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Exercise and polycystic ovary syndrome

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By Bets Davis, MFA; Kathe Gallagher, MSW

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If you have polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), regular exercise can help you lose weight or stay at a healthy weight. It can also improve your blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels, reduce your blood pressure, lower your insulin and blood sugar, and reduce your risk for long-term heart disease.

Regular exercise and weight control can help you have regular menstrual cycles, which can help your symptoms of PCOS. Try to do moderate activity at least 2½ hours a week. One way to do this is to be active 30 minutes a day, at least 5 days a week. It's fine to be active in blocks of 10 minutes or more throughout your day and week.1 You can be fit, regardless of whether you are overweight.

Moderate activity is safe for most people, but it's always a good idea to talk to your doctor before you start an exercise program. For more information, see the topic Fitness.

References

Citations

  1. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (2008). 2008 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans (ODPHP Publication No. U0036). Washington, DC: U.S. Government Printing Office. Available online: http://www.health.gov/paguidelines/pdf/paguide.pdf.

Credits

Author Bets Davis, MFA
Author Kathe Gallagher, MSW
Editor Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA
Associate Editor Pat Truman, MATC
Primary Medical Reviewer Caroline S. Rhoads, MD - Internal Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer Samuel S. Thatcher, MD, PhD - Obstetrics and Gynecology, Reproductive Endocrinology
Last Updated January 23, 2008
Last Updated: 01/23/2008