PCOS Symptoms – Can Bariatric Surgery Help?
Obesity, which used to be thought of as a lifestyle disorder, has now become a serious health problem in India because many obese people are at risk of various life-threatening disorders. Obesity and its effects on health are often ignored, even though we are aware that morbid cases need surgical treatment.
Diabetes, heart disease, and high blood pressure are said to be the most common complications associated with obesity. However, obesity and infertility are also strongly related, and Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is a common infertility condition observed in obese people. It primarily affects women in their reproductive years.
Although PCOS entails a wide range of conditions with an unclear underlying mechanism, it is typically characterized by irregular or absent ovulation, high androgen levels, and the presence of polycystic ovaries, which are observed through ultrasound imaging. Furthermore, more than half of the women (30%–70%) with PCOS are obese, which requires special treatment to control the condition.
Obesity, especially in PCOS women, increases the risk of complications related to it, such as type 2 diabetes, hyperlipidemia (elevated lipid levels), and arterial hypertension.
Symptoms related to this condition include irregular or missing periods, excessive hair growth, acne, and weight gain. Preferably, bariatric surgery is one of the special treatments for obese patients that can control many underlying obesity-related conditions, including PCOS.
Bariatric surgery is an ingenious surgical procedure that helps people lose weight by altering their digestive systems. The altered digestive system limits the quantity of food consumed by a person. Bariatric surgeries are of different types (gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy, adjustable gastric banding, etc.), and based on the patient’s condition and preferences, a bariatric surgeon would choose the procedure to gain maximum benefits.
Many women with PCOS have shown improvement in their symptoms after undergoing bariatric surgery. This is because bariatric surgery helps obese people lose weight, which aids in improving insulin resistance and the imbalance in hormone levels related to PCOS.
However, remember that bariatric surgery might improve PCOS, but it is not a permanent solution. Even after surgery, women with PCOS need to follow a healthy diet and exercise regularly to manage their condition.
Women with PCOS may gain some potential benefits following bariatric surgery:
Significant Weight loss gained after bariatric surgery is long-lasting and can help people with PCOS have better insulin sensitivity and improve hormonal balance.
Weight loss surgery enhances metabolic health, which is frequently compromised in PCOS women and includes lipid profiles, insulin resistance, and glucose metabolism.
Irregular menstrual cycles, which is one of the major complications of PCOS, can be restored to regular menstrual cycles.
Androgen (male hormone) levels that are elevated in PCOS conditions can be decreased following bariatric surgery. Symptoms like excessive hair growth and acne also improved.
Following bariatric surgery, women with PCOS are likely to experience improved fertility as their hormonal balance is restored and their menstrual cycles become regular.
However, remember that any major surgery might carry some risks, and complications related to bariatric surgery such as nutrient deficiencies, changes in bowel movements, etc., are common. However, they can be optimized if you follow a lifelong dietary plan and modify your lifestyle accordingly.
Dr. Venugopal Pareek, one of the best bariatric surgeons in Hyderabad, says that individuals with PCOS conditions should undergo a complete evaluation by an endocrinologist, gynecologist, and bariatric surgeon before considering bariatric surgery. The evaluation aids in the analysis of the patient’s overall health, PCOS symptoms, history of weight loss, and other factors so that doctors can decide that bariatric surgery is the best course of action. This is because non-surgical methods like medication, dietary adjustments, lifestyle changes, and specialized PCOS treatments might help to fix the condition.
For more detailed information or if you are obese and looking for treatment, call +91 91777 77715 and book your weight loss consultation with the doctor.
