MedifocusHealth

First line management for polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) includes diet modification and weight loss since obesity alone can contribute to androgen excess. Medications are usually given in order to enhance or boost the effect of weight loss and exercise. Studies have shown that reducing body weight by as little as 7% can improve metabolic (insulin resistance), endocrine (hormone levels) and ovarian (reproductive) function. Weight loss can have a positive effect on the following factors:

• Insulin levels

  • decreased levels of insulin
  • improved sensitivity to insulin
  • reduction of insulin response to glucose tolerance test

• Increased SHBG levels

• Resumption of menses
• Improved ovarian function (ovulation)
• Improvement of dyslipidemia
• Reduced hyperandrogenism and associated symptoms (i.e. hirsutism and acne)

Research on obese women with PCOS indicated that when obese women followed a calorie-restricted diet, their levels of SHBG (which binds to androgens preventing them from circulating freely in the blood) doubled and serum insulin levels fell. When the diet was extended for a longer term, approximately 82% of the women showed significant improvement in fertility, including a few women who conceived after persistent infertility.

It is beneficial for women trying to lose weight to meet with a nutritionist or psychologist because weight reduction can be very difficult especially when insulin disturbances are present.

Psychological and nutritional counseling can also help to reinforce the importance of maintaining weight loss, healthy eating habits, and a good exercise program.