Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Diet

Home Topics Polycystic Ovary SyndromePCOS Diet

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Diet

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, or PCOS, is caused by a complex hormonal imbalance. The condition affects the whole body, and can cause infertility, diabetes, heart disease and other serious medical conditions in some cases.

Common symptoms of PCOS can include irregular or absent menstrual periods, obesity or sudden inexplicable weight gain and excess body or facial hair in some women.

The exact cause of PCOS is not clear, but there are many factors that can contribute to PCOS, including genetic tendency, obesity, high blood pressure and menstrual problems. Insulin resistance also plays a big role in PCOS in most women.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and Insulin

Diet and lifestyle choices can play an important role in controlling PCOS and its symptoms. Many treatments for PCOS are aimed at controlling specific symptoms, especially insulin resistance. Weight loss and exercise have both been proven to lower insulin resistance, which is why a healthy diet and healthy lifestyle changes can benefit PCOS sufferers immensely.

While medical professionals do not agree completely on the relationship between insulin, PCOS and obesity, all medical professionals generally agree that weight loss can help in the fight against PCOS.

PCOS and Exercise

In addition to eating a healthy diet, exercise plays an important role in the battle against PCOS, as exercise improves insulin sensitivity in skeletal muscle and fat tissue, which reduces insulin levels. Exercise must be regular, or the positive effects it creates may be lost. Exercise is also the most effective when it combines resistance training and cardio or aerobic activity.

The most effective way to get regular exercise and lose weight to reduce insulin resistance is to find an enjoyable activity that will not seem like a chore and will be easier and more fun to do. Setting goals and keeping a record of exercise can also be helpful.

PCOS and Diet

If obesity is present in women with PCOS and insulin resistance, weight loss is essential, and a healthy diet can help. A doctor or nutritionist can recommend the most effective diet for each specific person, but most diets will focus on lowering calorie intake while still getting all necessary vitamins, nutrients and food types.

Important elements of a PCOS diet include:

Carbohydrate Intake: Low-fat, high-carbohydrate diets may not be effective for PCOS patients, because carbohydrates cause the body to produce more insulin, which will only worsen the condition of insulin resistance, and may also contribute to other more serious health conditions, such as heart disease.
Consulting a Nutritionist: Women with polycystic ovary syndrome should consult a medical professional or nutritionist to plan a diet. Many women can be successful dieting on their own, but professionals can recommend certain tips that can help women stick with a diet, such as how to plan meals, the best ingredients to shop for, ways to avoid getting hungry throughout the day and more.
Fat Intake: Women with PCOS are at a higher risk for heart disease, and saturated fat and trans fats can increase that risk even more, so these fats should be limited or avoided by women with PCOS.

Resources

SoulCysters (2007). Diet and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. Retrieved June 29, 2007, from the SoulCysters Web site: http://www.soulcysters.net/diet-polycystic-ovary-syndrome-23706/.

Other Topics in this Section

Add a Comment

Print this Article

Email to a Friend