# Impact of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Status on Changes in Reproductive Function During a Hypocaloric Dietary Intervention

## TL;DR

A short-term low-calorie diet does not significantly improve reproductive function in women with PCOS compared to those without PCOS.

## Contribution

The study provides new insights into the limited impact of short-term hypocaloric diets on reproductive outcomes in PCOS patients.

## Key findings

- Both PCOS and non-PCOS groups achieved weight loss, but reproductive parameters like follicle diameter and cycle length remained unchanged.
- Non-PCOS controls showed improved progesterone and endometrial thickness, while PCOS patients had a shorter follicular phase.
- Weight loss rate was not associated with changes in ovulatory function or endometrial development.

## Abstract

Background/Objectives: Lifestyle interventions are first-line treatment for women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) to improve metabolic health. Impacts on reproductive function are less clear. Previous research has been limited by inconsistencies in evaluation of ovulatory function and lack of comparisons between women with and without PCOS. Methods: The present study implemented a prospective clinical trial of 28 women (PCOS, N = 10 and Non-PCOS Control, N = 18) undergoing a 1-month baseline assessment followed by a 6-month hypocaloric dietary intervention. Results: Both groups reached clinically meaningful weight loss with the intervention (PCOS group: 6.5 ± 5.5%; Non-PCOS Control group: 10.0 ± 4.7%). Largest follicle diameter and growth rate of ovulatory dominant follicle, menstrual cycle length and luteal phase length did not change during the intervention in either group (all p > 0.05). The Non-PCOS Control group had increased mid-luteal phase progesterone levels and secretory phase maximum endometrial thickness during the intervention (all p < 0.05), whereas the PCOS group showed a reduction in follicular phase length (p < 0.05). Additionally, changes in ovulatory function and endometrial development were not associated with the rate of weight loss (all p > 0.05). Conclusions: This study demonstrates that women with PCOS are unlikely to experience changes in menstrual cyclicity and endometrial development with a short-term hypocaloric dietary intervention. The shortening of the follicular phase suggests that women with PCOS may need a longer intervention to achieve clinically meaningful improvements in ovulatory function and endometrial health.