Quality of life improvements after bariatric surgery in reproductive age
women with and without PCOS: a cohort study
Abstract
Objective: To understand the impacts of bariatric surgery on quality of
life (QOL) in reproductive age women both with and without PCOS. Design:
A cohort study assessing QOL prior to and a 3,6 and 12 month follow up
appointments post bariatric surgery. Setting: Women completed
questionnaires at clinic appointments or surveys posted to them for
completion. Population or Sample: Sample taken from the RHAMS study
(Reproductive Health after Metabolic Surgery). Methods: The BOSS42
Bariatric & Obesity-Specific Survey was used to assess QOL. Main
Outcome Measures: QOL improvements were assessed over time and
differences between the two groups compared. Secondary outcomes included
assessment of hirsutism, irregular or absent periods, and Sex Hormone
Binding Globulin levels pre- and post-surgery. Results: Bariatric
surgery was shown to have significant QOL benefits for both groups.
Resolution rates of irregular or absent periods was significant across
both groups. Resolution of hirsutism was significant in women with PCOS
after weight loss. Weight was significantly negatively correlated with
QOL. Conclusions: Bariatric surgery results in significant physical and
psychological health benefits for all women with obesity, and for women
with PCOS, may alleviate a significant amount of disease related burden
related to hyperandrogenism, sub-fertility, and metabolic disturbance.
These results indicate the significance and breadth of benefits
bariatric surgery can have for women both with and without PCOS. Funding
This research did not receive any specific grant from funding agencies
in public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors. Keywords: ‘bariatric
surgery’ ‘PCOS’ ‘quality of life’ MESH* terms - Fertility*,
Reproduction*, Women’s Health