Combating Polycystic Ovary Disease Through Diet

Julie Redfern, R.D., L.D.N.
Brigham and Women's Hospital
Previously published on Intelihealth.com, July 22, 2003
Revised 3/2009
Click here for a printable version.

• Possible Causes Of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
• Relationship Between PCOS And Diet
• Medications For Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
• Another Consequence Of Insulin Resistance

Are you having trouble losing weight? Have you been plagued by menstrual irregularities, acne or excess
facial hair? If you answer yes to one or some of these questions, you may have a condition called
polycystic ovary syndrome. PCOS affects 6 percent to 10 percent of women of childbearing age.

Possible Causes Of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Polycystic ovary syndrome is a complex female endocrine (hormone) disorder. Male hormone levels in a
woman's body tend to go up and female hormones don't cycle normally. But the key issue for many
women with PCOS may be insulin resistance. Insulin is a hormone secreted by the pancreas. Its job is
to move the sugar from our blood to our cells, where it is used for energy or stored for future use. Insulin
resistance occurs when the normal amount of circulating insulin becomes less effective in moving blood
sugar into cells. The pancreas responds by making more insulin, but over time the cells resist these
high levels. Both sugar and insulin continue to build up in the blood.

The underlying cause of insulin resistance is probably genetic, but lifestyle has a big influence on what
actually happens. Obesity and physical inactivity can promote its occurrence in many women. But even
thin women who exercise regularly can have PCOS.

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Relationship Between PCOS And Diet

Eighty percent of women with PCOS are obese, tending toward an apple-shaped body type. The mainstay
of treatment for PCOS is weight loss. A weight loss of only 5 percent can improve insulin resistance,
leading to lower levels of male hormones (and less facial hair), improved menstrual function, and a
reduction in cholesterol abnormalities. The best approach is a healthy weight-loss diet and exercise
routine.

Unfortunately, many women with PCOS have a difficult time losing weight. There may be a connection
between high male hormone levels and increased appetite; glucose intolerance also may play a role
in weight gain.

Even if your weight gain is caused by some physiological consequence of PCOS, lifestyle changes
offer you the best chance of successful weight loss. These may include restructuring your eating
habits, managing depression and anxiety, learning stress-reduction techniques, and starting an
individual exercise program.

Research tells us that a healthy diet includes lean proteins, heart-healthy fats, and a moderate
amount of carbohydrates. Lean proteins include fish, skinless poultry, egg whites, beans
(especially soy and their products), nuts and nut butters. Heart-healthy fats include liquid oils from
olives, canola, soybeans, corn, flaxseed, sunflower, and peanuts. In addition, fats from nuts, seeds,
and fish are also a healthy choice.

Choose carbohydrates that have a low glycemic index. The glycemic index is a measure of how quickly
and how strongly a food increases blood sugar and insulin levels. Choosing foods with a lower
glycemic index may help to reduce carbohydrate cravings, especially whole, intact grains that are high
in fiber. Eat 100-percent whole-grain breads, brown rice, and steel-cut oats, or try something new such
as barley, couscous, or the grain quinoa. Dried beans, and fruits, such as berries, are also excellent
examples of low glycemic foods.

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Medications For Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Many doctors are using insulin sensitizers for PCOS. Metformin (Glucophage) decreases insulin resistance
and may improve the physical appearance of women with the disorder. Also, some doctors have advised
trying one of the glitazones such as pioglitazone or rosiglitazone. Combination birth control pills help to
restore the balance of estrogen (female hormone) to androgen (male hormone). Oral contraceptives can
decrease facial hair and acne and regulate the menstrual cycle. Fertility issues may require clomiphene or
other medication to stimulate ovulation.

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Another Consequence Of Insulin Resistance

There is a public health concern about long-range complications from insulin resistance. Insulin
resistance is related not only to PCOS but also to metabolic syndrome, where one has high blood
pressure, a low HDL (good) cholesterol level, elevated triglyceride levels, and high fasting blood sugars,
in addition to insulin resistance. They are almost always overweight, if not obese. Metabolic syndrome
carries a high risk of developing type 2 diabetes and coronary heart disease. Like PCOS, the most
important treatment of metabolic syndrome is diet, exercise and weight reduction. 

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