The Impact of Bariatric Surgery on Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Bariatric surgery has been proven to be a successful management strategy for morbid obesity, but limited studies exist on its effect on polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). A comprehensive search of electronic databases was completed. Meta-analysis was performed on PCOS, hirsutism, and menstrual irregularity outcomes following bariatric surgery. Thirteen primary studies involving a total of 2130 female patients were identified. The incidence of PCOS preoperatively was 45.6 %, which significantly decreased to 6.8 % (P < 0.001) and 7.1 % (P < 0.0002) at 12-month follow-up and study endpoint, respectively. The incidences of preoperative menstrual irregularity and hirsutism both significantly decreased at 12-month and at study end follow-up. Bariatric surgery effectively attenuates PCOS and its clinical symptomatology including hirsutism and menstrual irregularity in severely obese women.