Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a condition that includes irregular or infrequent ovulation cycles, non-existent ovulation at anticipated times, and/or excess testosterone in the body. There are many symptoms of PCOS including weight issues, fertility problems, insulin resistance, mood changes, anxiety, depression, sleep apnea and more.
Diagnosis is made through taking a medical history, physical examination, blood tests and ultrasound and in order for PCOS to be diagnosed, a person must present with at least two of the following three criteria: oligo/anovulation, hyperandrogenism and ovaries that show up as polycystic on an ultrasound.
- Oligoovulation is when a woman has infrequent or irregular ovulation cycles. More specifically, this would be defined as cycles that are 36 days or longer or less than 8 cycles a year.
- Anovulation is when a woman does not have an ovulation when it would normally be anticipated.
- Hyperandrogenism is when there is excess testosterone in the body, which can result in very oily and acne prone skin, male pattern hair growth, and female pattern balding, among other things.
- Polycystic ovaries means there are multiple cysts surrounding the outside of the ovaries at one time, and the ovaries are usually larger than normal.
Diabetes
Diabetes can be a concern for women with PCOS. Monash University in Australia researchers studied over 6000 women who were between 25 and 28 years old for a period of nine years, and 500 of these women had PCOS.
Over the course of the nine year study, the researchers found that the women with PCOS were three to five times more susceptible to developing type 2 diabetes, even if the women were not obese. The researchers suggest that women with PCOS need to be screened for diabetes many years earlier than the recommended 40 years of age.
Prevention and treatment for PCOS
The first line of treatment is to implement lifestyle management for weight loss, prevention of weight gain, and for overall health benefits. Women that are overweight can reduce their insulin levels, improve their menstrual function, reduce their testosterone levels, improve their acne, and improve other symptoms of PCOS, just by losing as little as 5% of their total body weight, regardless of the diet used to lose the weight.
Unfortunately, there is no particular diet that will prevent all of the symptoms of PCOS. A systematic review of five different studies of subjects following different diets used to treat PCOS was published recently.
- High in monounsaturated fat had the greatest weight loss.
- A low-glycemic index diet had improved their menstrual cycles and had an improved quality of life.
- A high-carbohydrate diet had lower testosterone levels.
- A low-carbohydrate diet or low-glycemic index diet had lower insulin resistance, cholesterol levels, and fibrinogen levels.
- A high-protein diet had improved depression and self-esteem.
The current guidelines issued by the Center for Research Excellence in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome in Australia recommends that women with PCOS should:
- prevent weight gain by monitoring their caloric intake by choosing healthy foods and exercising regularly.
- endeavour to lose weight if overweight and manage diet by consuming a low-fat, high fiber, moderate protein, and high carbohydrate diet, along with participating in regular exercise.
Diet and exercise needs to be employed for long-term benefits to be experienced.
Diet and supplements for symptom relief
More research is needed on nutrients suitable for effectively treating PCOS, however, studyies have shown certain supplements and herbs can help with symptoms.
Omega-3 fatty acids. 1,500 mg of omega-3 (fish oil) has been shown to reduce BMI, insulin levels and testosterone.
Myo-inositol is a nutrient produced by the body as precursor of inositol triphosphate, regulating many hormones - such as thyroid-stimulating hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and insulin. Taken as a supplement it was showed to significantly decreased levels of male sex hormones, triglycerides, blood pressure, and insulin after a 8 week trial. Inositol is a vitamin like- substance often found in association with B group vitamins, found in many fruits, nuts, seeds, legumes, lecithin and animal products.
Chromium picolinate is a mineral which is beneficial in reducing insulin and blood sugar levels. Allowing for increased insulin sensitivity.
Vitex agnus-castus (chaste tree herb) is considered a hormonal regulator and found to help with amenorrhoea, infertility and acne. Studies showing improvement after 3 cycles.
Marjoram tea - researchers found subjects given marjoram tea twice daily for a month showed lowered levels of male sex hormones and improved their insulin sensitivity in just one month. Spearmint tea taken twice daily for a month was showed to significantly lower levels of male sex hormones after the one month trial.
In conclusion
Weight loss and maintaining a healthy weight are important factors for managing PCOS. Supplementation can help with symptoms along with a nutritious diet.
References
Teede Helena J, Misso Marie L, Deeks Amanda A, et al. Assessment and management of polycystic ovary syndrome: summary of an evidence-based guideline. Med J Aust 2011;195(6):65. https://www.mja.com.au/journal/2011/195/6/assessment-and-management-polycystic-ovary-syndrome-summary-evidence-based. Accessed July 21, 2016.
Jean Hailes Staff. PCOS. Jean Hailes. https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/pcos. Updated April 2014. Accessed July 22, 2016.
Teede Helena, Joham Anju. Young women with PCOS are five times more likely to develop type 2 diabetes. Monash University. http://www.med.monash.edu/med/news/2014/young-women-pcos-type-2-diabetes.html. Published June 24, 2014. Accessed July 23, 2016.
Centre for Research Excellence in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and Jean Hailes Staff. Evidence-based guideline for the assessment and management of polycystic ovary syndrome. Australian Government National Health and Medical Research Council. https://www.nhmrc.gov.au/_files_nhmrc/publications/attachments/pcos_guideline_updated_18082015_v3.pdf. Updated August 2015. Accessed July 24, 2016.
Moran LJ, Ko H, Misso M, et al. Dietary composition in the treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome: a systematic review to inform evidence-based guidelines. J Acad Nutr Diet. 2013;113(4):520-45. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23420000. Accessed July 24, 2016.
Haj-Husein L, Tukan S, ALkazaleh F. The effect of marjoram (Origanum majorana) tea on the hormonal profile of women with polycystic ovary syndrome: a randomised controlled pilot study. J Hum Nutr Diet. 2016;29(1):105-11. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25662759. Accessed July 25, 2016.
Grant P. Spearmint herbal tea has significant anti-androgen effects in polycystic ovarian syndrome. A randomized controlled trial. Phytother Res. 2010;24(2):186-8. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19585478. Accessed July 25, 2016.
Effectiveness of Omega-3 fatty acid for polycystic ovary syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5870911/
nih.gov/pubmed/23550861. Accessed July 25, 2016.
Myo-inositol effects in women with PCOS: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5655679/
Myo-inositol effects in women with PCOS: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5655679/#:~:text=Myo%2Dinositol%20(MI)%20is,)%20and%20insulin%20(2).
Fisher, Carole; 2009, Materia Medica of Western Herbs, Nelson New Zealand
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