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Some gynecological disorders, such as endometriosis, may be linked to a higher risk of heart disease and brain-related conditions, according to a new study.

Researchers reviewed 28 studies involving over 3 million individuals and examined gynecological disorders such as endometriosis, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), painful menstrual periods (dysmenorrhea), and irregular menstrual cycles.

The researchers were interested in the potential link between gynecological disorders and cardiovascular disease because heart disease is the leading cause of death worldwide, and understanding if individuals with these conditions are at a higher risk is important for preventive health.

People with at least one gynecological disorder had a 28 percent higher risk of cardiovascular or cerebrovascular disease, according to the study published in the journal Heart.

Cerebrovascular diseases are conditions that can affect blood flow to the brain.

The increased risk was particularly significant for individuals with endometriosis or PCOS, a condition affecting a woman’s ovaries.

Another interesting finding was that in some studies, this increased risk seemed to manifest relatively early in life, suggesting that early intervention or monitoring might make a difference in the long run.

The meta-analysis did not suggest any increased mortality risk for patients with these gynecological disorders.

The study adds to the growing body of evidence that non-malignant gynecological diseases are not just localized health concerns but may have systemic effects that can increase the risk of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease.

Chronic low-grade inflammation, hormonal imbalances, and metabolic issues such as insulin resistance could play a part in linking the different conditions.

Cardiovascular diseases, such as heart disease and stroke, are the leading cause of death globally. This is also true in European Union countries, where these diseases account for 43 percent of deaths among women and 36 percent of deaths among men.

The researchers advise patients with gynecological disorders to be proactive but not alarmed, staying vigilant about cardiovascular risk factors such as blood pressure, cholesterol, and weight.

Clinicians should adopt a more integrated approach to care for women with non-malignant gynecological disorders, incorporating cardiovascular risk assessment and prevention strategies into routine gynecological care.

The researchers cautioned that the quality of the studies included in the meta-analysis varied, and they are planning on conducting further research into larger, higher-quality studies to better understand the connection between gynecological and cardiovascular health.