BREAKING THE LINK:
PCOS AND AUTISM
A Swedish study released this month gained media attention
for linking polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) with autism spectrum disorder
(ASD). The authors concluded that children of women with PCOS have a 59% higher
risk of developing ASD compared to children of women without PCOS (0.7% vs. 0.4%)
because of increased exposure to androgens (male hormones) before birth. This
risk was further increased in obese women with PCOS. What does this mean for women who have PCOS? Let's go behind the numbers to provide reassurance.
