What foods should be eaten with polycystic ovary syndrome?

Written by Zhang Xiu Rong
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Updated on September 05, 2024
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The characteristics of polycystic ovary syndrome include amenorrhea, obesity, infertility, acne, hirsutism, and hormone level tests generally indicate high testosterone, high luteinizing hormone, and low estrogen levels. Therefore, dietary intake should avoid large portions of meat, high-fat, and high-calorie foods. It is beneficial to consume more vegetables and fruits, and foods that are high in estrogen levels, such as beans and soy products, especially soy milk made from black soybeans. Besides pharmacological treatments, it is crucial for patients with polycystic ovary syndrome to regulate their daily routines and diet. If a patient is significantly overweight, it is essential to lose weight through exercise.

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Written by Shen Li Wen
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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How to diagnose polycystic ovary syndrome?

When suspecting polycystic ovary syndrome in females, it is essential to first inquire about the woman's menstrual history and menstrual cycle. A detailed observation of the woman's body type should be made, as some women may appear somewhat overweight and have increased body hair, such as small mustaches around the lips, and some may even have acne on their faces. In addition, a thorough physical examination should be conducted, including a gynecological examination, where some women may find an increased volume in both ovaries. Hormonal tests can also be conducted, showing elevated levels of androgens, or an imbalance in the levels ratio of luteinizing hormone to follicle-stimulating hormone. Some women may exhibit insulin resistance, with abnormalities in blood glucose and lipid levels. Ultrasound examination can show many small follicles in both ovaries on the same plane, without a dominant follicle, and the number of small follicles generally exceeds 12.

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Written by He Bing
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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What are the symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome?

Polycystic ovary syndrome often begins in adolescence, with primary clinical manifestations including menstrual disorders, excess androgens, and obesity. First, menstrual disorders are the most prominent symptoms, often characterized by infrequent menstruation, with cycles ranging from 35 days to 6 months, or amenorrhea. Before amenorrhea, there may be scanty menses or infrequent menstruation. It can also present as irregular uterine bleeding with no regular pattern in menstrual cycle, period, or flow. Second, infertility. Women of childbearing age may experience infertility due to ovulatory disorders. Third, hirsutism is the most common manifestation of high androgen levels. It appears in varying degrees, primarily affecting sexual hair, with dense pubic hair showing a male pattern tendency, extending around the anus, groin, or midline of the abdomen. There may also be fine mustache hair on the upper lip or hair around the nipple. Oily skin is also common, related to the accumulation of androgens stimulating vigorous secretion from the sebaceous glands. Fourth, obesity. Over 50% of patients are obese, commonly exhibiting abdominal obesity. Fifth, acanthosis nigricans. Occurs in areas such as the labia, the back of the neck, armpits, under the breasts, and the groin, where skin folds are present. This is characterized by symmetric grey-brown pigmentation, thickened skin, and a soft texture.

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Written by Li Shun Hua
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What should I eat to manage polycystic ovary syndrome?

Polycystic ovary syndrome is a lifelong disease that cannot be cured, and it is a metabolic disease, which makes it easy to develop diabetes, hypertension, and obesity. Therefore, it is essential to maintain a light diet, eat more fruits and vegetables to regulate the body, avoid greasy foods, exercise regularly, and keep the body within the normal range. By doing so, people with this syndrome can live like everyone else. However, if a person with polycystic ovary syndrome goes more than two months without menstruation, they must be treated with progesterone, primarily to prevent endometrial cancer.

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Written by Li Lin
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Can polycystic ovary syndrome naturally conceive?

Polycystic ovary syndrome is an endocrine disorder characterized by reproductive dysfunction and abnormalities in glucose metabolism, with persistent anovulation, excess androgens, and insulin resistance as its main features. Therefore, patients with polycystic ovary syndrome often suffer from infertility. The use of medication to reduce androgens, stimulate ovarian ovulation, control insulin resistance, combined with weight loss, can lead to the resumption of ovulation in the ovaries, thus allowing natural conception in polycystic ovary syndrome.

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Written by He Bing
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Management of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

For patients with polycystic ovary syndrome, the most important aspect is weight control. Patients need to engage in aerobic exercise at least 5 days a week, such as brisk walking, jogging, swimming, etc., each session lasting at least 30 minutes. Attention should also be paid to lifestyle adjustments: ensure a suitable living environment, change bad habits, and avoid staying up late; especially during long-term treatment, it is important to rest, maintain physical strength, and follow a nutritious diet. Be sure to dress appropriately with changing weather to avoid infections from bacteria, viruses, etc. Dietary adjustments involve long-term restriction of calorie intake, opting for low-sugar, high-fiber foods. A light diet with more high-quality protein is recommended. Quit smoking and drinking, and avoid high-sugar, high-fat, and spicy foods. Lastly, it’s crucial to stabilize emotions, focus on self-regulation, maintain an optimistic outlook, and avoid anger, depression, excessive tension, and long-term anxiety.