Fertility PCOS Diet

Managing PCOS through Diet

By Sophie Brink

Published on May 22, 2008

One of the leading causes of female infertility in the United States, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) – also known as Stein-Leventhal Syndrome and polycystic ovary disease (PCOD) – affects between 6 and 10 percent of the female population, according to the Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome Association. In addition to causing infertility, PCOS can lead to the development of other diseases, including cancer, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes. Unfortunately, there is no cure for PCOS; however, women with PCOS can often control it through medication. Researchers have also found that diet and exercise can help to manage the symptoms of PCOS.

What Is PCOS?

A complex medical problem the exact cause of which is unknown, PCOS is often referred to as an endocrine disorder. This means that it is related to a hormone imbalance. Among other roles, hormones are responsible for the proper functioning of the female sex organs. The ovaries contain numerous follicles, each of which contains an immature egg. Each month, one of these eggs develops and is released. The development of the egg and its release are carefully coordinated by a number of hormones. When hormone balance is disrupted, the follicles mature but never release their eggs. This leads to infertility and sometimes enlarged, painful ovaries.

Other symptoms of PCOS include:

  • Acne
  • Alopecia
  • Elevated insulin levels or diabetes
  • Excess facial and body hair
  • High blood pressure
  • Increased levels of male hormones (androgens)
  • Infrequent or absent periods
  • Irregular bleeding (spotting)
  • Weight gain (primarily concentrated in the midsection)

What is the PCOS Diet?

Actually, there are numerous diet plans designed to help control PCOS. However, Nancy Dunn, N.D., maintains that every woman with PCOS is different; therefore, while one woman will benefit from one type of diet, others may not. Nevertheless, Dr. Dunn believes that diet can significantly influence the progress of PCOS and its symptoms. She wrote The Natural Diet Solution for PCOS and Infertility: How to Manage Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Naturally in order to provide a set of guidelines to women with PCOS who are confused about what to eat – and what not to eat – after her daughter was diagnosed with the condition.

On Dr. Dunn's hit list are refined, processed foods. Often found in brightly colored packages with beguiling names, these so-called foods are lacking in nutrition and filled with chemicals. Foods containing refined sugar, corn syrup, and other simple carbohydrates can cause blood sugar fluctuations, which can lead to hormonal imbalances. Insulin resistance, for example, has been connected to the increased production of androgens, which can prevent ovulation. Some PCOS diets allow complex carbohydrates such as whole grains, beans, and lentils, while others recommend that these foods be avoided entirely.

Many PCOS diets do share certain major points, however. In general, women with PCOS are advised to:

Reduce their intake of refined carbohydrates. By removing those foods with a high glycemic index (GI) from their diet, women may help regulate their blood sugar levels. Dr. Dunn, who advocates initially removing all grains from one's diet, suggests substituting bread with lettuce leaves, pickled grape leaves, or sheets of Nori seaweed. On the other hand, Drs. Jennie Brand-Miller and Nadir R. Farid and Registered Dietician Kate Marsh, authors of The New Glucose Revolution Guide to Living Well with PCOS, allow the consumption of grains such as oats and other whole grains, long grain rice, and wild rice. Increasing one's consumption of vegetables, however, seems to be embraced by the majority of PCOS diet plans.

Eat foods that are low in saturated fat. A diet high in saturated fat has been connected to insulin resistance and obesity. Unsaturated oils, including flaxseed oil, olive oil, and nut oils such as macadamia and walnut, are offered as healthier options by the authors of The New Glucose Revolution Guide to Living Well with PCOS. Lean meats, a good source of protein and other nutrients, can be also incorporated into a healthy PCOS diet.

Drink more water. If the mantra "drink more water" has constantly been repeated over the last few years, it's for a good reason. Dehydration, says Dr. Dunn, can upset the delicate hormone balance. Water facilitates the elimination of excess hormones from the body.

While it is important to know your options – and that diet and exercise can be powerful allies against PCOS – if you have one or more PCOS symptoms, please consult your primary care physician.

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Keyword Tags: female infertility, getting pregnant

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Comments

1

PCOS is so hard to manage but it can be done.

Rory
about 1 year ago

2

The fundamental problem with PCOS is anovulation and not making progesterone for two weeks every cycle.

This lack of progesterone leads to hormonal imbalance in the ovary, causes the ovary to produce testosterone and leads to the irregular menstrual cycles and infertility. This is aggravated by obesity and insulin resistance.

Progesterone is missing, therefore replacing it makes sense.

To read more, click here:

Understanding PCOS the Hidden Epidemic

jeffrey dach md
about 1 year ago

3

PCOS is so hard to handle. I almost change everything in my diet. I took progreserone and now i am on medicine metformine. It is difficult but not impossible. I still have hope for my pregnancy. I need baby dust from all over the world.

rose
about 1 year ago

4

Hello I am 40 years old...I have had PCOS since i was 23!! I"ve been trying to concieve for 12 years already. I've been a failure to all treatments and to 3 regular IVF's and to 2 donor IVF's..I am about 15 lbs overweight and have been trying really hard to loose them, but because of my condition I've learned and now know that it is extremely difficult to loose weight. I would like some good diet recommendations to better help me loose the weight desired.

I've heard many good results from the Adkins Diet and would like to know if this Diet is good for my health condition and if it would work well for me???

olga ramonra
about 1 year ago

5

I am 20 years old and told i have pcos, :( i m very upset that i may not be able to concieve, i have een with my bf for 4 years now and we want a baby, im afraid we will try for years and years and get no where, help me :(

roxy
12 months ago

6

I am 24 years old and my husband is 26, we have been ttc for 6 years. i have pcos and his sperm is superb. The thing is that the only symptoms i have of pcos are facial hair. 8st and find it difficult to gain weight and make it stay. Could i have pcos because i am a smoker?

May
10 months ago

7

I was diagnosed with PCOS when I was 16. Since then, I've been taking Metformin and birth control pills to help control the symptoms. I also took Spironolactone for several years, and it did help me to lose a lot of weight. In my experience,though, diet is the most important factor in helping reduce the severity of PCOS symptoms.

Alicia
10 months ago

8

Hi, I'm 26 and have suffered with extreme pain with my periods since 15. I haven't found anyone who has helped me until recently a Dr. diagnosed me with PCOS, I have all the symptoms. I have had 1 daughter at 21 and two miscarriages since, 1 of which was twins. My husband and I have been trying for 2 1/2 yrs, with no success. My dr. reccommended clomid but I was wondering should I take metaformin with it first cycle? Also, I have sever pain has anyone found anything that helps with that? I've tried over the counter aids, heating pads, etc..nothing seems to help and it completly disrupts my life to the point I can't get out of bed or off the couch. I would appreciate any advice or suggestions...thanks.

April
9 months ago

9

I AM 31 YEARS OLD. AND I HAVE PCOS AND I FEEL SO SAD AND DEPRESS, BECAUSE I CAN NOT CONCEVE I HAVE BEEN WITH MY BF FOR ABOUT 5 YEARS AND WE REALLY WANT A BABY. PLEASE HELP US.

BERO
9 months ago

10

When I was 35, I was diagnosed with PCOS. I was trying to get pregnant, but it didn't happen. I also gained a ton of weight. I was not ovulating, even though I've had regular periods. We've tried fertility treatments that did not work. I have been put on Metformin on and off since age 36.... but more steadily by age 38, as I felt it helped me NOT gain so much weight. I gave up on trying to get pregnant, and decided we should pursue adoption (which was taking forever). Anyway, I became pregnant at 39 years of age, lost the baby at 9 weeks pregnant, but became pregnant again 2 weeks after my miscarriage (at age 40). I delivered a healthy baby boy!! I never thought I'd be able to get pregnant, but I did and I'm so thankful. Part of it, I believe is that I was VERY overweight once I had the PCOS set it - I gained about 60 pounds in 1 year... after years of being unsuccessful at weight loss and working with my primary doctor, I found my key. I had to work out 2 full hours a day (3 work outs) and eat a healthy low carb diet. I took the weight off quite easily - it can be done. I am currently in the same boat of having to take the weight off again from the pregnancy, but I know the key to my success. I can't stand this PCOS because it's pretty difficult to manage and stay focused. I surely hope that my story gives hope to others out there!!

josie
9 months ago

11

Hi, i was diagnosed yesterday with PCOS but i new for a while this was coming as i suffer from a quite a few of the symptoms. Im 22yrs old and extremely worried i wont be able to conceive later in life and the syptoms will get worse, i try to keep my diet pretty strict but cant do much exercise as i have extreme pain in certain muscles i think is from PCOS, the specialist has put me on the contraceptive pill (yasmin) is this enough to help me control the PCOS????? i would really appreciate some advice PLEASE!! =(

fEBRUARY 13TH
9 months ago

12

I was diagnosed with PCOS this past Friday. I also am newlywed and we want kids! I am scared that I won't be able to give my husband the gift of being a father. All I want to do is break down and wonder why all of this is happening to me but I know that I cant let it get me down. Any and all information someone can let me know about diet I am ready to hear. HELP!

Lindsay
9 months ago

13

i have pcos .i was just wonderind if there is any tips you can give about conceiving. im 18 and i wanta baby. i have type 2 diabetes .do that got any thingto do with me not getting pregnant. i smoke cigarettes and im overweight.me and my boyfriend are about to get a place together and i wnat to starta family. he has two kids already so i know he is fertile. what can i do for me to have a chance at pregnancy.

asha
8 months ago

14

I have known about my PCOS since I was 15. I am now 23 and facing the brutal truth that there is a high chance of me not being able to conceive. It's really heart-wrenching seeing as I'm getting married in October and my fiance' and I really want children. I've got all the symptoms...obesity, hair growth, no periods without the help of medication, high blood pressure. Tons of fun. Insurance,even through my job, is difficult for me to get because of my PCOS being a "pre-existing condition". I've started dieting and I'm hoping that, combined with my meds, will help my symptoms. Has anyone here done In-Vitro Maturation? I'm thinking that may be a good option for me... perhaps. Hopefully.

Amy
7 months ago

15

I WAS DIAGNOSED WITH PCOS AT AGE 26. MY HUSBAND AND I HAVE BEEN TRING TO CONVEIVE FOR 7 YEARS NOW. WE HAVE RECENTLY FOUND OUT THAT HE HAS A LOW SPERM COUNT. HE IS CURRENTLY TAKING CLOMID TO INCREASE HIS SPERM COUNT. I HAVE REGULAR PERIODS AND ALL THE SYMPTOMS OF OVULATION, BUT STILL WONDER IF I AM OVULATING OR NOT. I JUST ANOTHER THING THAT I AM WONDERING IS IF I NEED TO BE ON CLOMID AGAIN ALSO. I AM A LITTLE OVERWEIGHT AROUND THE MID SECTION. IT HAS BEEN HARD TO LOOSE WEIGHT. I NEED A DIET PLAN THAT CAN HELP ME LOOSE WEIGHT ABD POSSIBLE CONVEIVE. CAN ANY ONE HELP? I AM GETTING TO THE POINT WHERE I AM GETTING DEPRESSED? CAN ANYONE HELP?

KRISTY
7 months ago

16

Lisa

Hi I have PCOS too, and I am a newely wed also. Before getting married me and my husband where together 5 years and have had no luck. We ordered medication from London and my husband gave me injections and didn't work, so I went back to the doctor and they checked all my blood levels and thyroid and everything came back normal, THANK GOD!!!!!!! Today I talked to my doctor and now I have to be put on a diet and excersize plan for PCOS. GIRLS ALL I CAN SAY IS KEEP YOUR FAITH IN GOD AND REMEMBER GOD HAS A PLAN FOR ALL OF US, GOD BLESS YOU ALL. AND I WILL BE PRAYING FOR US ALL.

Lisa
6 months ago

17

HI
I also have PCOS I'm 37 and found out when I was 28. I just wanted to let you all know I have two wonderful daughters age 6 and 8. Do not give up hope. With God and a good Doctor all things are possible.

Michelle
5 months ago

18

I have pcos and autoimmune thyroid disease try a vitiman supplement with wuid chastaberry it will make a diffrence if it in accompanied by a low carb diet. It takes about three months Ihave three kids and had my tubes reversed to have the third. SO have hope and stick to your guns when it comes to you diet plan. I have all clasical symptoms hairloss, weight gain. hair in all unwanted areas, so have faith in you self and stay strong.

heather
5 months ago

19

HI, I have PCOS. Im pretty sure i have had it since puberty. Basically the pill regulated things until I went off to get prego. I had my daughter at age 22. Went on Depo and that is when all my symptoms appeared... We tried for 7 yrs to have another baby when she turned 2. Til i read something about taking Clomid with glucophage(metformin). It worked for me got prego right away. Im now 35 with a beautiful 3 yr old boy and 12 yr old girl. My problem now, is the weight. If someone has a proven weight and exercise plan that works please pass it on to me! I 30 lbs last year from january to april, watching my cals and hip hop dancin (i have alot of belly fat) but once i hit that plataeu, i gained it all back... i need something realistic where cheating once in awhile is allowed. Something I can easily do the rest of my life. So if you have the miracle diet and exercise plan please do tell!!

JFer
5 months ago

20

I have been diagnosed with PCOS 5 years ago when I was 21, I take Prometrium Monthly and Metformin daily and Have begun the Atkins diet and have found fantastic results. I amd 50 pounds overweight and have already loss 16 pounds in a very short time. I would recommend it to anyone who has PCOS because they only diets I have seen work for me were Atkins and Weight Watchers where I loss 32 punds in 3 months but eventually came to a stand still and switched to atkins and taken of 16 more. Best of Luck to all!

Jacquelyn
4 months ago

21

hi me and my husband have been ttc for 5 years i try and try to lose wieght but it never seems to stay off what can i do

Natasha
4 months ago

22

I am 27 years old and I know now why I haven't been able to get pregnant. I have a some of the symptoms of pcos, the irregular periods, facial hair growth, excessive weight gain, etc. When I was 14, our family dr. put me oon birth control pills because of my irregular periods. I wasn't overweight then. Wen I was 20, another doctor told me I had cysts on my ovaries and it probably wouldn't stop me from getting pregnant, birth control once again because I really didn't want kids then anyway. Now, after 5 years of trying to get pregnant (I've been married 6 yrs), after all this online research, I find out that it is a syndrome that's deeper than just cysts on the ovaries. Within the last 5 years, I have gained over 50 lbs, have these horrible ingrown hairs on my chin, and I'm so depressed I don't know what to do. All these years I've watched my friends' families grow, feeling that it just isn't my time yet, feeling like I am less than a woman cause I can't get pregnant. I know my husband wants kids more than anything and I feel like I'll never have kids. After all these years, with regular chek-ups, that I haven't known about or been diagnosed with this. I couldn't understand why I can't get rid of the weight, I mean, I'm a security officer at a university hospital and 5 days a week I walk at least 4 miles, up hills, stairs. I haven't lost one pound, only gain.
I need some help because this has caused a lot of pain for me and I'm sure some of you other ladies understand what I mean. I'm making a dr.'s appt Mon morning to see if this is what I really have. If so, it could explain a lot. Is there anyone else out there who is going through the same thing?? If so, contact me at misskandiss1981 atnyahoo.com and out PCOS in subject line. I'm really in need of a friend who knows more about this, and none of my friends have had any problems like this.

Kandiss
4 months ago

23

My husband and i had our son 2 years ago. We were not even trying what a surprise. Then about 9 months ago my periiods just stopped and the doctor ordered some tests and diagnosed me PCOS. This was at the same time that my husband and I started trying to get pregnant. I am shocked to have concieved so easily the first time and I have had regular periods all my life untill nine months ago. It's been a really hard couple of months is their any one who has any advice for me it would be greatly accepted. Thanks so much!

MANDA
3 months ago

24

hi im 26 and have been dignosed with pcos this year, my doctor gave me diane 35 for 6 months, I have to report back to my doc in oct and retake all the hormonal test i did previously.Im getting married next year and i the fear of not concieving scares me,although my doctor sees no problem that, but i cant help feel scared about all this and after reading these posts i feel more doubtful.

Anynoumus
3 months ago

25

Hi I am 24 years old and was diagnosed with PCOS at the age of 14... I met my husband what I was 16 and after 6 years of being togeather and losing 65 lbs I finally concieved while only taking metformin.... My son is one now and I have had the hardest time losing the weight but it was all worth it.... I just want to answer a fer of the questions I have seen on here.... First I want to say no soda on the diet's not even diet soda drink lots of water... Lots and lots of water.... For the smokers you need to even have been taking it with chlomid... Have intercourse every other day not every day.... It will raise his sperm count like that.... For the pain I have fount that 400 mg of Ibuprofrin will help, and you can take up to 800 mg.... Some of you say you can not excercise so do what I do go shopping... You will not realize all that walking around the store or the mall is a lot of excercise I shop about 3 times a week for about 3 or 4 hours and that helps..... Try an IUI before going for invitro.... It is much cheaper and has a good success rate.... Low carb diets are the best.... If you don't know if you are ovulating see your gynocologist and tell them you need a transvaginal ultrasound on the 14th day of your cycle and they will be able to tell if you are or not.... I hope all of my reserch has paid off and I was helpful.....

Now I have not been able to lose the weight since my son so if there are any pointers please do share...

Feel free to contact me with any questions or advice...
JLVinkowski@yahoo.com

DO NOT GIVE UP......

Jamie
2 months ago

26

So just found out Monday that I have PCOS and in a way Im thankful that i finally have an explanation for my rapid weight gains and the hard times I've faced trying to shed pounds. But at the same time it breaks my heart because even at 20, I've always envisioned myself being a mom and I'm scared I wont be able to conceive. I find myself embarrassed and blaming myself because i wonder if i did something wrong. Right now Im just scared and really depressed

Sheri
2 months ago

27

ladies dont give up. I have pcos and was diagonised 6 years ago. My husband and i tried for 2 years to get pregnant I was taking metformin, clomid, provera and no luck. Then i just got off all the meds and lost like 20 pounds and by surpise i got pregnant. I have a 3 year old son now. We r trying for another but i have gained 35 pounds since son so need to loose weight again. If anyone lives in north east houston email me and maybe we can set up an excercise plan together. audrey_lane_2007@yahoo.com

audrey lane
2 months ago

28

I have pcos, & I recently gained a good deal of weight. My husband & I, too, have been trying to have kids, not much luck. To bring hope & inspiration to me & hopefully anyone else on here, a close friend of mine was told she had pcos about 5 years ago. She & her husband tried to conceive. She gained a lot of weight and has had a few miscarriages. She started doing weight watchers & running every day, along with taking glucophage, which is also known as metformin. The glucophage helped her with the diet & exercise to loose weight. She has made weight watchers more a life style rather than just a diet to loose weight. She & her husband were not even trying this last time, & she is due with a little girl this week, sometime between Sept 1st & Sept 4th. She has talked to me about having pcos & getting pregnant, so I not only have a doctor's advice, but a close friend's first hand experience & triumph.

So, the main thing I think is making a life style out of loosing weight. Once you loose the weight, still take glucophage or metformin...it helps women to loose the weight. It regulates hormones, plus it helps with the weight. Continue to be with your man, but also don't make it stressful. The more relaxed the better & possible for conception.

I'm still trying, but my husband & I haven't been trying too long, so hopefully it will work soon! Keep praying that God will hear the desires of your heart & loose the weight you want to loose. It all should work! Have faith & hope! Good luck to all the women that want kids that are having problems!

I hope my friend's story will help at least someone!

Bridgette
2 months ago

29

hi my name is christi and i am 21 and i am ttc and start a family and i was told that i had pcos since i was 16 and i am over weight and i need to loose weight can some one help me

miss hottie
2 months ago

30

POSITIVE ENERGY AND THOUGHTS IS THE BEST SOLUTION.

I was diagnosed with PCOS in my twenties and was told by my obgyn to just stop the pill long in advance before really really wanting a kid so that I don't live a failure everytime I get my period. That was the best advice ever. So after stopping the pill but (not) really trying, we were happy and surprised that I fell pregnant after just 6 months of taking the plunge but without really thinking about (i was 33). My son is 18 mths and we are now trying for our 2nd. They key is to have no expectations about when it will happen. I did not use any drugs, pills or anything chemical. Just eat right, exercise regularly and believe !!! And don't stress out ;-) Good luck

miss sparkles
about 1 month ago

31

I have been told I have PCOS about 6 years ago and I am 35 now. We have tried everything to conceive. We have had 1 miscarriage 7 years ago and nothing since then. I have a friend that has the same problem and she told me about how she went on a low carb diet, walked 3 miles a day, and took metformin, she lost the weight and in six months she was pregnant. It has been so hard for me to lose weight in the past but I started this diet a month ago and have lost 9lbs. I am going to go to the doctor and get on the metformin and see if I can lose more weight with that. So everyone say a pray that this will work and that after 10 years of tring we can have a little angel of our own. If not then I know that God has his plan for me and my husband.
If anyone would like to chat for support then fell free to email because I know that it can be so hard and sometimes it helps to just to have someone to talk to. I know it help when I am having a bad day to talk to my friend that has gone through what I am.
christy2021@comcast.net

Christy
about 1 month ago

32

I don't have insurance, but I am pretty sure that I have PCOS. I would rather not go to the doctor and get birth control to regulate my periods, so I was wondering if anybody had any homeopathic remedies they would like to share? To tell you about my symptoms, I will say that I am pretty sure that I had cysts on my ovaries around age 14 because I went to the doctor for pain and he did an ultrasound or something of the sort and said that was the cause. Then, at age 17, I struggled with weight problems (losing too much) and lost my period. I didn't think it was such a bad thing, mentioned it to my doc and he sort of said "if you ever want to have children, you better go see a specialist (gyno)." So, after getting put on birth control, my periods became regular and I went off the pill after about a year. Everything was fine. I got pregnant at age 20 and had a little girl. I nursed exclusively and did so for quite a little time. I heard that if you nurse exclusively, it is a natural birth control, so I figured that was why I wasn't having a period. After quitting nursing, still didn't get a period, but didn't seem to mind it and didn't think that it was anything to terrible. I can sort of tell when I am ovulating because I will get a sharp pain about once per month (I started charting it and it is very close to being once per month). However, in the five years since having my daughter, I might have had five-seven periods. I still never thought anything of it, until my mother read something about Saw Palmetto for facial hair. I have had a great deal of facial hair and the hair on my arms seems to be getting thicker and darker. I have way more zits on my back and face than when I was a teenager. I guess that I just attributed this to one's body changing after having kids. But, the saw palmetto piece directed my attention to PCOS and I am pretty sure that this is what I have. Also, two weeks after having my daughter, I weighed about 40 pounds less than what I do know. I have tried to lose weight and it is terribly hard! I need help, but I don't really want any prescription meds or expensive doctor visits! At age 25, I am currently not trying to conceive because I would like to get healthier before making my body home for baby.

I welcome your advice.

Trisha

Trisha
15 days ago

33

i too have pcos.i got married 9 months back but till now i am not conceived. i consult many gynacologist,thay ask me to reduce my weight.now my weight is 69.what should i do to reduce my weight.and please suggest me some diet plans.

devi
13 days ago

34

My names Rachel Im 16 years old I was diagnosed with pcos a few weeks ago. I pretty much knew about this whole thing because Of the symptoms that I was having. everything started when I was about 14 My periods come maybe once every 4 months and when they do there very light and last all month long. Im not a very big girl but I have gained quite a bit of weight in the past year and a halph and the doctor told me this is what is causing it. It only brakes my heart that I have this because My sister is 29 and has been trying to conceive for a few years now she got pregnant once a few years back but had a miscariage I dont want to go threw the things that she is going threw it kinda scares me but at the same time theres nothing that I can do about this. Im glad that I have found out at an early age so that i can try and control it and I beileve that all women who have this have to stay stong and keep there heads up because we can make it threw anything. all you have to do is have faith. Im going to excercise and eat healthy so that hoepfully I can get everything a little bit back on track.

Rachel
12 days ago

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