@drtracyverrico: If you have PCOS, this is something your doctor may not be telling you. PCOS isn't just about irregular periods or hormonal symptoms — it can significantly increase your risk for high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and even certain cancers later in life. And if weight is a factor, it can trigger a hormonal cascade that raises your cancer risk even further — especially gynecologic cancers. That's why treating PCOS goes beyond managing symptoms. It's about protecting your long-term health and getting ahead of risks before they develop.