From Your Weight Matters magazine, Spring 2011: Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is more prevalent in women with obesity, but does obesity cause PCOS or does PCOS cause obesity? In fact, studies have shown both theories have substance, suggesting the relationship is more complex than originally thought. PCOS occurs when levels of hormones are abnormal and refers to small cysts that form along the outer edge of enlarged ovaries. Women with PCOS have irregular menstrual bleeding and often have trouble getting pregnant. About 5-10% of women have PCOS, making it one of the most common hormone imbalance conditions affecting women. Find out more about the underlying causes of PCOS and strategies for treatment in an article from Your Weight Matters magazine here.   

Authors: William Hignett, MPH, and Ted Kyle, RPh, MBA