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. 2014 Feb 28;3(1):36-46.
doi: 10.1530/EC-14-0010. Print 2014.

Effect of lifestyle intervention on the reproductive endocrine profile in women with polycystic ovarian syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Liza Haqq  1 , James McFarlane, Gudrun Dieberg, Neil Smart
Affiliations

Effect of lifestyle intervention on the reproductive endocrine profile in women with polycystic ovarian syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Liza Haqq et al. Endocr Connect. .

Abstract

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) affects 18-22% of women at reproductive age. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis evaluating the expected benefits of lifestyle (exercise plus diet) interventions on the reproductive endocrine profile in women with PCOS. Potential studies were identified by systematically searching PubMed, CINAHL and the Cochrane Controlled Trials Registry (1966-April 30, 2013) systematically using key concepts of PCOS. Significant improvements were seen in women receiving lifestyle intervention vs usual care in follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels, mean difference (MD) 0.39 IU/l (95% CI 0.09 to 0.70, P=0.01), sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) levels, MD 2.37 nmol/l (95% CI 1.27 to 3.47, P<0.0001), total testosterone levels, MD -0.13 nmol/l (95% CI -0.22 to -0.03, P=0.008), androstenedione levels, MD -0.09 ng/dl (95% CI -0.15 to -0.03, P=0.005), free androgen index (FAI) levels, MD -1.64 (95% CI -2.94 to -0.35, P=0.01) and Ferriman-Gallwey (FG) score, MD -1.01 (95% CI -1.54 to -0.48, P=0.0002). Significant improvements were also observed in women who received exercise-alone intervention vs usual care in FSH levels, MD 0.42 IU/l (95% CI 0.11 to 0.73, P=0.009), SHBG levels, MD 3.42 nmol/l (95% CI 0.11 to 6.73, P=0.04), total testosterone levels, MD -0.16 nmol/l (95% CI -0.29 to -0.04, P=0.01), androstenedione levels, MD -0.09 ng/dl (95% CI -0.16 to -0.03, P=0.004) and FG score, MD -1.13 (95% CI -1.88 to -0.38, P=0.003). Our analyses suggest that lifestyle (diet and exercise) intervention improves levels of FSH, SHBG, total testosterone, androstenedione and FAI, and FG score in women with PCOS.

Keywords: exercise; female reproduction; follicle-stimulating hormone; insulin resistance; luteinizing hormone; polycystic ovarian syndrome.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Consort statement.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Change in FSH levels in lifestyle intervention vs usual care groups.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Change in FSH levels in exercise-alone vs usual care groups.
Figure 4
Figure 4
Change in SHBG levels in lifestyle intervention vs usual care groups.
Figure 5
Figure 5
Change in SHBG levels in exercise-alone vs usual care groups.
Figure 6
Figure 6
Change in total testosterone levels in lifestyle intervention vs usual care groups.
Figure 7
Figure 7
Change in total testosterone levels in exercise-alone vs usual care groups.
Figure 8
Figure 8
Change in androstenedione levels in lifestyle intervention vs usual care groups.
Figure 9
Figure 9
Change in androstenedione levels in exercise-alone vs usual care groups.
Figure 10
Figure 10
Change in FAI levels in lifestyle intervention vs usual care groups.
Figure 11
Figure 11
Change in FG score in lifestyle intervention vs usual care groups.
Figure 12
Figure 12
Change in FG score in exercise-alone vs usual care groups.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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