Pnm-11: Lifestyle Modification; Impact on Infertility Treatment of PCOS Women

Background: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common endocrinopathies, affecting 5-10% of women of reproductive age. The treatment of infertile women with PCOS is surrounded by many controversies. This paper reviews the lifestyle modifications in these patients prior to assisted reproductive techniques (ART). Materials and Methods: In this review, English studies published from 2000 to 2014 in MEDLINE data base were identified and recruited. Articles were searched using the combination of the terms “lifestyle”, “infertility” and “PCOS”. In addition, the bibliographies of selected references were searched and utilized. Results: Before any intervention is initiated, pre-conceptional counseling should be provided emphasizing the importance of life style, especially weight reduction and exercise in overweight women, smoking and alcohol consumption. Researches show that weight loss is associated with improved spontaneous ovulation rates in women with PCOS even after losing as little as 5% of initial body weight. It is clear that regular physical activity is an important component of weight loss program, because it is associated with better long-term weight loss maintenance. Regarding diet for PCOS women, it is generally agreed that energy restriction is required for weight loss. Increasing evidence suggest that diets with reduced glycemic load may be beneficial in alleviating hyperinsulinemia and its metabolic consequences. Conclusion: Given that Obesity adversely affects reproduction and is associated with anovulation, pregnancy loss and late-pregnancy complications and also since treatment of adverse lifestyles, including obesity and physical inactivity, should precede ovulation induction, it is highly recommended to encourage PCOS women to lifestyle modifications. Although the best diet and exercise regimens are unknown, but caloric restriction and increased physical activity are strongly recommended.