PCOS and nutrition

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a set of symptoms linked to a hormone imbalance. It can affect metabolism, menstrual and reproductive health, and heart and blood vessel health.^[2]

An estimated 10–13% of women worldwide have PCOS, and up to 70% of the women affected have not been diagnosed.^[1]

• Infrequent, irregular or absent periods^{[1, 2]}
• More hair growth on the face or body^{[1, 2]}
• Thinning hair, acne or oily skin^[1]
• Difficulty getting pregnant^[1]
• Dark patches on the skin^[2]
• Clusters of follicles in the ovaries that have stopped developing^[2]

Over the long term, PCOS is linked to a higher risk of insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes and obesity. Women with PCOS also have a higher risk of high blood pressure, high cholesterol and cardiovascular disease.^[1]

Getting health support early to manage symptoms can help women protect their health during their reproductive years and after. There is no cure for PCOS, but lifestyle changes, medications and fertility treatments can reduce symptoms.^[1]

Women with PCOS may experience anxiety, depression, eating disorders or a negative body image. The international guideline stresses that health professionals should be sensitive to weight stigma when lifestyle is discussed.^{[1, 3]}

Healthy lifestyle behaviors such as healthy eating and physical activity matter for all women with PCOS, even if they don't lead to weight loss.^[1]

According to the 2023 international PCOS guideline, there is no evidence that any one diet composition is better than another. Any eating pattern that follows the healthy eating principles recommended for the general population is good for your health.^[3]

• Planning changes around the person's food preferences, with a flexible approach decided together^[3]
• Avoiding diets that are unnecessarily restrictive or nutritionally unbalanced^[3]
• If weight loss is a goal, an energy deficit adjusted to the person's energy needs, body weight and physical activity^[3]
• Focusing on preventing weight gain over the lifespan, and also valuing improvements in waist circumference and metabolic health^[3]
• Keeping the process going with regular review and support^[3]

The guideline states that inositol may bring some improvement in metabolic measures, but that its clinical benefit for ovulation, hair growth and weight is limited. It recommends that women who use inositol or other complementary products tell their health professionals.^[3]

First, we look together at your symptoms, your eating pattern and any test results you have. The PCOS diagnosis and treatment are your doctor's; our nutrition plan is one part that supports that treatment.

We set up an eating plan you can keep up, one that fits your tastes and your daily routine; if you also have insulin resistance, we build that into the plan. If you take supplements or are thinking about them, we talk that through together as well. Sessions can be face to face or online.