—but one that deserves more attention.

The Research Gap

One frustration highlighted by the researchers was that over half the studies reviewed had a high risk of bias. This means that the results of these studies may not be reliable or applicable to all women. Only 1 in 5 were considered well-designed, which is a serious shortfall in women’s health research. This lack of high-quality research hinders our understanding of the link between gynecologic and cardiovascular health and the development of effective prevention and treatment strategies.

As a physician, I find that unacceptable. We need better studies. We need more funding. We need more participation from women so that we can finally obtain clear answers and improve outcomes.

What Should Women Do?

Here’s the good news: having one of these conditions does not mean you’re doomed to develop heart disease or suffer a stroke. But it does mean you should be extra vigilant.

Here’s my advice to women with PCOS, endometriosis, or irregular cycles:

• Know your numbers: Monitor your blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar.
• Stay active: Even low-impact movement can make a big difference.
• Eat heart-smart: A diet rich in whole foods and low in processed sugars and fats helps both hormones and heart health.
• Review treatments with your doctor: Hormonal medications and surgeries can affect long-term health—make sure your care plan is working for you, not against you.
• Be proactive: Advocate for yourself, ask questions, and stay informed.

Final Thoughts

This research serves as a wake-up call, not a reason for alarm, but a reminder to pay closer attention to the interplay between gynecologic and cardiovascular health. For too long, these two aspects have been treated separately in medicine. It’s high time we changed that.

If you’re managing one of these conditions, it’s crucial to have open discussions with your doctor. This should not be limited to your gynecologist, but should also involve your primary care provider or cardiologist. Your heart’s health may depend on it.

Dr. David Samadi is the Director of Men’s Health and Urologic Oncology at St. Francis Hospital in Long Island. He’s a renowned and highly successful board certified Urologic Oncologist Expert and Robotic Surgeon in New York City, regarded as one of the leading prostate surgeons in the U.S., with a vast expertise in prostate cancer treatment and Robotic-Assisted Laparoscopic Prostatectomy.  Dr. Samadi is a medical contributor to NewsMax TV and is also the author of two books, Prostate Cancer, Now What? A Practical Guide to Diagnosis, Treatment, and Recovery and The Ultimate MANual, Dr. Samadi’s Guide to Men’s Health and Wellness, available online both on Amazon and Barnes & Noble. Visit Dr. Samadi’s websites at robotic oncology and prostate cancer 911.