Effect of Obesity on Fertility in Women With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Obesity (with body mass index > 30 kg/m²) is an important pathological factor which influences the development of hyperandrogenism in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Obese women, particularly those with central obesity, have more difficulty to conceive per cycle. Obese women suffer with irregular menstrual cycle which affect the body hormonal system. Thus obesity affect ovulation, endometrial growth and nidation There fore weight loss have several beneficial effects upon clinical, endocrinological and metabolic features of obese women presenting with PCOS. In fact, weight loss is associated with a significant improvement in menses abnormalities, ovulation and fertility rates, and with a reduction of hyperandrogenism, hyperinsulinaemia, and altered gonadotrophin pulsatile secretion. The central role of improved insulin concentrations and insulin-resistant state is emphasized by the fact that similar effects can be achieved by both short- and long-term administration of metformin, an insulin lowering drug which ameliorates peripheral insulin action in non-diabetic insulin resistant states. We therefore recommend weight loss as a first-line therapeutic option in all women with obesity and Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). And it may be chive by both pharmacological (drug used to suppress apatite) and non pharmacological (life style modification, diet etc.) treatment.