Dietary Options in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

Poly Cystic Ovary Syndrome is the hormonal imbalance that is by and large considered to affect more or less 10% of the female population. PCOs is more common in obese and overweight women, which further increases androgen secretion causing impaired metabolism and reproductive functions. Women with PC-OS are at increased risk of developing cardiovascular diseases, dyslipidemias, hypertension and type II diabetes Mellitus. Weight reduction is difficult to achieve in obese women with PCOS than normal individuals. So a comprehensive lifestyle intervention program including individualized diet with moderate energy restriction based on basic healthy eating principles, at least 30 minutes moderate physical activity 3-5 days a week and behavior modification approach is required. Hypocaloric diets along with modification of carbohydrates have found to be effective. Selection of foods among low glycemic load (GL) and high fiber foods and replacing fats with polyunsaturated fats may be a helpful strategy in PCOS patients.