A recent study conducted by researchers from the University of Oxford in the United Kingdom found that interventions aimed at reducing weight are associated with an improvement in some symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome, including menstrual regularity, and may also be considered a routine treatment option for patients with polycystic ovary syndrome.
Polycystic ovary syndrome
Polycystic ovary syndrome is a common hormonal condition that affects women of reproductive age. It usually begins during adolescence, but symptoms may fluctuate over time. It affects the function of the ovaries, and is associated with problems such as difficulty conceiving and excessive hair growth.
Polycystic ovary syndrome is a chronic condition and cannot be treated. But some symptoms can be improved through lifestyle changes, medications, and fertility treatments. The cause of polycystic ovary syndrome is not known, but women with a family history or type 2 diabetes are at greater risk of developing this syndrome.
Polycystic ovary syndrome affects an estimated 8-13% of women of reproductive age, according to the World Health Organization. Up to 70% of affected women worldwide are not diagnosed.
Polycystic ovary syndrome is the most common cause of anovulation and the main cause of infertility. PCOS is associated with a variety of long-term health problems that affect physical and emotional health.
Symptoms that accompany polycystic ovary syndrome
According to the National Health Service in the United Kingdom, there are 3 main symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome:
- Irregular menstrual cycle.
- Increased male hormones (androgen), which may cause symptoms such as increased growth of body or facial hair.
- Polycystic ovary syndrome, where the ovaries become enlarged and gaps filled with fluid, called follicles, appear in them, surrounding the eggs. The size of the cavities reaches 8 millimeters. Often you cannot secrete an egg, and this means that ovulation does not occur.
People with PCOS are more likely to have other health problems including:
- Type 2 diabetes.
- High blood pressure.
- High cholesterol.
- Heart disease.
- Endometrial cancer (cancer of the inner lining of the uterus).
- Polycystic ovary syndrome can cause anxiety and depression.
Diagnosis of the syndrome
PCOS is diagnosed by the presence of at least two of the following symptoms:
- Signs or symptoms of high androgens (unwanted facial or body hair, hair loss, acne or high levels of testosterone in the blood) after ruling out other causes.
- Irregular or absent menstruation after ruling out other causes.
- Polycystic ovary syndrome on ultrasound examination.
Blood tests can be used to identify characteristic changes in hormone levels.
Treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome
There is no cure for polycystic ovary syndrome, but symptoms can be treated. If a woman with PCOS is overweight, losing weight and eating a healthy, balanced diet may improve some symptoms.
There are medications to treat symptoms such as excessive hair growth, irregular menstruation and fertility problems.
Weight loss is effective in reducing symptoms
The researchers conducted a comprehensive search of several scientific research databases for human trials from the database’s inception until last June to compare the effect of interventions aimed at reducing weight versus usual care or giving patients advice about weight loss. Its results were published in the Annals of Internal Medicine on November 5, and were written about by the Eurek Alert website.
The study conducted by the researchers is known as a systematic review, which is a document often written by a committee that provides a comprehensive review of all relevant studies on a health-related topic. A systematic review is carried out after reviewing and collecting information from both published and unpublished studies, focusing on clinical trials of similar treatments and then summarizing the results.
The study aimed to fill the gap in evidence showing the effect of weight loss interventions on regulating the symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome, and this helps doctors to give patients appropriate advice based on scientific evidence.
Independent researchers reviewed the studies and analyzed the effect of weight loss interventions compared to the effect on patients who were given no additional care, patients who were given usual care (metformin, birth control pills, advice), and patients who were given weight loss advice from Without support. The researchers analyzed the impact on metabolic indicators, hormonal markers, and quality of life.
Interventions aimed at weight reduction included behavioral interventions (dieting or physical activity), drug therapy for weight loss, bariatric surgery, or combinations of these interventions.
The researchers found that interventions aimed at weight reduction were associated with significantly lower blood sugar control and hormonal markers including the free androgen index.
Androgens
Both men and women produce male hormones called androgens, which include testosterone. During puberty, testosterone helps children grow into adulthood. As we age, levels of this hormone may decrease. This causes health problems for both men and women.
Androgen excess is the most common endocrine disorder in women of reproductive age. Androgens are produced primarily by the adrenal glands and ovaries. Peripheral tissues such as fat and skin play a role in converting weak androgens into stronger androgens.
Excess androgen can affect different tissues and organs, causing various clinical features such as acne, hirsutism, masculinization, and reproductive problems.
The Free Androgen Index is a percentage determined after conducting a blood test for testosterone. It is used to find out if androgen levels are abnormal.