Obesity and polycystic ovary syndrome

Obesity in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) patients poses a significant clinical problem not only due to their fertility issues, but also because of the co-existence of metabolic disorders and their long term health consequences. Obesity leads to increased morbidity, impairs Quality of Life (QoL) and might be the cause of early mortality. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome is one of the most frequent endocrinopathies affecting women in reproductive age. Obesity can be found in 18-80% of PCOS patients depending on geographical latitude. The correlation between insulin resistance and elevated androgens level in serum is a complex one. Hyperinsulinemia and insulin resistance lead to a gradual development of the elements of the metabolic syndrome which can be frequently found in PCOS patients. Long-term consequences of metabolic syndrome should be the primary focus here. These include: arterial hypertension, peripheral arterial disease, impaired carbohydrate metabolism and type 2 diabetes. To a large extent, obesity influences the phenotype of PCOS. It is probably related to menstrual cycle irregularities, miscarriage following ovulation induction and failed in vitro fertilization attempts. Body weight normalization has a number of benefits for the patient – it improves the overall metabolic profile and good results in treatment of menstrual disorders.