Is PCOS caused by being obese?

Hi, I am wondering if PCOS is caused by being obese or does PCOS cause one to become obese?  My sister is a nurse and thinks because we are obese it messed with our hormones and we developed PCOS rather than the other way around.  What do you think?

Obesity is a side effect of PCOS it doesnt cause it to my knowledge, PCOS is genetic and likely one or more women in your family line have had it but probably were never diagnosed.  not all women get all symptoms some PCO women are not really signifigantly overweight for instance.. lucky *****es in my opinion, but they may have the alopecia (balding) its all personal to you.

Ha! Ha!  Yes, very lucky...thanks for the info, Miss Thang!

It's like which came first, the chicken or the egg. Obesity can make they symptoms worse for sure. Maybe it is due to being overweight from the beginning-I think that is why they say with significant weight loss, the symptoms usually go away. Without a doubt, the messed up hormones make it so hard to lose weight.

Yes, I agree....one more problem with obesity...Here is to less weight and less hormones! 

It's not related. It is a side effect like excess facial hair. My endochronologist said that losing weight is beneficial to women with PCOS, especially because the link to type II diabetes, but she said that she also treats "skinny" PCOS patients. Even if you lose weight, PCOS won't disappear, but your symptoms may not be as severe.

Thanks, wisegirl!

PCOS causes obesity...insulin resistance caused by PCOS gives you a slower metabolism, and leads to probelms with gluclose, and it's all interetwined. your good hormones are stored in fat, and the cycle continues. so our bodies may produce enough estrogen etc., but that gets stored and so it seems like we have more testosteroine etc,. and get symptoms because of it. you can be overweight and not have PCOS but if you have PCOS you are at least mildly overweight to morbidly obese!

If you're looking for more info on PCOS, this is a GREAT site: www.soulcysters.net

it's really helped me a lot in understanding the disease...

GL! :)

Hello,
I've had PCOS since I hit puberty.  I've always been overweight HOWEVER, have you ever seen a show on TLC called "JOHN  AND KATE PLUS EIGHT"?  She was never even close to being overweight but was diagnosed with PCOS.  Anyone can have it, however it can make losing weight hard and being overweight will bring on more symptoms including but never limited to:
 - excess facial hair, chest hair, belly hair and yes, even back hair
 - skin tags
 - darkening of the skin around the folds of your neck, arms, legs
 - acne
 - irregular menstrual cycles sometimes not getting a period for months at a time
 - infertility
 - type II diabetes
 - insulin resistance

It's an ugly cycle, and I can sadly say I have every one of these symptoms.  I started working with a wonderful doctor in Philadelphia who specializes in working with women who have PCOS.  She's very nice and I really liked her, she's very thorough.  Her name is Katherine Sheriff, pronounced sher-eef.  I really want to get back to her however until I get some health insurance that's just not possible. 

There are lots of things they can do to help the symptoms, depending on which ones you have and their severity.  I would recommend you speak to a specialist, an endocrinologist is probably your best bet since doctors seem to think that PCOS stems from a malfunction with blood glucose and insulin production, but your primary doctor or GYN could probably help you as well.

Hope this helps you and you get the help you need.

Peace and Blessings,
Kelly