Gender Disparities in Obesity Hypoventilation Syndrome
Hamza O Dhafar1, Ahmed S BaHammam1
1The University Sleep Disorders Center, Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; King Saud University Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Sleep Medicine Clinics
|May 20, 2026
Summary
Obesity hypoventilation syndrome (OHS) is a severe breathing disorder more common in postmenopausal women. Limited provider awareness leads to underdiagnosis, delayed treatment, and worse outcomes for women with OHS.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonology
- Sleep Medicine
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Obesity hypoventilation syndrome (OHS) is a severe sleep-disordered breathing condition.
- Many OHS patients also have obstructive sleep apnea.
- Postmenopausal women exhibit increased OHS prevalence, potentially due to hormonal shifts.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the underdiagnosis of OHS in women.
- To emphasize the impact of delayed diagnosis on complications and treatment initiation.
- To advocate for earlier recognition and intervention strategies for OHS in women.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on OHS prevalence and diagnosis.
- Analysis of OHS presentation in postmenopausal women.
- Assessment of healthcare provider awareness regarding OHS.
Main Results:
- OHS is underdiagnosed in women, often presenting with acute respiratory failure.
- Delayed diagnosis in women correlates with increased complications.
- Late initiation of treatment is common due to delayed diagnosis.
Conclusions:
- Limited healthcare provider awareness contributes to OHS underdiagnosis, particularly in women.
- Earlier recognition and intervention are crucial for improving outcomes in women with OHS.
- Addressing hormonal influences and improving diagnostic pathways are needed.
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