Many women struggle with infertility. One of the most common infertility causes is “Polycystic Ovary Syndrome,” or “PCOS.” Fertility challenges occur in 70% to 80% of females with PCOS.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome is a hormonal disorder prominent in reproductive women that can run in families. PCOS is one of the leading causes of infertility among women between the ages of 18 and 44. More than 50 percent of women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome are overweight and develop type 2 diabetes by age 40.
PCOS is linked to metabolic syndrome; Bariatric surgery is shown to significantly improves this disorder. Numerous weight loss surgery patients of Mexico Bariatric Center® with PCOS have been cured and overcame infertility.
What is PCOS?
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a complex genetic, hormonal, and metabolic health problem that affects 1 in 10 women of reproductive age. Those diagnosed with PCOS often find themselves unable to ovulate, which continues hurting their ability to become pregnant.
PCOS is considered to be mostly a hereditary condition passed down through genetics. Yet, as many as 50% of women that struggle with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome are also considered morbidly obese (BMI > 40).
Patients dealing with PCOS are in fat storage mode as their cells are resistant to insulin signals. The pancreas will overproduce insulin, and excessive insulin promotes weight gain via fat storage.
Symptoms of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Women who suffer from PCOS may also suffer from acne, facial hair, irregular periods, small ovarian cysts, and increased risk for secondary health conditions, such as type II diabetes and cardiovascular disease. It can also lead to lifelong issues, such as severe anxiety and depression.
Does Bariatric Surgery Cure PCOS?
The notion that obesity is a major contributing factor to PCOS has long been indicated. Although PCOS has no direct cure, studies have confirmed that significant weight loss tends to reduce PCOS symptoms.
Perhaps most importantly to women hoping to conceive, studies have shown that slimming down may restore normal ovulation and potentially reverse infertility. Modest weight loss, however, was shown not to affect PCOS.
In 2011, scientists at the University of Iowa examined patients who struggling with PCOS infertility and morbid obesity underwent gastric bypass surgery. They found that 100% of the women that we’re unable to get pregnant before bariatric surgery got pregnant within 3 years of the procedure.
While the weight loss surgery did not independently cure PCOS, it reduced the symptoms and helped restore normal ovulation, which in turn made each of the women in the study fertile and able to conceive. Substantial weight loss also reduces the risk of pregnancy complications, providing additional benefits beyond reversing infertility.
Testimonials of Weight Loss Surgery Patients with PCOS
- Tricia: “I have PCOS and endo and my gyno suggested the surgery. Almost 80 lbs down, and while I’ve been a slow loser it’s much easier to control the PCOS and everything now. Helped more than you can imagine.”
- Laura: “I had PCOS (I, however, was not on a band prior to surgery..) had my sleeve done 9/25/15 and currently in the 138-142 range… I have random periods now… so it still is somewhat a struggle and when I have a period I drop down closer to 138… my doctor told me the weight loss would help my PCOS (and ultimately help me to conceive… I waited until my annual exam and I had lost over 100 pounds to tell him about my surgery… I also went in there demanding answers that I never got as to why my weight loss… didn’t drastically change my PCOS as he told me it would!) overall thou I feel so much better!”
- Ashley: “I have PCOS. After weight loss surgery I was down a total of 150 lbs! My period became regular and we are now pregnant!”
Choosing Bariatric Surgery for Fertility and Health
Fertility is complex, and weight loss surgery is not a guarantee that women with infertility from PCOS will become pregnant. Factors that contribute to fertility include:
- Age
- Health
- Genetics
Bariatric surgery is a tool to promote rapid weight reduction and is neither marketed nor approved for increasing fertility in women with PCOS. But the results of this research are promising; similar studies have provided comparable results, indicating that morbidly obese women with PCOS may find many of their symptoms resolve or diminish after bariatric surgery, including those related to ovulation and infertility.
Weight loss surgery is considered to be the most effective and long-lasting medical treatment for obesity currently available, with procedures such as gastric sleeve seeing as much as 60% excess fat loss within 6 months. For those whose PCOS may be caused by obesity, it is possible that you will see a reduction of symptoms, and a subsequent increase in your fertility levels.
Weight Loss Surgery in Mexico for PCOS
The surgeons at Mexico Bariatric Center in Tijuana are double board-certified with decades of experience and international recognition for their ability to perform weight loss surgery procedures. If you are interested in bariatric surgery but have found that cost has long been a prohibiting factor, give us a call today at 855-768-7247.
Mexico Bariatric Center has successfully performed bariatric and metabolic surgery in Mexico for hundreds of men and women for less than it costs in the United States. If you struggle with PCOS, contact us today to find out if bariatric surgery is the right option.
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