Diet for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Polycystic ovary syndrome, or PCOS, is a metabolic disorder caused by hormone imbalance and insulin resistance. This disease, which affects 5 to 7 percent of all women, causes many symptoms, including infertility, weight gain or bloating, fatigue, hair loss, depression, irregular or absent periods, acne, and excess body and facial hair. PCOS is characterized by the inability of a woman's ovaries to produce the correct balance of hormones. Without the right balance, the ovaries cannot develop or release eggs, leading to the formation of empty egg follicles or tiny cysts on the ovaries. The term "polycystic" means "many cysts." PCOS cannot be cured, but the symptoms can be managed by medication and diet.

Limit Refined Carbs

Many women with PCOS are insulin resistant, meaning their bodies have difficulty getting the sugar out of their blood and into the cells. Doctors recommend a low-carbohydrate diet, because large amounts of carbohydrates, especially refined carbohydrates (sweets; white rice, bread and pasta), will quickly turn to sugar and cause elevated levels of insulin, which can cause an increase in symptoms for a woman with PCOS.

The GI Diet

The Glycemic Index, or GI, diet is known to be effective in controlling the symptoms of PCOS. The concept is simple -- avoid foods that cause blood sugar levels to rise, such as simple carbs and processed foods, and focus instead on fruits, vegetables and lean meats. The diet recommends dividing your plate into three sections, then filling half of it with vegetables and/or fruits, one-quarter with lean meat or fish, and the remainder of the plate with a whole-grain starch, such as whole-wheat pasta or brown rice.

Maintain a Balance

While it is necessary to avoid refined carbs whenever possible, doctors caution against eliminating all carbohydrates. Doctors recommend eating at least 40 grams of carbohydrates a day, including those found in whole-grain foods and fruits, to prevent ketosis, a dangerous complication. They also recommend eating carbs in combination with a protein or fat, and spacing carb consumption throughout the day.

Maintain a Healthy Weight

Approximately 50 to 60 percent of women with PCOS are overweight or obese, so monitoring and controlling total daily caloric intake is essential. Consult a doctor to find the ideal number of calories needed to maintain or lose weight, depending on your height and activity level.

Supplements

Doctors recommend that women with PCOS take 1,000 to 1,500 mg of calcium a day, as well as a multivitamin with minerals. They should also drink at least 8 cups of decaffeinated liquids a day, because low carbohydrate intake can cause dehydration.

Recommendations

Consult your doctor before beginning any new diet program or adding supplements to your diet.