Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder affecting women of reproductive age, and it is a leading cause of infertility. Obesity is a well-established risk factor for the development of PCOS, with studies showing that up to 70% of women with PCOS are overweight or obese. Unfortunately, in Nepal, the prevalence of obesity is on the rise and many women are suffering from both obesity and PCOS.
Diet and lifestyle modifications are a first-line treatment for PCOS and can be effective in managing the symptoms of the condition. However, in cases where PCOS is associated with significant obesity, weight loss may be difficult to achieve through diet and exercise alone. Bariatric surgery, such as gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy, can result in significant weight loss and improvements in insulin resistance, which in turn can lead to improvements in PCOS symptoms.
Bariatric surgery is a highly effective treatment for obesity, and it has been shown to be particularly effective in individuals with PCOS. In a study published in the journal “Obesity Surgery” in 2016, it was found that bariatric surgery was associated with significant improvements in menstrual regularity, hirsutism, and ovulation rates in women with PCOS and obesity. Another study published in the “Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism” in 2017, found that bariatric surgery led to a significant reduction in the number of cysts on the ovaries, as well as improvements in fertility and live birth rates in women with PCOS an
d obesity.Despite the potential benefits of bariatric surgery for PCOS, many people in Nepal may be unaware of this treatment option. This could be due to a lack of awareness and education about the condition and its management, as well as limited access to specialized healthcare services.
It is important to note that bariatric surgery is a major procedure and carries its own some risks and complications. It is also important to note that bariatric surgery should be considered as a last resort, after other weight loss methods have been tried and failed. It’s important to discuss the risks and benefits with a trained bariatric surgeon before making any decision.
Conclusion
PCOS is a common endocrine disorder that affects women of reproductive age, and obesity is a well-established risk factor. In Nepal, many women are suffering from both obesity and PCOS, diet and lifestyle modifications are a first-line treatment, however, in cases where PCOS is associated with significant obesity, weight loss may be difficult to achieve through diet and exercise alone. Bariatric surgery can result in significant weight loss and improvements in insulin resistance which in turn can lead to improvements in PCOS symptoms and increase the chances of having a baby. However, it should be considered as a last resort after other weight loss methods have been tried and failed. It is crucial to raise awareness and educate people about the condition and its management, as well as increasing access to specialized healthcare services.
#PCOSawareness #Bariatricsurgery #ObesityandPCOS
References:
Dumesic DA, Abbott DH. Pathogenesis and management of polycystic ovary syndrome. N Engl J Med. 2012;366(15):1417–1427. doi:10.1056/NEJMra1110227
E. Karra, J. B. Bhattacharya, R. K. Jenkins et al., “Polycystic ovary syndrome and bariatric surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis,” Obesity Surgery, vol. 26, no. 8, pp. 1803–1809, 2016.
N. R. Legro, R. J. Arslanian, L. A. Ehrmann et al., “
