Understanding The Connection Between Obesity, PCOS, and Infertility

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a common health issue these days. It affects 6-10% of women of childbearing age. Women with PCOS have issues with irregular periods, hormonal imbalances, and metabolic problems. And what’s one of the major factors that’s linked to PCOS?

Obesity.

According to studies, over 80% of women with PCOS are overweight or obesity. So this directly indicates that excess weight affects the body in ways and is not just linked to type 2 diabetes, heart problems, sleep apnea and more.

Let’s understand how obesity leads to PCOS.

However, the relationship between obesity and PCOS is not simple. But the fact is, both conditions can make each other worse.

How Obesity and PCOS Make Each Other Worse

Obesity alone doesn’t cause PCOS. But it can make it worse in women who are more likely to get it because of genetic tendencies or other reasons.

Insulin Resistance

Extra weight, especially around the belly, makes their body less sensitive to insulin. 

Insulin is a hormone that regulates blood sugar levels. When the body doesn’t respond well to insulin, the pancreas makes even more insulin to keep blood sugar normal. 

When there is too much insulin in the body, it stimulates the ovaries to make more male hormones, which can cause or worsen PCOS.

High Androgen Levels

Excess weight or obesity leads to the release of male hormones androgens. While these high male hormone levels alone don’t cause PCOS, they can make it worse. 

This can mess up the ovaries, causing problems like irregular periods and not ovulating, which are common in PCOS.

Genetic Link

Some women are susceptible to PCOS because of their genetic tendencies. In such cases, gaining weight, especially during their teen years, can make PCOS show up. Extra weight can make the signs of PCOS more noticeable.

Metabolic Problems

When obesity and PCOS happen together, they can lead to other health problems, like type 2 diabetes and heart disease. These problems can make PCOS symptoms worse.

The Impact of Obesity on Fertility

Obesity is one of the major risk factors for infertility. Women with a higher Body Mass Index (BMI) are more likely to have problems with ovulation. 

With obesity, a woman’s body makes more fat tissue. Fat tissue produces extra estrogen. It’s a hormone that helps control the menstrual cycle. Too much estrogen can confuse the body and cause it to stop ovulating. That means the ovaries don’t release eggs regularly. 

This is called anovulatory infertility. 

In women with PCOS, being overweight lowers the chances of getting pregnant naturally and also reduces the success rates of fertility treatments like In Vitro Fertilization (IVF).

Higher body fat can affect the quality of eggs and the lining of the uterus, making it harder for a fertilized egg to implant and grow.

How Metabolic and Weight Loss Surgery Can Help with PCOS

Metabolic and weight loss surgery is a highly effective procedure in managing PCOS, especially for women who have been struggling with obesity. 

In many cases, women are stuck in a vicious cycle and cannot exercise and diet because of their health conditions.

And this further worsens their weight problem. And if you are already suffering, or at a high risk of other serious conditions like type 2 diabetes, or heart problems, then metabolic and weight loss surgery is an effective solution.

Dr. Shashank Shah is one of the best  metabolic and weight loss surgeons and has helped many women improve their health and fertility. 

Here’s how metabolic surgery can make a difference:

Improving Insulin Sensitivity: One of the key benefits of metabolic surgery is that it helps the body use insulin more effectively. 

After surgery, insulin levels drop, which in turn reduces the production of male hormones. This is crucial for restoring ovulation and helping women with PCOS regain regular menstrual cycles.

Normalizing Hormone Levels: Metabolic surgery helps reduce excess weight, which leads to a more balanced hormone profile. When hormone levels are balanced, women with PCOS are more likely to experience regular periods and ovulation, making it easier to conceive.

Improving Egg and Embryo Quality: Excess weight can negatively affect the quality of eggs and embryos, making it harder for a woman to get pregnant. Research indicates that even losing about 5 kg (11 lbs) can lead to better outcomes in terms of implantation rates, clinical pregnancies, and live births among women with PCOS.

Boosting Fertility Treatment Success: Obesity can reduce the effectiveness of fertility treatments like ovulation induction and IVF. Studies have shown that losing around 10% of body weight can improve pregnancy and live birth rates in overweight women seeking fertility help. Even small reductions in weight can help restore normal ovulation and menstrual cycles.

Real-Life Success Stories with Dr. Shashank Shah

Many women with PCOS have successfully managed their symptoms and improved their fertility outcomes through weight loss surgery under the care of Dr. Shashank Shah. 

His expertise in metabolic surgery has helped numerous patients achieve significant weight loss, restore regular periods, and increase their chances of having a baby.  For example, women who have undergone weight loss surgery have reported more regular menstrual cycles, improved insulin levels, and higher success rates with fertility treatments.

Why Consult Dr. Shashank Shah for Weight Loss Surgery?

Dr. Shashank Shah is a highly respected surgeon specializing in metabolic and weight loss surgery. 

He understands the unique challenges faced by women with PCOS and offers personalized treatment plans to help them achieve their health and fertility goals. 

His approach is not just about surgery but also about providing comprehensive care, including dietary guidance, exercise plans, and ongoing support. Long-Term Health Benefits

Metabolic surgery does more than just help with weight loss. It also provides long-term health benefits by reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and other metabolic disorders. 

For women with PCOS, these benefits are particularly important because they help manage the condition more effectively and reduce the risk of long-term health complications.

If you are struggling with PCOS and obesity, consulting with Dr. Shashank Shah could be the first step towards better health and a successful pregnancy.