PCOS, obesity, and infertility, and addressing lifestyle factors may be beneficial in managing these conditions and improving fertility outcomes.
Dr. Garima Sawhney, Senior Gynecologist and Co-Founder of Pristyn Care, shares how PCOS and obesity can affect infertility.
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), obesity, and infertility are interconnected conditions and can often influence each other. Polycystic ovary syndrome is a common hormonal disorder that especially affects women. It is characterized by an imbalance in sex hormones, specifically elevated levels of male hormones along with insulin resistance.
Insulin resistance is a key factor in both polycystic ovary syndrome and obesity. It occurs when the body's cells are less responsive to insulin, which is a hormone that helps regulate blood sugar levels. As insulin resistance worsens, the body produces more insulin to compensate. Insulin resistance in PCOS stimulates the ovaries to produce more androgens. This can disrupt the normal menstrual cycle and lead to the formation of ovarian cysts.
Hormonal imbalances associated with PCOS, particularly elevated androgen levels, can disrupt ovulation, which is a common cause of infertility in people with PCOS.
Obesity can further contribute to infertility by affecting menstrual regularity and ovulation. Excess body fat, especially abdominal fat, can promote insulin resistance and disrupt hormonal balance, making it difficult to occur regular menstrual cycles.
Both PCOS and obesity are associated with chronic low-grade inflammation that can affect reproductive tissues and interfere with fertility. Metabolic dysfunction can also affect ovarian function and contribute to infertility. Apart from these, lifestyle factors such as diet and physical activity play a crucial role in managing both PCOS and obesity. Therefore, adopting a healthy lifestyle, including weight management, regular exercise and a balanced diet, can help improve insulin sensitivity and regulate hormonal imbalances, which could improve fertility outcomes.
It is also important to understand that not all people with PCOS are obese and not all obese people have PCOS. However, there is a well-established association between these three; PCOS, obesity, and infertility, and addressing lifestyle factors may be beneficial in managing these conditions and improving fertility outcomes.
