People with PCOS may be more likely to develop psoriasis. Psoriasis can lead to psoriatic arthritis.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is an imbalance of reproductive hormones that can cause issues in the ovaries.

PCOS can cause an absence of or irregular menstrual periods, which may lead to infertility. A person with PCOS may also experience atypical growths on one or both ovaries.

Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is a long-term condition that affects the joints and typically worsens over time. PsA occurs when the immune system becomes overactive. It typically causes inflammation, pain, and swelling in the joints. People with PsA often already have the skin condition psoriasis.

This article discusses the link between PCOS and PsA, whether PCOS can lead to autoimmune diseases, what role inflammation plays in PCOS and PsA, treatments, and more.

The article also includes the personal experience of Angela Grassi, a registered dietitian has PCOS and PsA. She is also the CEO of the PCOS Nutrition Center.

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PCOS is a common condition that affects approximately 1 in 10 womenTrusted Source of reproductive age in the United States. StudiesTrusted Source suggest that people with PCOS are more likely to develop the skin condition psoriasis.

Approximately 20% of peopleTrusted Source with psoriasis have PsA.

However, currently, no research suggests that PCOS and PsA can directly cause each other.

Alongside the link with psoriasis, there are several other connections between PCOS and PsA.

Angela’s story: I was diagnosed with PCOS and later PsA

I was diagnosed with PCOS in 2005 and PsA in 2013. Having PCOS did not help me find PsA.

Insulin resistance

Insulin resistance occurs when the cells in the body have difficulty responding to insulin and cannot easily move glucose from the blood. When this happens, the pancreas has to compensate by making more insulin.

It is common for peopleTrusted Source with PCOS to have insulin resistance.

Studies also showTrusted Source that people with PsA are more at risk of developing insulin resistance.

Angela’s story: Insulin resistance makes my PsA worse

Having insulin resistance makes my inflammation and PsA worse, and vice versa.

High insulin stimulates inflammatory markers, and having inflammation can increase insulin. Having the two together makes it harder to manage weight, cravings, and blood sugar.

If the inflammation is hard, it can affect my ability to move my body in the ways I enjoy.

Metabolic syndrome

Metabolic syndrome is a group of conditions that can increase the risk of stroke, coronary heart disease, and diabetes.

Metabolic syndrome can occurTrusted Source when a person has obesity, high blood pressure, and high blood sugar.

ResearchTrusted Source suggests that people with PsA are at a greater risk of developing metabolic syndrome. Studies also show that 43% of adult womenTrusted Source with PCOS have metabolic syndrome.

People with PCOS have an imbalance of certain hormones, including low levels of progesterone.

These low progesterone levels can overstimulate the immune system into making too much estrogen.

ResearchTrusted Source suggests that higher levels of estrogen may lead to autoimmune diseases, such as lupus.

People with PsA can have overactive immune systems, which can leadTrusted Source to inflammatory abnormalities and present as inflammation in the joints.

A review of studiesTrusted Source notes that although current literature indicates that people with PCOS also experience long-term inflammation in the body, there is no firm evidence to confirm a link between the two conditions.

Angela’s story: Anti-inflammatory foods, supplements, and exercise help

Focusing on anti-inflammatory foods has helped both conditions a lot.

This means lots of fruits and vegetables, omega-3 rich fats like salmon and avocados and nuts, and taking supplements shown in studies to reduce inflammation and IR, such as turmeric, coQ10, vitamin D, and fish oil.

Exercise also helps to manage both, as well as getting good quality sleep.

There is currently no cure for PCOS. However, treatments are available to help a person manage their symptoms and reduce their risk of developing other health conditions. These treatments includeTrusted Source:

  • eating a balanced diet
  • getting regular exercise
  • taking medications, including:
    • hormonal birth control
    • anti-androgen medications
    • metformin
  • maintaining a moderate weight
  • removing hair with hair removal creams or laser removal
  • slowing hair growth with medications, such as eflornithine HCl cream

Treatments for PsA can include:

  • taking medications, such as:
  • making lifestyle changes, such as:
    • quitting smoking if you smoke
    • reducing stress wherever possible
    • following a nutritious, balanced diet
  • getting regular exercise with low impact activities, such as:
    • walking
    • swimming
    • yoga

An early diagnosis of PCOS or PsA is important to help treat and manage the conditions as effectively as possible.

It is best to contact a doctor if a person has any of the following symptoms of PCOS or PsA:

  • irregular or no menstrual periods
  • difficulty getting pregnant
  • unexplained weight gain
  • excessive hair growth or thinning hair
  • acne
  • painful, itchy, and red or discolored rashes on the skin
  • pain, tenderness, warmth, and swelling in the joints
  • fatigue
  • low grade fever

The following are some questions people frequently ask about PCOS, inflammation, and psoriasis.

Does PCOS cause inflammation in the joints?

Currently, no research suggests that PCOS causes inflammation in the joints. However, studies showTrusted Source that people with PCOS may be more likely to develop osteoarthritis (OA). A characteristic of OA is low levels of joint inflammation that can lead to wear and tear of the joints.

However, the study also stated that people without obesity may have a lower risk of OA than those with it. The connection may be more relevant to obesity than PCOS. More research is needed.

Are psoriasis and PCOS linked?

Some studiesTrusted Source suggest that people with PCOS have a greater risk of developing psoriasis.

What kind of inflammation can PCOS cause?

Some literature indicates that PCOS can leadTrusted Source to long-term, low-grade inflammation in the body, although there is not enough evidence to confirm the link. However, inflammation can be a risk factor for developing heart conditions.

There are significant links between PCOS and PsA. Both conditions can lead to inflammation in the body and may lead to insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome.

Research also suggests that there is a direct link between PCOS and psoriasis, which is a skin condition that can eventually lead to PsA. Approximately 20% of people with psoriasis will develop PsA.

However, there is currently no research to suggest that having PCOS is a direct cause of PsA.