Nutrition and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Authored by Dr. Elizabeth Jarem on 1/23/2012

Authored by Elizabeth Jarem

1/23/2012

Categories: Health News, MomDocs Online, Gynecology

Categories: Health News, MomDocs Online, Gynecology

Approximately 10% of reproductive aged women have polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).  PCOS is a condition that affects multiple organs and presents with a variety of symptoms.  Some of them are: irregular menstruation, infertility, obesity, abnormal hair distribution, acne, diabetes, depression. A diagnostic workup includes taking the patient’s medical and family history, blood and imaging tests.

Management of PCOS is challenging and includes pharmacological, lifestyle and dietary modification methods. Recent studies reported that obese women with PCOS suffer from chronic generalized inflammation. To help reverse the deterioration of their health they require  GOOD QUALITY NUTRITION, NOT STARVATION. An important first line intervention is a low glycemic, nutrient dense diet based on regular meals of healthy protein and fat. Carbohydrate restriction has been shown to improve dyslipidemia, lower weight, inflammatory markers, glycosylated hemoglobin levels and reverse fatty liver.

There is also some evidence documenting that the above-mentioned dietary changes may improve spontaneous conception rate and effects of clomiphene. Patients who are compliant with a dietary and lifestyle modification plan may improve substantially their fertility as well as general long term health.