Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and Weight Management

A healthy weight can help you have normal ovulation and menstrual cycles and manage many symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). A healthy weight helps keep insulin and "male" hormone (androgen) levels within normal ranges, which reduces your symptoms and prevents serious health problems, including high blood pressure, heart disease, and diabetes.

A healthy weight is one that is right for your body type and height and is based on your body mass index (BMI) and your waist circumference. To calculate your BMI and waist circumference, see:

• Body mass index (BMI) for adults .
• Body mass index (BMI) for adults (metric).
• Calculating waist circumference.