Managing Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome: a nutritionist's approach

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder that affects women of reproductive age, often leading to infertility. Women who are diagnosed with #PCOS can have a range of signs, symptoms and associated complications, including no ovulation, missed or irregular periods, obesity, sleep problems, impaired glucose tolerance, high blood pressure, acne, alopecia, anxiety and depression and excessive growth of male-like hair. Whilst it's still relatively uncertain, it’s possible that this condition is linked to both genetic and lifestyle factors. And so, here are a few recommendations from a nutritionist perspective that may help to manage this condition.

Support glucose metabolism

• Eat a fibre-rich diet e.g. wholegrains, legumes, vegetables and fruits

• Avoid high glycaemic index foods e.g. white breads, white rice, pastas, sugary cakes and lollies

Maintain a healthy weight

• Choose well-balanced whole foods diet

• Watch portion sizes

• Reduce saturated and trans fatty acids (mostly processed foods) but include healthy fats like olive oil, avocado and fatty fish

Optimise ovarian function and ovulation

• Avoid caffeine

Reduce inflammation

• Eat a Mediterranean-style diet with plenty of seasonal fruits, vegetables, olive oil, oily fish, herbs, nuts, beans and wholegrain

Improve antioxidants and nutrient intake

• Eat plenty of seasonal fresh vegetables, fruits and herbs

• Eat foods rich in Chromium, Magnesium, Selenium, Vitamin D and Zinc

PCOS may be a worrying diagnosis but nutrition and lifestyle modifications may be able you manage this condition and help you optimise your health.

If you would like to find out more how modifying your food and lifestyle choices, may help managing the signs and symptoms, and associated complications of your polycystic ovarian syndrome, please get in touch here.

References

MediHerb, 2020, Women’s Health Clinical Management Practitioner Guide

Disclaimer

The recommendations here are my suggestions, as a nutritionist, to try to help manage this condition. Everyone is an individual so there is never any guarantee that this will help you. My recommendations are based upon my opinion as a nutritionist and the training and additional research/education that I have undertaken. I always recommend that if you seek professional help if you are making changes to your usual eating pattern and lifestyle, using nutritional supplements, or if you are dealing with an acute or chronic health condition.