Polycystic ovarian syndrome, also known as PCOS, is a condition caused when the ovaries secrete unusually high amounts of androgen hormones, such as testosterone. The condition can cause irregular menstrual periods, acne and abnormal body hair growth. Women with PCOS can benefit from following a high-protein diet as part of a weight-loss program.
PCOS and Hormones
Although doctors do not know what causes the ovaries to secrete high amounts of androgens, elevated levels of insulin can play a role in the development of polycystic ovarian syndrome. High levels of insulin, a pancreatic hormone, can disrupt the balance of hormones in the female body, the National Women's Health Information center states. Many women with polycystic ovarian syndrome are overweight or obese, and obesity can cause the body to be resistant to insulin. This causes insulin levels to rise.
High-protein Diets and Insulin
One of the advantages of high-protein diets is that they are usually low in carbohydrates. When you consume carbohydrates, particularly refined carbohydrates like white flour and added sugars, your body secretes more insulin to lower your blood glucose levels. Following a high-protein diet can help you keep your blood glucose levels low, which reduces the amount of insulin that your pancreas produces. This can decrease the amount of androgens your ovaries makes, which reduces your PCOS symptoms.
High-protein Diets and Weight Loss
Diets that are high in protein and low in carbohydrates can help people lose weight. According to the UpToDate website, losing weight is one of the simplest ways for women with polycystic ovarian syndrome to manage the disease. If you are overweight and have PCOS, losing between 5 and 10 percent of your body weight will help you normalize your hormone levels, which can reduce menstrual period irregularity and improve fertility.
Considerations
One concern about high-protein diets is that they often emphasize foods such as red meat and eggs, which are high in saturated fat and cholesterol. Eating a lot of saturated fat and cholesterol can increase your blood cholesterol levels, which raises your risk of developing heart disease. Women with PCOS already have an increased risk of developing cardiovascular problems, so diets that are high in saturated fat and cholesterol should be avoided, ObGyn.net says.
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