Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and Fertility
January 2016
in “Open Journal of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases”
TLDR PCOS affects fertility and is linked to obesity and menstrual irregularities; lifestyle changes are recommended for treatment.
Eight years ago, the document discussed Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), a condition affecting 6%-10% of women of reproductive age, and its significant impact on fertility. PCOS is characterized by hyperandrogenism, which includes symptoms like hirsutism, acne, and alopecia, and anovulation, leading to infertility. The syndrome is also associated with insulin resistance, obesity, diabetes mellitus type 2, and cardiovascular disease among others. PCOS was diagnosed in 30%-40% of patients with amenorrhea and 80% of patients with oligomenorrhea. The document also highlighted the association between obesity and menstrual irregularities, with about 50% of infertile women also having obesity. Lifestyle changes were recommended as part of the treatment approach.
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