Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a common female condition notable for causing reproductive, hyperandrogenic and metabolic imbalances as a result of a genetic condition EXACERBATED by obesity. There is an established and studied close link between PCOS and obesity, as they create a vicious cycle feeding off of the side effects and metabolic changes they each cause.
It is well known that most obesity-related comorbidities result in a metabolic dysfunction, and PCOS is an important example of that, closely linked to an increased risk of developing Diabetes, High Cholesterol, Fatty liver disease and Obstructive sleep apnea and Infertility. By creating a metabolic perfect storm, obesity can only worsen the metabolic imbalance and increase chronic illness development.
While obesity is not the only variable at play when diagnosing PCOS in a patient, it is a major risk factor as the majority of women with PCOS are overweight or obese. As a result, weight management has been a target goal in the active treatment of this condition.
The mechanisms at play for the development of this syndrome are complex, but can be linked to obesity in their close association with insulin resistance (a disorder closely related as a predecessor to diabetes), compensatory high levels of insulin (increasing the androgenic effects, like facial hair growth, voice deepening and body shape modifications), and hormonal imbalance, often resulting in menstrual cycle modification and fertility issues.
Simply put, PCOS alone can lead to weight gain and obesity if it was not present before, hence worsening its clinical presentation and symptoms, and Obesity alone can act as a metabolic trigger for more complex disorders that lay dormant to come forward and take clinical effects.
Bariatric surgery in the context of PCOS can act as a therapeutic measure by managing the weight gain and obesity aspect of the cycle. Studies show that patients who achieved weight loss after a bariatric procedure also had restored menstrual cycles, improvement in excessive hair growth and decreased androgen levels.
For PCOS patients with infertility, bariatric surgery has been shown to increase fertility rates by achieving a better hormonal balance and lowering the risks naturally related to pregnancy in obese persons. Specifically, a Canadian study showed that out of a population of 783 women included in the study, 47% patients who were previously unable to conceive, were successful after a bariatric procedure.
If you’re interested in learning how a bariatric procedure can help you or a loved one, you can contact us at +1 619-330-4169 to schedule a free online evaluation.
