Polycystic ovary syndrome is a condition that causes women to have an increased amount of male hormones. This increase causes an imbalance in female hormones, which results in higher insulin levels, male pattern hair growth, hair loss and infertility. Women who have this condition also have an increased risk for developing high cholesterol, type 2 diabetes, heart disease and weight gain. Polycystic ovary syndrome is not curable, but many of the symptoms are treatable or preventable by using medications or making changes to the diet.
High Fiber
According to MayoClinic.com, eating foods that contain high dietary fiber can help reduce blood cholesterol levels and stabilize blood sugar. In addition, consuming large amounts of high fiber foods aids in weight loss. High-fiber foods that reduce cholesterol levels contain soluble fiber, which is found in beans, flaxseed and oats.
Healthy Carbohydrates
Refined carbohydrates such as potatoes, white rice and white flour cause insulin levels in the blood to rise rapidly after consumption. For this reason, women with PCOS should eat complex carbohydrates, such as brown rice and whole grains. According to the American Cancer Society, B-complex vitamins are used to prevent cancer, produce energy and maintain the nervous and digestive systems.
Important Protein
It is not recommended that women with polycystic ovary syndrome go on low-carbohydrate, high-protein diets; however, eating an equal balance of proteins, carbohydrates and fat can help slow down the absorption of carbohydrates, which keeps insulin levels low, according to the Center For Young Women's Health. Foods that contain a good amount of protein are peanut butter, eggs, chicken and fish.
Heart-Healthy Fat
Polycystic ovary syndrome gives women an increased risk of developing heart disease and obesity. For this reason, it is important to cut out excess fat, especially saturated fat, trans fat and cholesterol. Consume healthy unsaturated fats and essential fatty acids, which work to lower low-density lipoprotein, or bad cholesterol, and increase high-density lipoprotein, or good cholesterol. Good sources of unsaturated fats are olive oil and flaxseed oil. Flaxseed oil also contains essential fatty acids.
Considerations
It might become necessary to take medications to treat some symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome. Birth control pills or hormone replacement pills might be given to restore ovulation or regulate the menstrual cycle. Losing excess weight and changing your diet might help reduce these symptoms.
