LIFESTYLE AND POLYCYSTIC OVARY SYNDROME: METABOLIC, REPRODUCTIVE, AND QUALITY OF LIFE IMPACTS — A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

Abstract

This article aimed to describe the relationship between lifestyle and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). PCOS is one of the most common endocrine-metabolic disorders in women of reproductive age. The syndrome is associated with insulin resistance, obesity, dyslipidemia, hypertension, glucose intolerance, type 2 diabetes, and increased cardiometabolic risk. It is also directly linked to fertility, the menstrual cycle, hyperandrogenism, psychological health, and quality of life. Given these clear metabolic and reproductive impacts, preventive interventions and lifestyle modifications are effective measures in the management of PCOS. Recent studies demonstrate that lifestyle interventions can improve metabolic and reproductive parameters in women with PCOS. Gynecologists and endocrinologists seek collaborative approaches to the comprehensive care of this population, aiming to reduce BMI, waist circumference, blood glucose levels, and improve lipid profiles. Furthermore, the metabolic nature of this syndrome is so significant that, in May 2026, an international consensus proposed replacing the term Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) with Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS). This change sought to address limitations of the previous term—considered reductionist and potentially misleading—which emphasized ovarian morphology exclusively in a condition that is multisystemic in nature.