Bariatric Surgery Linked to Restored Menstrual Cycles and Fewer Polycystic Ovaries in Women: Study

Weight loss surgery may do more than reduce body weight. A new study suggests it can also help restore regular periods and improve reproductive health in women living with obesity.

Researchers from the University of Surrey followed 84 women aged 18 to 45 who underwent bariatric surgery. Forty-nine had gastric bypass surgery and 35 had gastric sleeve surgery. They were compared with 18 women with obesity who did not undergo surgery.

After 12 and 24 months, women who had surgery had lost more than 30 kilograms on average. Several reproductive health measures also improved.

The number of women with polycystic ovaries fell significantly after surgery. By 24 months, the condition remained in only about 10% of women who had it. Excess body hair, known as hirsutism, also resolved in women with improvements reported by 12 months.

Women who had irregular periods before surgery also reported that their menstrual cycles became more regular after the procedure.

The study recorded 17 healthy pregnancies among women who underwent surgery. Researchers did not specifically study pregnancy outcomes, but found no difference in birth weight between babies conceived within the first year and those conceived later.

The researchers say these findings are important because many women undergoing bariatric surgery are of reproductive age and may want to become pregnant in the future. Obesity can affect hormone levels, menstrual cycles and fertility, and increase pregnancy risks.

However, the study does not prove that surgery directly improves fertility or guarantees healthier pregnancies. They recommend preconception care and reproductive counselling after surgery, including advice on pregnancy timing, especially for women planning pregnancy.

Overall, the findings suggest that treating obesity through bariatric surgery may improve menstrual and reproductive health, but women should receive personalised medical advice before planning pregnancy.

REFERENCE: Whyte, M., et al. (2026). Menstrual and Reproductive Function Before and After Metabolic Bariatric Surgery. Obesity Surgery. DOI: 10.1007/s11695-026-08852-6.