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Dietary change, stress reduction, support groups, and exercise are generally considered to be most conducive for promoting healthy living for women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). In order for women with PCOS to take charge and responsibility for aiding in the treatment of PCOS, it is crucial that they be educated extensively regarding all aspects of PCOS. This ultimately may provide and sustain the motivation to undertake the significant changes in their lives and daily routines.

Reduction in body weight is an important factor in the success of treatment. Therefore, a low fat, reduced calorie diet is often the first step in helping to manage the condition. Lean women with insulin resistance may not be as responsive to lifestyle changes as overweight and obese women are. Nevertheless, the benefits that come from exercise and a healthy diet are important to the overall good health and reduction of risk for these women as well.

Also, it is difficult for many women with PCOS to maintain weight loss over a long period of time. It is helpful for many women to consult with psychologists or nutritionists regarding motivation and execution of long range weight loss and maintenance. Some women experience weight gains and losses that can impact negatively on the stability of insulin levels in the blood.

It is crucial for women with PCOS to stop smoking immediately as well as reduce or eliminate alcohol from their diet.

Diet and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Calorie restriction, weight loss and healthy eating habits have been shown in numerous studies to have a positive benefit on all symptoms of PCOS. Because women are often told to lose weight but may not receive adequate counseling and advice, there is a higher incidence than normal of eating disorders particularly binge eating, bulimia, and fasting. These behaviors can be dangerous since the pronounced fluctuations of energy intake can have a negative effect on insulin. Some doctors suggest that it is important for women with PCOS to be screened for eating disorders.

The American Dietetic Association and the American Diabetic Association recommend that women with insulin resistance or type II diabetes should take in most of their energy (60-70%) by consumption of monounsaturated fats, high fiber, and unprocessed carbohydrates (e.g., whole grains and beans). Some nutritional experts recommend that diets should emphasize high fiber, vegetables, legumes, lean protein and limited amounts of unsaturated fats. In the normal diet, high consumption of fiber is known to reduce the secretion of insulin by slowing the rate at which nutrients are absorbed. Research has also shown that low carbohydrate/high monounsaturated fat diets can reduce insulin levels and improve lipid profiles.

Carbohydrates and glucose have a complex relationship. Diets consisting of foods with low glycemic index also may have an effect on reducing insulin resistance. Glycemic index is a measure of how much a carbohydrate affects the glucose and insulin levels after a meal is consumed.

It is important for women to eat regularly to avoid drastic fluctuations of blood glucose and insulin. Keeping a food log or having a nutritionist give suggestions for menus and snacks may be helpful for some women. Also some women benefit from attending support groups for PCOS and/or weight loss and draw benefit from weigh-ins for positive reinforcement and feedback.