If you have irregular periods you may be interested in this study.

WHAT IS POLYCYSTIC OVARY SYNDROME?

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a condition that affects 5-10% of women. It may cause irregular menstrual cycles, excessive hair growth, infertility, and other medical problems such as high blood pressure, abnormal cholesterol levels, and increased risk of adult-onset diabetes. Many researchers believe that 'insulin resistance' is an important cause of PCOS. Some studies show that weight loss or other treatments that reduce insulin resistance improve the symptoms of PCOS. Exercise is known to improve insulin resistance in obese and diabetic people, but its effects on women with PCOS have never been tested.

WHAT IS THE EXERCISE AND PCOS STUDY?

We feel that in addition to diet, exercise may improve some of the symptoms of PCOS, and in particular, the abnormal menstrual cycles. Since there is no research to confirm this, our study aims to determine whether the addition of exercise to a healthy diet can improve ovulation rates. This may ultimately help women who wish to become pregnant conceive, if it is effective. We also wish to determine whether exercise can benefit women with PCOS with respect to blood pressure, cholesterol, excessive hair growth, and body weight and fat.

If you are a female, between the ages of 18 and 40, with PCOS or irregular periods, not currently pregnant or taking hormonal treatments of any kind (either to get pregnant or for contraception), you may be eligible for this study. 

If you are interested in participating, the study personnel will go over the study with you in detail and determine whether you qualify to enrol.

WHAT HAPPENS TO ME IF I DECIDE TO PARTICIPATE IN THE STUDY?

You will be randomly assigned to receive either diet therapy alone, or diet therapy in combination with exercise. None of you, your doctor, or the study staff will decide in advance which treatment you are to receive, in order to best answer the study question. The study will continue for a 12 month period.

If you are in the diet therapy group, you will receive 6 sessions of diet counselling with a registered dietitian, and will be contacted monthly by study staff. If you are in the diet and exercise group, you will receive the diet therapy described, as well as exercise teaching with a trainer and free access to a state-of-the-art exercise facility for one year. You will be asked to perform regular exercise at least 4 times per week. We will collect information on all women including basic personal information and blood testing, in order to best answer the study question. All the information will remain strictly confidential.