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Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and Other Androgen Excess–Related Conditions: Can Changes in Dietary Intake Make a Difference?
Author(s) -
Liepa George U.,
Sengupta Aditi,
Karsies Danielle
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
nutrition in clinical practice
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.725
H-Index - 71
eISSN - 1941-2452
pISSN - 0884-5336
DOI - 10.1177/011542650802300163
Subject(s) - polycystic ovary , medicine , overweight , hirsutism , androgen excess , endocrinology , obesity , acne , infertility , type 2 diabetes , androgen , metabolic syndrome , diabetes mellitus , physiology , insulin resistance , pregnancy , hormone , biology , dermatology , genetics
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a condition that involves the excess production of androgens. It affects up to 10% of all American women and can lead to the development of acne, hirsutism, and infertility. It has also been associated with coronary heart disease, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome. Over half of the women who are diagnosed with PCOS are overweight or obese. Recommendations are made for overweight/obese women to lose weight via diet and exercise. Women with PCOS should also consider maintaining a diet that is patterned after the type 2 diabetes diet. This diet includes an increase in fiber and a decrease in refined carbohydrates, as well as a decrease in trans and saturated fats and an increase in ω‐3 andω ‐9 fatty acids. Foods that contain anti‐inflammatory compounds (fiber,ω ‐3 fatty acids, vitamin E, and red wine) should also be emphasized. Evidence is provided for the impact of these dietary changes on improvements in the androgen profile of PCOS patients.