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.
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 |
Kathe Gallagher, MSW



