Weight loss can improve fertility

A recent study which was published in the Endocrine Society’s Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism revealed that obese women suffering from Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) may have a chance of becoming pregnant.

It was discovered that exercises leading to a weight loss can offer them higher chances of carrying a baby, as they improve ovulation for those suffering of PCOS, a medical condition that hinders women from becoming pregnant.

PCOS contains a group of symptoms which appear when women’s body produces a high level of testosterone, thus leading to an irregular quantity of hormones. The symptoms include, apart from the impossibility of getting pregnant, irregular menstruation, excessive hair growth, acne etc.

This disease seems to affect especially women aging between 18 and 44 years old. 5% to 10% of them are touched by this medical condition. It is caused primarily by the genetic material and the environment. Also, it is known to be one of the main causes leading to infertility. The earliest evidence of this disease dates back to 1791, in Italy.

PCOS was believed to have no cure, but it seems that the researchers found a solution.

“The findings confirm what we have long suspected – that exercise and a healthy diet can improve fertility in women who have PCOS,” said Richard Legro, one of the study’s authors.

The participants taking part in the study were 149 females aged between 18 and 40. They were all overweight, but did not suffer from any other major disease. During a period of 4 months, they were subject to several interventions. Some of them had to combine the birth control pills with exercises, while others only took birth control pills. The study revealed that the first ones were more likely to get pregnant than the seconds ones.

The researchers concluded that a change of each woman’ lifestyle suffering from PCOS may give her a real chance of overcoming the fertility problem.

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