Women’s Health — all lessons
Anatomy and Physiology
Pelvic floor anatomyUnderstanding the menstrual cyclePhysiological changes before and after pregnancyLife-Stage and Hormonal Conditions
MenopauseOsteoporosisPCOSThyroid disordersHormonal imbalance: what exercise can and cannot doExercise guidelines: step-by-step prescriptionPrenatal Exercise
Contraindications and precautions of prenatal exercisePrenatal exercise prescriptionFirst trimester: strengthening and stretchingSecond trimester: strengthening and stretchingThird trimester: strengthening and stretchingPostnatal Exercise
Postnatal evaluation and abdominal rehabilitationBenefits of postnatal exercise for mother and childPostnatal risks and contraindicationsC-section: post-op management and precautionsPostnatal exercise prescriptionPCOS
Polycystic ovary syndrome — features, insulin resistance and metabolic risk, and the evidence-based exercise and lifestyle recommendations from the 2023 international guideline.
Learning objectives
- Describe the features of PCOS
- Explain links with insulin resistance and metabolic risk
- Apply guideline exercise recommendations
- Support clients with weight-neutral, sustainable approaches
Before this lesson
Why this matters
PCOS is one of the most common hormonal conditions in women of reproductive age.
Features
Irregular or absent ovulation, signs of high androgens (acne, excess hair growth) and/or polycystic ovaries on ultrasound. Insulin resistance is common.
Guideline recommendations [teede2023]
| Component | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Aerobic | 150–300 min/week moderate or 75–150 min/week vigorous |
| Resistance | 2 non-consecutive days |
| Sitting | Minimise |
| Approach | Sustainable, enjoyable, weight-neutral goals |
Evidence
Exercise improves insulin resistance, fitness and body composition, with vigorous exercise possibly more effective [patten2020].
Common mistakes and misconceptions
Case study
A 27-year-old with PCOS combines three strength sessions and two interval sessions weekly. Her doctor reports improved insulin sensitivity after 4 months.
Further learning: video lessons
Video links are only marked “verified” after a human has watched them. Unverified entries open a YouTube search for that channel and topic rather than a guessed link.
PCOS
pelvic-health physiotherapists and women’s health clinicians (search)
You will understand: pcos
Why: Clinician-led content; verify the specific video.
Exercise guidelines explained
professional bodies (search, e.g. ACOG, CSEP, RCOG)
You will understand: current guideline recommendations
Why: Clinician-led content; verify the specific video.
Knowledge check
Knowledge check · 0/5
1. PCOS diagnosis commonly involves…
2. A common metabolic feature of PCOS is…
3. The 2023 guideline recommends weekly activity of…
4. Patten et al. (2020) found exercise in PCOS improved…
5. Diagnosis and medical management are done by…
Short-answer & application questions
- Design an exercise plan for a client with PCOS.
- Explain insulin resistance simply.
- Set non-weight goals.
Key takeaways
- PCOS involves irregular ovulation, signs of high androgens and/or polycystic ovaries on ultrasound.
- Insulin resistance is common, increasing metabolic risk.
- The 2023 guideline recommends 150–300 min/week moderate or 75–150 min/week vigorous activity plus muscle strengthening.
- Exercise improves insulin resistance and fitness even without weight loss.
Connected topics
Diabetes training guidelines
metabolic healthMetabolic syndrome training guidelines
lifestyle nutritionNutrition in diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidaemia, PCOD and thyroid disorders
References
- Teede HJ, Tay CT, Laven JJE, et al. (2023). Recommendations from the 2023 international evidence-based guideline for the assessment and management of polycystic ovary syndrome. Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 108(10):2447–2469. Guideline check pending
- Patten RK, Boyle RA, Moholdt T, et al. (2020). Exercise interventions in polycystic ovary syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Frontiers in Physiology, 11:606. Meta-analysis check pending
Educational content only — not medical advice. Consult a qualified clinician for diagnosis or treatment.