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Polycystic ovary syndrome - Management
Basis for recommendation
These recommendations are based on advice from the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence for obese women in general, including those with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) [National Collaborating Centre for Women's and Children's Health, 2004].
Weight loss
- Lifestyle modification through sensible eating and exercise may improve insulin sensitivity and restore ovulation, even though minimal weight loss is achieved [Balen et al, 2006; Balen and Anderson, 2007].
- Good evidence from a Cochrane systematic review suggests that weight reduction in infertile obese women with PCOS improves ovulation and the chances of pregnancy.
- Most women with PCOS will ovulate in response to clomifene citrate. An increased body mass index is the only factor which is consistently associated with a decreased response to clomifene citrate. Therefore, weight reduction is also an important part of treatment for anovulatory women who are considering treatment with anti-oestrogens [Kousta et al, 1997].
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