A natural fertility diet can sometimes help women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) conceive. Polycystic ovary syndrome is a hormonal disorder that can cause infertility and other health problems. Women with PCOS often possess high levels of male hormones, called androgens, which interfere with ovulation and menstruation. This can cause difficulties getting pregnant. For women who are severely obese, weight loss surgery, in addition to following a natural fertility diet, can be beneficial to reduce symptoms of PCOS.
Identification
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services reports that even a 10 percent reduction in body weight can reduce symptoms of PCOS for some women. Women with PCOS are often overweight. When fat gathers in the stomach area, insulin resistance can occur, and the body will struggle to regulate insulin and blood sugar levels. As insulin levels increase, androgen levels increase, which can cause problems with fertility. By incorporating a natural diet for PCOS and infertility, levels of glucose and sugar decrease in the blood, regulating insulin levels and reducing the overproduction of androgens. The weight loss benefits of a natural diet for PCOS can help to lower the levels of male hormones that impair fertility.
Animal Protein and Vegetarian Foods
The Harvard Nurses Study was conducted by researchers investigating a natural "fertility diet." In their study of thousands of nurses, the scientists found a link between the foods women ate, and subsequent fertility. The Harvard doctors noticed that women consuming animal protein, like chicken and red meat, had significantly higher ovulatory infertility.
Ovulatory infertility is characterized by unpredictable ovulation and menstrual cycles or a complete absence of ovulation. Many women with PCOS display these symptoms of ovulatory infertility. To lose weight and regulate ovulation, the Harvard group recommends that women reduce animal protein intake, replacing it with complex carbohydrates and vegetable protein, like beans, nuts, and soy.
Starches and Low Glycemic Carbohydrates
Women with PCOS often have symptoms of high insulin levels, insulin resistance, and high blood sugar. For these women, a natural fertility diet can be beneficial, since some foods raise insulin levels. In the Nurses' study, the Harvard team found that consumption of low-glycemic carbohydrates seemed to decrease ovulation disorders in women.
The Mayo Clinic concurs, noting that starches and high-glycemic carbohydrates raise insulin levels and should be avoided by women with PCOS. As part of a natural diet for PCOS and infertility, women can consume low-glycemic carbohydrates and high-fiber complex carbohydrates. These foods may reduce levels of insulin and androgens in the blood, restoring fertility. Natural foods to incorporate in the fertility diet include leafy green vegetables, whole-grain and whole-wheat breads, cereals, and pastas, beans, and brown rice.
High-Fat Dairy in the Diet
While women with PCOS that are severely overweight or obese may not want to eat too much of these foods, high-fat dairy products are a natural option recommended as part of the Harvard team's fertility diet. One serving of full-fat dairy, like a glass of whole milk, or serving of cheese, was found to be associated with increased fertility.
Folic Acid
Not only does folic acid prevent birth defects, but the Harvard team found folic acid to be associated with a decrease in ovulation disorders and increased fertility in women. Consuming at least 400 micrograms of folic acid per day is crucial for women with PCOS that want to conceive. While prenatal vitamins contain folic acid, natural food sources of folic acid include leafy green vegetables, whole grain breads, nuts, beans, and fruit.
References
- Mayo Clinic: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
- The National Women's Health Information Center: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: PCOS
- American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology; Protein Intake and Ovulatory Infertility; Jorge E. Chavarro, Janet W. Rich-Edwards, Bernard A. Rosner, & Walter C. Willett; June 2007.
- Obstetrics & Gynecology. Diet and Lifestyle in the Prevention of Ovulatory Disorder Infertility; Jorge E. Chavarro, Janet W. Rich-Edwards, Bernard A. Rosner, & Walter C. Willett; November 2007.
- American Pregnancy Association: Pre-Conception Nutrition.
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