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.
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), the most common endocrinopathy among premenopausal women, is associated with risk factors that increase the likelihood of metabolic, cardiovascular, oncological, and psychological co-morbidities. Despite the known protective effects of regular exercise among people with chronic conditions, exercise engagement among women with PCOS is low. Findings from this project will provide insight into the biopsychosocial perspectives and barriers and facilitators to exercise and will discover meaningful and relevant means to promote exercise as a therapeutic option for symptom management and chronic disease risk reduction among women with PCOS.
