Advancing Knowledge about Exercise as a Therapeutic Management Strategy for Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome - Project Summary/Abstract
Description: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrinopathy and the leading
cause of infertility among premenopausal women, with a conservative estimate of 5 million women with
PCOS in the United States (US) and $5 billion in associated costs annually. Its etiology is complex and
poorly understood, as is the optimal treatment and management. The hallmark signs of PCOS include
hyperandrogenism and excess percent body fat. The risk factors associated with PCOS, such as insulin
resistance, obesity, dyslipidemia, and endometrial disturbances increase the likelihood of metabolic
syndrome, cardiovascular disease, and endometrial cancer. Psychological morbidities are also
significant, as women with PCOS are eight times more likely to have anxiety and depression than women
without PCOS. Endocrine Society Clinical Practice Guidelines on the Diagnosis and Treatment of PCOS
recommend exercise as a first-line treatment to combat chronic disease risk, yet there are no published
data regarding (1) prevalence of women with PCOS who exercise, (2) their exercise outcome
expectations, and (3) perceived barriers and facilitators to exercise. The overall objective of this F31
predoctoral award is to gain the knowledge and skills needed to begin to develop exercise interventions
for premenopausal women with PCOS. The goal of the proposed research is to advance knowledge
about exercise as therapeutic management strategy among women with PCOS by implementing the
following specific aims: (1) Explore the relationships among biopsychosocial characteristics, self-reported
exercise, exercise outcome expectations, and potential barriers and facilitators to exercise among
premenopausal women with PCOS; (2) Explore the relationships among hormonal concentrations, lipid
profiles, anthropometric attributes, and fitness levels of premenopausal women with PCOS; and (3)
Identify supports (aids, devices, people, services, and/or behavioral change strategies) that may promote
initiation and maintenance of exercise in premenopausal women with PCOS. This F31 award will
positively impact scientific knowledge about exercise among premenopausal women with PCOS, which
aligns with NINR’s mission to promote and improve the health of individuals. The fellowship award also
will allow me the time to engage in the necessary training and mentoring to further my research
knowledge and skill, which will establish a foundation for me to develop into an independent and
productive researcher who can design and implement future intervention research.
