Many conditions can cause a woman to have trouble getting pregnant. Ovulation disorder is a common cause. Polycystic ovarian syndrome, or PCOS, is a condition that may result in disordered ovulation, in addition to other symptoms. Making dietary changes is proven to have measurable, positive impact on the fertility of women with PCOS.
Definition
The Children's Hospital Boston's Center for Young Women's Health says nearly one in 10 women has PCOS. PCOS is the result of hormonal imbalances that might occur for several reasons. It is a syndrome -- that is, a collection of symptoms -- that typically starts in the teen years and is often characterized by irregular menstrual periods, hirsutism -- male-pattern hair growth, and acne. Not all women with PCOS have those classic symptoms. The most accurate diagnosis is made with a combination of blood tests and ultrasound examinations, along with a thorough medical history. PCOS does not always result in infertility, but many women with the syndrome do experience difficulty getting pregnant. In addition to trouble conceiving, women with PCOS are also at higher risk for insulin resistance, diabetes, heart disease and other health conditions.
PCOS and Fertility
The National Institute of Child Health and Human Development calls PCOS the most common cause of female infertility related to the absence of ovulation. Anovulation -- meaning a menstrual period where ovulation is not occurring -- is the primary factor linking PCOS to infertility. Some women with PCOS will have fairly regular periods with very heavy bleeding, yet not be ovulating. Others will experience extremely irregular periods, while some will find their periods cease some time after menarche. Fortunately, infertility due to PCOS is very treatable with assisted reproductive medicine. Fertility experts now also advise patients with PCOS to make changes to their physical activity level and diet that will enhance their fertility as well as their overall health.
PCOS and Nutrition
The authors of "The PCOS Diet Cookbook" say that "insulin resistance is at the root of PCOS" and they recommend a combination of medications and lifestyle changes, like modifying your diet, to manage the syndrome's symptoms. The National Institute of Child Health and Human Development say studies point to insulin resistance occuring in up to 70 percent of women with PCOS. Beth Heller, M.S., fertility nutrition expert with Pulling Down the Moon, says the best diet for PCOS is a low-glycemic/anti-inflammatory diet.
PCOS Diet Recommendations
In the book, "Fully Fertile," Heller and her co-authors state that avoiding simple sugars and highly-processed carbohydrates will help improve blood sugar management. The best carbohydrate sources for managing PCOS are vegetables, fruit and whole grains. Lean protein and ample sources of inflammation-fighting mono- and polyunsaturated fats round out the PCOS diet. Red meats, foods high in processed sugars and trans-fats are off-limits for women with PCOS. These foods can cause inflammation and further impair your cells' ability to use insulin and regulate blood sugar.
References
- Children's Hospital Boston, Center for Young Women's Health: PCOS-Friendly Food Suggestions
- Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development: Beyond Infertility: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
- "The PCOS Diet Cookbook"; Nadir R. Farid M.D., Norene Gilletz; 2007
- Beth Heller, M.S.; Co-Director, Pulling Down the Moon; Chicago
- "Fully Fertile"; Tami Quinn, Jeanie Lee Bussell, Beth Heller, Brian R. Kaplan; 2010
Member Comments