Metabolic and hormonal aspects of polycystic ovary syndrome: the impact of diet

Abstract

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common, chronic endocrine condition affecting young women of reproductive age. It is characterised by hyperandrogenaemia, and profound menstrual and ovulatory dysfunction with consequent sub-fertility. A clustering of metabolic aberrations is commonly associated with this condition and these include insulin resistance, disordered lipid metabolism and chronic low-grade inflammation. Overweight and obesity, as well as a degree of adipose tissue dysfunction, are present in a large proportion of women with PCOS, and where present, magnify the inherent hyperandrogenaemia characteristic of the condition, in addition to worsening the metabolic profile. Diet and lifestyle interventions are among the first-line treatments for PCOS, and weight reduction through energy restriction has been shown to exert positive influences on both metabolic and hormonal aspects of this condition. Alterations in carbohydrate amount and type have also been investigated, and more recently, dietary fatty acids, with a particular emphasis on PUFA, have been shown to have a positive impact within this population group. Although it is likely that diet is not the root cause of PCOS, it represents a modifiable variable with the potential to improve the health of women with this condition. Work to date has provided insights into the role of diet in PCOS; however, further work is required to determine the role of nutrients specifically within the context of PCOS, in order to develop more effective, evidence-based dietary guidelines for this condition.

The Experience of Women Affected by Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Qualitative Study From Iran

“…Therefore, there is a need for a comprehensive instrument to measure QoL in patients with PCOS. The physical aspects of PCOS have been explored in many studies (16-18); however, there are few studies concerning the experience of women affected by this disorder and their feelings were essentially neglected.…”

Nutrients as novel therapeutic approaches for metabolic disturbances in polycystic ovary syndrome

“…Despite the evidence supporting an effect of nutrition therapy for patients with PCOS (O'Connor et al, 2010[50]), little is known about the influence of diet composition on PCOS metabolic and endocrine control (Rodrigues et al, 2009[63]). For individuals with PCOS, the dietary treatments plan focuses on macronutrients content.…”

Ernährungsstrategie bei Patientinnen mit polyzystischem Ovarsyndrom

“…Nach gemischten Mahlzeiten findet man bis zu 5 h lang einen direkten linearen Zusammenhang zwischen dem Wert der GL und der postprandialen Glykämie bzw. Insulinämie [20]. Das Konzept der GL ist für einzelne Nahrungsmittel wie auch für gemischte Mahlzeiten mit variablen Anteilen von Fett und Eiweiß validiert.…”

“…Im Vergleich zu den üblicherweise empfohlenen kohlenhydratbetonten, fettarmen Diäten bewirken sie nicht nur eine signifikante Steigerung der IS, sondern auch signifikante Verbesserungen des Zyklusgeschehens. Dabei zeigte sich, dass sich mit zunehmender Senkung der IR und des Nüchterninsulinspiegels das endokrine Profil zunehmend verbessert [20]. Vergleichbare Effekte findet man selbst, wenn körperliches Training als primäre Lebensstilintervention bei PCOS eingesetzt wird.…”

“…Die Basis der Ernäh-rung bilden somit stärkearme Gemüse, Salate und Früchte, die mit eiweißreichen Nahrungsmitteln und hochwertigen Ölen kombiniert werden. Die Fettqualität muss im Vergleich zur herkömmlichen Ernäh-rung durch Betonung der einfach und mehrfach ungesättigten Fettsäuren angehoben werden, wobei ein günstiges Verhältnis von Omega-6-zu Omega-3-Fettsäuren zu beachten ist [20].…”