Comment on: Effects of bariatric surgery on the menstruation and reproductive-related hormones of obese women without polycystic ovary syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Obesity is a heterogeneous metabolic disease, and the most commonly known associated conditions are diabetes, dyslipidemia, hypertension, and obstructive sleep apnea. But there are myriad other medical improvements that include relief of joint pain, relief of depression, improved cancer risks, and importantly for families, improved fertility. Because of the progressive nature of obesity and subsequent co-morbidities, patients who are often considering surgery are those who are in the later years of life or toward the end of their reproductive age. The median age in the Longitudinal Assessment of Bariatric Surgery (LABS) study was 45 years (range, 17–95 years), and 76% were female [ [1] Belle S.H. Berk P.D. Courcoulas A.P. Flum D.R. Miles C.W. Mitchell J.E. et al. Safety and efficacy of bariatric surgery: longitudinal assessment of bariatric surgery. Surg Obes Relat Dis. 2007; 3: 116-126 Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (198) Google Scholar ]. Younger patients are less likely to consider surgery, especially if they do not have certain co-morbidities. Health care professionals also are less likely to discuss surgical options or refer younger patients, despite data showing that earlier intervention is safe, feasible, and efficacious [ [2] Ghiassi S. El Chaar M. Aleassa E.M. Moustarah F. El Djouzi S. Birriel T.J. et al. ASMBS position statement on the relationship between obesity and cancer and the role of bariatric surgery: risk, timing of treatment, effects on disease biology, and qualification for surgery. Surg Obes Relat Dis. 2020; 16: 713-724 Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (5) Google Scholar ]. Effects of bariatric surgery on the menstruation- and reproductive-related hormones of women with obesity without polycystic ovary syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysisSurgery for Obesity and Related DiseasesVol. 18Issue 1PreviewBariatric surgery is an effective treatment for severe obesity. Several studies have been conducted on the effects of bariatric surgery on the reproductive function of women with obesity who do not have polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Full-Text PDF