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- Reproductive Biomedicine Online: Role of Changes in Dietary Habits in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
- Reproductive Biomedicine Online: Role of Changes in Dietary Habits in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
- Fertility and Sterility: Role of Diet in the Treatment of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
- Fertility and Sterility: Role of Diet in the Treatment of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
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Recommended Diet for PCOS
Polycystic ovary syndrome, or PCOS, is a complex condition that affects women and is characterized by an imbalance in sex hormones 3. It can cause irregular menstrual cycles, abnormal hair growth, hair loss and fertility issues. Having PCOS increases your risk of developing chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease. Although there is no specific diet for PCOS, certain dietary changes can improve symptoms and help manage the condition.
Importance of Weight Loss
Close to 50 percent of women with PCOS are overweight or obese, according to the McKinley Health Center. Weight loss is the first approach to managing PCOS, according to a 2004 review published in the journal "Reproductive Biomedicine Online." Losing weight significantly improves hormonal and metabolic problems and improves fertility rates in women with PCOS. The McKinley Health Center recommends losing 5 to 10 percent of your weight if you're overweight.
- Close to 50 percent of women with PCOS are overweight or obese, according to the McKinley Health Center.
Benefits of Improving Insulin Sensitivity
Diet for PCOS and Insulin Resistance
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Insulin resistance is a common feature of PCOS. In addition to regulating blood glucose, insulin regulates ovarian function, making it a primary focus in the management of PCOS, according to Reproductive Biomedicine Online 1. Researchers in Australia found evidence that supports following a controlled-carbohydrate, protein-rich diet if you have PCOS.
Meal Plans
When it comes to diet, the strongest evidence to date suggests reducing your overall calorie intake to promote weight loss and adjusting your carbohydrate intake. Prepare smaller, more frequent meals to keep blood sugar levels steady, and aim to eat every 3 to 4 hours. Limit your salt intake to less than 2,400 milligrams per day, and eat protein with each meal and snack to help stabilize the effect of the carbohydrates on your blood sugar.
Sustainable Changes
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Although drastic carbohydrate reduction appears to be unnecessary in the management of PCOS, making dietary changes that you can sustain long-term is crucial. Even a moderate reduction in carbs improves insulin sensitivity, according to a study published in 2006 in "Fertility and Sterility." The authors found that switching to a diet consisting of 43 percent carbohydrates was enough to reduce fasting insulin levels -- a sign of improved insulin sensitivity -- in women with PCOS. A typical diet is composed of 56 percent carbohydrates on average. If you follow a 2,000-calorie diet, the recommended guideline translates to getting about 215 grams of carbohydrates per day.
- Although drastic carbohydrate reduction appears to be unnecessary in the management of PCOS, making dietary changes that you can sustain long-term is crucial.
- The authors found that switching to a diet consisting of 43 percent carbohydrates was enough to reduce fasting insulin levels -- a sign of improved insulin sensitivity -- in women with PCOS.
Related Articles
References
- Reproductive Biomedicine Online: Role of Changes in Dietary Habits in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
- Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics: Dietary Composition in the Treatment of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Systematic Review to Inform Evidence-Based Guidelines
- Fertility and Sterility: Role of Diet in the Treatment of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
- Moran, Lisa J., et al. “Dietary Composition in the Treatment of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Systematic Review to Inform Evidence-Based Guidelines†.” Human Reproduction Update, vol. 19, no. 5, 31 May 2013, pp. 432–432
- Moran, L.J., et al. “The Contribution of Diet, Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviour to Body Mass Index in Women with and without Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.” Human Reproduction, vol. 28, no. 8, 15 June 2013.
- Gambineri, A, et al. “Obesity and the Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.” International Journal of Obesity, vol. 26, no. 7, 25 June 2002, pp. 883–896
- Sørensen LB, Søe M, Halkier KH, Stigsby B, Astrup A. Effects of increased dietary protein-to-carbohydrate ratios in women with polycystic ovary syndrome. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 2011;95(1):39-48.
- H. Farschi, et al. “Diet and Nutrition in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): Pointers for Nutritional Management.” Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, 2009
- Asemi Z, Esmaillzadeh A. DASH Diet, Insulin Resistance, and Serum Hs-CRP in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial. Hormone and Metabolic Research. 2014;47(03):232-238. doi:10.1055/s-0034-1376990
- Gambineri A, Patton L, Altieri P et al. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Is a Risk Factor for Type 2 Diabetes: Results From a Long-Term Prospective Study. Diabetes. 2012;61(9):2369-2374. doi:10.2337/db11-1360
- Moran L, Ranasinha S, Zoungas S, McNaughton S, Brown W, Teede H. The Contribution of Diet, Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviour to Body Mass Index in Women With and Without Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. Fertil Steril. 2013;100(3):S352. doi:10.1016/j.fertnstert.2013.07.823
- Salama A, Amine E, Salem H, Abd El Fattah N. Anti-Inflammatory Dietary Combo in Overweight and Obese Women With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. N Am J Med Sci. 2015;7(7):310. doi:10.4103/1947-2714.161246
- Schmidt J, Brännström M, Landin-Wilhelmsen K, Dahlgren E. Reproductive Hormone Levels and Anthropometry in Postmenopausal Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): A 21-Year Follow-Up Study of Women Diagnosed with PCOS around 50 Years Ago and Their Age-Matched Controls. The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism. 2011;96(7):2178-2185. doi:10.1210/jc.2010-2959
Writer Bio
Janet Renee is a clinical dietitian with a special interest in weight management, sports dietetics, medical nutrition therapy and diet trends. She earned her Master of Science in nutrition from the University of Chicago and has contributed to health and wellness magazines, including Prevention, Self, Shape and Cooking Light.