Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common hormonal disorders affecting women of reproductive age and is strongly associated with obesity and insulin resistance. PCOS is characterized by hormonal imbalance, irregular or absent menstrual cycles, excessive androgen (male hormone) levels, and the presence of multiple small cysts in the ovaries. Obesity significantly worsens the severity of PCOS symptoms and increases the risk of long-term complications.

Excess body fat, particularly abdominal fat, contributes to insulin resistance, which plays a central role in PCOS. Elevated insulin levels stimulate the ovaries to produce excess androgens, disrupting ovulation and menstrual regularity. This hormonal imbalance can lead to infertility, acne, excessive hair growth, scalp hair thinning, and weight gain, creating a challenging cycle for affected women.

Women with PCOS are also at increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, high cholesterol, and cardiovascular disease later in life. In the UAE, PCOS is increasingly diagnosed due to rising obesity rates, sedentary lifestyles, and dietary patterns, making effective long-term management essential.

Bariatric surgery offers a powerful therapeutic option for women with obesity-related PCOS who have not achieved symptom control through lifestyle modification and medical treatment alone. Surgical weight loss improves insulin sensitivity, reduces androgen levels, and restores hormonal balance. Many women experience normalization of menstrual cycles and resumption of regular ovulation within months after surgery. Clinical studies show significant improvement in fertility outcomes following bariatric surgery, along with reduction in PCOS-related symptoms such as acne and excessive hair growth. Improved metabolic health also lowers the long-term risk of diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

Management includes close collaboration between bariatric surgeons, gynecologists, endocrinologists, and dietitians. Pre-operative counseling addresses fertility planning, while post-operative care focuses on nutritional adequacy, hormonal monitoring, and healthy weight maintenance.
By treating the metabolic root cause of PCOS rather than symptoms alone, bariatric surgery offers long-term reproductive, hormonal, and overall health benefits for women affected by this condition.