Weight loss, exercise improve fertility in women with polycystic ovary syndrome

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common cause of female infertility. The condition occurs when a woman's body produces slightly higher than normal amounts of testosterone and other androgens, sex hormones associated with male traits. The resulting hormone imbalance can cause irregular or absent menstrual periods, weight gain, acne, excess hair on the face and body, or thinning hair on the scalp. As many as 5 million women nationwide have PCOS, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Office of Women's Health.

"The findings confirm what we have long suspected -- that exercise and a healthy diet can improve fertility in women who have PCOS," said one of the study's authors, Richard S. Legro, MD, Vice Chair of Research and Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Public Health Sciences at Penn State College of Medicine. "Making preconception lifestyle changes is beneficial, either alone or in combination with other pretreatment options."

Women with PCOS often take birth control pills to regulate the menstrual cycle and reduce the level of androgens in the body. Past research has indicated that pretreatment with a short-term course of birth control pills can raise pregnancy rates among women with PCOS. The JCEM study was designed to compare preconception interventions and their impact on fertility.

The randomized open label study examined the differences in pregnancy outcomes among 149 women with PCOS who either took birth control pills, underwent lifestyle modification or a combination of the two interventions for a four-month period. The participants were between the ages of 18 and 40. The women were either overweight or obese, but had no other major medical conditions. After the intervention, the participants underwent four cycles of ovulation induced by medication.

Among the 49 women assigned to the birth control intervention, five gave birth. Of the 50 women in the lifestyle intervention group, 13 delivered babies. Twelve of the 50 women in the combination group gave birth.

Women who participated in the lifestyle modification intervention and took birth control pills were more likely to ovulate than women who were assigned to take birth control pills. In addition, women in the lifestyle and combination arms of the study had better insulin sensitivity and lower levels of triglycerides -- a type of fat found in the blood -- than women who took birth control pills.

"The research indicates preconception weight loss and exercise improve women's reproductive and metabolic health," Legro said. "In contrast, using oral contraceptives alone may worsen the metabolic profile without improving ovulation. Lifestyle change is an important part of any fertility treatment approach for women with PCOS who are overweight or obese."