Can Bariatric Surgery Help with PCOS?
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a common condition that affects women, causing symptoms like irregular periods, weight gain, acne, excess hair growth, and difficulty getting pregnant. For many women with PCOS, losing weight and improving fertility can be difficult, even with diet and exercise.
Recent research shows that bariatric surgery (weight loss surgery) may help. A study called the BAMBINI trial found that bariatric surgery can improve fertility and health in women with PCOS and obesity. Here’s what the study found and how it might help women with PCOS.
What is the BAMBINI Trial?
The BAMBINI trial looked at 80 women with PCOS and obesity who had irregular or no periods. Half of the women had bariatric surgery (sleeve gastrectomy), and the other half received medical treatment (medications to help with ovulation and lifestyle changes).
The study tracked how many women ovulated (released eggs) over a year. They also looked at other health factors, like weight loss, hormonal balance, and quality of life.
Key Findings: How Bariatric Surgery Helps
1. More Ovulation with Bariatric Surgery
The women who had bariatric surgery ovulated much more than those who only received medical treatment.
On average, the surgery group had 6 ovulations over the year.
The medical group only had 2 ovulations.
This is a big deal because ovulation is essential for getting pregnant. More ovulation means a better chance of conceiving.
2. Better Health and Weight Loss
Bariatric surgery didn’t just help with ovulation; it also improved other areas of health:
Women who had surgery lost significant weight, which helps balance hormones and improve fertility.
Surgery also improved health issues like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and insulin resistance.
3. Hormonal Balance
Many women with PCOS have high levels of male hormones (androgens), which can cause symptoms like excess hair growth and acne. Bariatric surgery helped lower these hormone levels, which improved symptoms.
4. Better Quality of Life
The women who had surgery also reported feeling better emotionally and psychologically. They felt happier and healthier, which is important for overall well-being.
5. Safety
Although there were some complications in the surgery group, these were mostly temporary and didn’t cause long-term problems. Overall, the surgery was considered safe and effective for most women.
What Does This Mean for Women with PCOS?
The BAMBINI trial shows that bariatric surgery can be a great option for women with PCOS and obesity, especially if they are struggling with fertility. The study found that bariatric surgery helped women ovulate more often, lose weight, balance hormones, and improve their overall health.
Before embarking on any surgery, it is important to discuss the risks and benefits with a qualified medical practitioner to determine if surgery is right for now.
Next Steps: Is Bariatric Surgery Right for You?
If you’re considering bariatric surgery to help with PCOS and fertility, talk to a bariatric surgeon. This is to ensure that all of the risks of surgery are explained and to help determine if surgery is the right choice for you.
If you would like to read more about the BAMBINI trial, you can read about it here: https://www.thelancet.com/pdfs/journals/lancet/PIIS0140-6736(24)00538-5.pdf
The information provided on this website is of a general nature and should not be considered a substitute for individualised medical advice. It is essential to consult a qualified medical practitioner for personalised advice regarding your health, diagnosis, and management. The content on this site is for general informational purposes only and does not establish a doctor-patient relationship.
