How to lose weight with polycystic ovary syndrome?

Written by Zhang Xiu Rong
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Updated on November 17, 2024
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The characteristics of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) include amenorrhea, obesity, infertility, acne, and hirsutism. Most patients with PCOS are overweight, and such individuals definitely need to have their blood drawn again at the hospital to check their blood sugar levels and insulin for abnormalities. If the blood sugar is also high and there is positive insulin resistance, medication must be used to adjust the blood sugar levels. With normal blood sugar, weight loss can also proceed. Moreover, obesity being a characteristic of the disease itself, it generally can be managed through eating less and exercising more. One should avoid eating large amounts of meat, foods high in fat and calories, and instead consume more vegetables and fruits, as well as beans and soy products, particularly black soybeans used to make soy milk. It is essential to perform one hour of aerobic exercise every night before sleep, and one should definitely avoid staying up late. With these endocrine adjustments, normal body weight can be restored.

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Written by He Bing
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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What are the symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome?

Polycystic ovary syndrome often begins in adolescence, with primary clinical manifestations including menstrual disorders, excess androgens, and obesity. First, menstrual disorders are the most prominent symptoms, often characterized by infrequent menstruation, with cycles ranging from 35 days to 6 months, or amenorrhea. Before amenorrhea, there may be scanty menses or infrequent menstruation. It can also present as irregular uterine bleeding with no regular pattern in menstrual cycle, period, or flow. Second, infertility. Women of childbearing age may experience infertility due to ovulatory disorders. Third, hirsutism is the most common manifestation of high androgen levels. It appears in varying degrees, primarily affecting sexual hair, with dense pubic hair showing a male pattern tendency, extending around the anus, groin, or midline of the abdomen. There may also be fine mustache hair on the upper lip or hair around the nipple. Oily skin is also common, related to the accumulation of androgens stimulating vigorous secretion from the sebaceous glands. Fourth, obesity. Over 50% of patients are obese, commonly exhibiting abdominal obesity. Fifth, acanthosis nigricans. Occurs in areas such as the labia, the back of the neck, armpits, under the breasts, and the groin, where skin folds are present. This is characterized by symmetric grey-brown pigmentation, thickened skin, and a soft texture.

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Written by He Bing
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Can polycystic ovary syndrome be treated with surgery?

Polycystic ovary syndrome can be treated surgically. There are two methods of surgical treatment. For patients with high levels of luteinizing hormone and testosterone, laparoscopic ovarian drilling can be performed, which has advantages such as definite therapeutic effect, minimal injury, and moderate cost. Possible issues with laparoscopic ovarian drilling include ineffective treatment, pelvic adhesion, and reduced ovarian function. Previously, ovarian wedge resection was commonly used, which could lower androgen levels, alleviate symptoms of hirsutism, and increase pregnancy rates. However, due to the high incidence of adhesions around the ovaries after surgery, this method is no longer commonly used clinically.

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Written by He Bing
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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The fastest conception method for polycystic ovary syndrome

If patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) want to conceive as soon as possible, they can make efforts in the following areas: First, weight loss. Among patients with polycystic ovary syndrome, 67% are obese or overweight. Obesity for PCOS patients is not only unattractive but also brings metabolic disorders, reproductive health, and other hazards. Therefore, the first thing is to lose weight. However, weight loss should not rely solely on dieting; it requires a reasonable dietary arrangement combined with scientific exercise methods. Reducing or controlling weight can improve hyperinsulinemia, insulin resistance, and hyperandrogenemia, thereby restoring menstrual cycles, reducing hirsutism and symptoms, and greatly increasing the chances of conception. Second, medication-assisted treatment, mainly from three aspects: adjusting menstrual cycles, treating hyperandrogenemia, and treating insulin resistance. Third, ovulation induction and assisted reproduction. If a PCOS patient with a pregnancy desire cannot conceive naturally with normal male semen analysis, medication-induced ovulation and assisted reproductive technology can be considered to aid conception. Polycystic ovary syndrome is an endocrine metabolic disease and a chronic condition that requires long-term management. It cannot be resolved overnight. Patients need to maintain a relaxed attitude and proceed under the guidance of a professional doctor.

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Written by Li Shun Hua
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Can polycystic ovary syndrome be cured?

Polycystic ovary syndrome is a lifelong disease and is incurable. The causes of this disease are not very clear at present, but are mostly related to environmental and genetic factors. Therefore, it is important to exercise regularly and maintain a normal weight. Generally, the problem is not very serious, but if there is a severe endocrine disorder, it must be addressed, especially in women of childbearing age who experience irregular menstruation or infertility. It is necessary to check the endocrine system and regulate menstruation and promote ovulation based on the endocrine results. If there is a desire to conceive, oral contraceptives can be taken followed by treatments to regulate menstruation and promote ovulation. If there is no desire to conceive, menstruation should occur at least once every two months to avoid endometrial abnormalities.

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Written by He Bing
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Management of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

For patients with polycystic ovary syndrome, the most important aspect is weight control. Patients need to engage in aerobic exercise at least 5 days a week, such as brisk walking, jogging, swimming, etc., each session lasting at least 30 minutes. Attention should also be paid to lifestyle adjustments: ensure a suitable living environment, change bad habits, and avoid staying up late; especially during long-term treatment, it is important to rest, maintain physical strength, and follow a nutritious diet. Be sure to dress appropriately with changing weather to avoid infections from bacteria, viruses, etc. Dietary adjustments involve long-term restriction of calorie intake, opting for low-sugar, high-fiber foods. A light diet with more high-quality protein is recommended. Quit smoking and drinking, and avoid high-sugar, high-fat, and spicy foods. Lastly, it’s crucial to stabilize emotions, focus on self-regulation, maintain an optimistic outlook, and avoid anger, depression, excessive tension, and long-term anxiety.