Outcome of Gastric Bypass Surgery on Patients with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Review

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), the most common endocrine disorder in women of reproductive age, is associated with obesity. The most effective method to achieve and maintain long-term weight loss is by the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB). In this review, an overview about metabolic and PCOS-specific outcomes after RYGB in obese PCOS women is provided. The RYGB leads to an adequate excess weight loss and reduction in BMI in this patient population. Testosterone levels decline significantly at 6- and 12-months follow-up, as does the incidence of hirsutism and cycle irregularities. Data about fertility are scarce in this patient population. In conclusion, RYGB surgery seems to be an efficient treatment option for obese PCOS patients and leads to weight loss and improvements in metabolic parameters as well as in an improvement of PCOS-specific characteristics. However, larger prospective studies are warranted, which include all PCOS-specific outcome data in one patient population at the same time.