Diet For Pcos & Infertility

Women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) may consider dieting to benefit their fertility health. Polycystic ovary syndrome can cause a variety of symptoms, including irregular menstrual and ovulation cycles and infertility. Other troublesome symptoms of PCOS include hormonal issues like high insulin levels, excess hair growth, oily skin, weight problems, and ovarian cysts. Women with PCOS who have high insulin levels and weight problems can ask their physician about a diet for PCOS to improve their fertility.

High Insulin Levels Reduce Fertility

Women with PCOS often have abnormally high levels of insulin and male hormones, called androgens. High levels of insulin can increase androgens, directly impacting one's fertility. When a woman carries high levels of male hormones, ovulation is affected, and infertility can result. A diet low in carbohydrates and high in fiber might help balance insulin levels, reducing androgens and re-establishing fertility.

Weight Problems Reduce Fertility

Maintaining a healthy weight can reduce the symptoms of PCOS, making pregnancy easier to achieve. Polycystic ovary syndrome is often associated with weight issues, and 50 percent of women with PCOS are classified as obese. In fact, being overweight has actually caused some women to develop PCOS. Due to genetics, unstable hormones and lifestyle factors, many women with PCOS find themselves carrying excess weight, especially in their stomach areas. Following a diet plan can help women lose weight, lowering hormone levels back to normal and bringing a woman's fertility into balance.

Guidelines for a PCOS Diet for Infertility

How might a special diet for PCOS make one more fertile? Generally, dieticians working with PCOS patients recommend a diet that is low in carbohydrates. The theory behind this type of diet is that foods high in carbohydrates, especially simple starches, raise insulin levels. Since a woman with PCOS has high levels of insulin already, she will want to avoid these foods. Carbohydrates can be difficult to avoid entirely, so women with PCOS should choose from a variety of foods, including lean proteins, green leafy vegetables, and high-fiber complex carbohydrates, like whole grain pastas, breads and brown rice. Foods that will raise insulin levels should be avoided. These include processed, simple carbohydrates that contain sugar, like candy, cake and ice cream.

Low Carbohydrate Diet Improves Fasting Insulin Levels

According to the Mayo Clinic, research studies have not conclusively shown that a low carbohydrate diet helps PCOS and infertility. However, studies are underway that aim to show the benefit of a low carbohydrate diet on insulin levels and weight problems for women with PCOS. Researchers at Duke University investigated whether a low carbohydrate diet could impact symptoms of PCOS. Eleven women with PCOS entered the study and kept their carbohydrate consumption to under 20 grams per day for six months. Overall, the women who completed the study showed a significant reduction in body weight and some hormone levels, including fasting insulin. Two previously infertile women in the study became pregnant during the six-month trial. While fasting insulin levels were reduced, there was no significant change in the women's levels of insulin and glucose.

Weight Loss Improves Fertility for Women with PCOS

The Duke researchers questioned whether it was the women's weight loss that created the positive health benefits during the study, or whether the low carbohydrate diet was the reason for improved health. More studies will need to be done, but most doctors agree that a weight loss regimen for PCOS helps to improve insulin levels, restore normal menstrual and ovulation cycles, and make it easier to become pregnant.