Pregnancy Outcomes in Women with PCOS: Follow-Up Study of a Randomized Controlled Three-Component Lifestyle Intervention

Abstract

Women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and excess weight often present with reproductive derangements. The first-line treatment for this population is a multi-component lifestyle intervention. This follow-up study of a randomized controlled trial based on data from the Dutch Perinatal registry was conducted to study the effect of a one-year three-component (cognitive behavioral therapy, healthy diet, and exercise) lifestyle intervention on pregnancy outcomes in women with PCOS and overweight or obesity. Women diagnosed with PCOS, a BMI ≥ 25 kg/m², and a wish to conceive were randomized to either three-component lifestyle intervention (LSI, n = 123), and care as usual (CAU, n = 60) where they were encouraged to lose weight autonomously. Conception resulting in live birth was 39.8% (49/123) within LSI and 38.3% (23/60) within CAU (p = 0.845). In total, 58.3% conceived spontaneously. Gestational diabetes (LSI: 8.2% vs. CAU: 21.7%, p = 0.133), hypertensive disorders (LSI: 8.2% vs. CAU 13.0%, p = 0.673), and preterm birth (LSI: 12.2% vs. CAU: 17.4%, p = 0.716) rates were all lower in LSI compared to CAU. This follow-up study showed no significant differences in conception resulting in live birth rates between LSI and CAU. Nonetheless, a large proportion eventually conceived spontaneously. Moreover, after LSI, the number of uneventful pregnancies was lower compared to care as usual.