Lifestyle Changes in Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

    July 2011 in “ Cochrane library ”
    Lisa Moran, Samantha Hutchison, Robert J. Norman, Helena Teede
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    TLDR Lifestyle changes can improve body composition, excess male hormone levels, and insulin resistance in women with PCOS.
    The document reviewed the effectiveness of lifestyle interventions in treating women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Six studies with a total of 164 participants were analyzed. These studies compared the impact of lifestyle changes, such as diet, exercise, and behavioral therapy, to minimal or no treatment. The results showed that lifestyle interventions led to significant improvements in several PCOS-related outcomes, including reductions in total testosterone levels, hirsutism (excess hair growth), weight, waist circumference, and fasting insulin levels. However, there was no significant effect on body mass index, free androgen index, sex hormone binding globulin, glucose, or cholesterol levels. Additionally, there was no data available on the impact of lifestyle changes on fertility outcomes, quality of life, or patient satisfaction. Overall, the authors concluded that lifestyle interventions can improve body composition, hyperandrogenism, and insulin resistance in women with PCOS, but more research is needed to assess other potential benefits.
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