Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome and Fertility

PCOS: Diet and Nutrition

Polycystic ovary syndrome, or PCOS, is an endocrine (hormonal) condition that can cause multiple ovarian cysts, abnormal hair growth, inflammation and other symptoms. People with polycystic ovary syndrome are more likely to also have obesity, metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance or a combination of these chronic conditions. All of them raise the risk of diabetes, cardiovascular disease and other illnesses. There is currently no cure for PCOS, but diet and medical treatment can help manage weight, glucose levels, regular periods, and other complications which helps reduce the impact of PCOS. It could also help reduce the risk of complications such as diabetes and cancer. Reducing stress through self-care practices, such as getting enough sleep, avoiding over commitment, and making time to relax, can also help a person manage PCOS.

If you are diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome, it doesn’t mean that you are destined to have poor health, there is a lot you can do to take charge, minimize symptoms and keep yourself healthy. Not everyone with polycystic ovary disease has these complications, but for those who do, reaching and maintaining a healthy weight and that starts with diet and exercise. It is best to avoid highly processed foods and those containing high levels of fat, added sugar, and salt. Research shows that people with PCOS show evidence of all-over inflammation, which is associated with heart disease and other illness. The Mediterranean diet eliminates saturated fats, processed meats and refined sugar, which makes it a powerful tool to address inflammation. Substituting whole, unprocessed options for inflammatory items can set the stage for better long-term health. Choices such as these from the Mediterranean diet can help you get to a healthy weight and manage PCOS symptoms with plenty of nutrition and great taste:

• Omega-3 rich fish, such as salmon, baked or broiled
• Olive oil instead of butter or margarine
• Beans and other protein-rich legumes instead of meat
• Non-starchy vegetables such as leafy greens (spinach, kale, escarole, endive, lettuce, etc.), tomatoes, mushrooms, peppers, broccoli, cauliflower, snow peas, celery and fennel
• Whole grains, such as brown rice, barley, sorghum and others. Breads and pastas made with whole grains can help people with PCOS avoid spikes in blood sugar.
• Whole fruit for dessert. The fiber content in whole fruit helps you feel full, helps your digestion and slows down the absorption of its sugars into the bloodstream.
• Drink plenty of water and low- or no sugar beverages (Staying hydrated is essential)