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

via whattoexpect.com

Source: The Endocrine Society | Summary: Weight loss and exercise improve ovulation in women who have polycystic ovary syndrome, a common hormone disorder that often causes infertility, according to a new study.

"Weight loss and exercise improve ovulation in women who have polycystic ovary syndrome, a common hormone disorder that often causes infertility, according to a new study published in the Endocrine Society's Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism. 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..."

Read the rest of the article here:
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/09/150924142533.htm