A new study shows that weight loss could ease effects of polycystic
ovary syndrome (PCOS), which is marked by the enlargement of ovaries
and is often linked to menstrual problems, infertility and obesity.
Losing weight appears to improve egg release and ovulation function
in obese patients, leading to an increased chance of pregnancy.
Nearly 70 percent of women diagnosed with PCOS are obese. Researchers
note that dealing with PCOS becomes more complicated as the number
of obese patients increases, which reflects a nationwide trend of
obesity on the rise.
The recent study looked at 38 obese PCOS patients.
With a control group set aside for comparison, the remaining patients
underwent a 24-week diet and exercise program. Those in the program
were divided into two groups. Group one used the diabetes drug,
metformin, during the study; Group two participants did not.
Metformin makes the body's tissues more sensitive to insulin and
is one of the most common OHAs,
or oral hypoglycemic agent, on the market.
At the conclusion of the 24 weeks, women in both diet and exercise
groups showed significant reduction in body weight. Control group
participants did not. Also, researchers determined patients using
metformin more easily met their weight loss goals.
When it came to ovulation, women who lost weight were nine times
more likely to experience regular cycles than those in the control
group. Those that lost weight and used metformin were 16 times more
likely to ovulate on a normal basis than women who did not lose
weight.
Researchers concluded that ovulation restoration can be accomplished
with modest weight loss, as well as metformin therapy. While researchers
admitted that the data is preliminary and follow-up studies need
to be done, they specifically added that physicians should take
note of the study.
Yahoo!
News August 26, 2004
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