Dietary Taboos for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Written by Zhang Xiu Rong
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Updated on June 09, 2025
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Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is characterized by menstrual disorders, amenorrhea, infertility, obesity, acne, and hirsutism. The majority of patients with PCOS also exhibit high blood glucose and hyperinsulinemia. Therefore, it is crucial to pay attention to diet once these conditions occur. Foods high in fat and calories should be avoided as they can lead to weight gain and exacerbate the condition. Generally, it is advisable to consume a light diet, with plenty of vegetables and fruits, and to include beans and soy products. As patients with PCOS typically have high testosterone levels, consuming beans, which contain estrogen, can help replenish estrogen in the body and combat testosterone and other androgens. Thus, dietary considerations are essential for patients with PCOS.

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Written by Sun Shan Shan
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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What are the causes of polycystic ovary syndrome?

Polycystic ovary syndrome is a common gynecological endocrine disease, often seen in adolescence, primarily characterized by high levels of androgens. Clinically, it is mainly characterized by persistent anovulation and polycystic ovarian changes. It is often accompanied by insulin resistance and obesity. The exact cause of the disease has not yet been fully clarified, and it may be due to the interaction of genetic factors and environmental factors. Polycystic ovary syndrome requires timely treatment with hormonal drugs or laparoscopic ovarian drilling surgery, followed by further management based on the examination results.

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Written by Zhang Xiu Rong
Obstetrics and Gynecology
1min 27sec home-news-image

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is what matter?

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a type of gynecological endocrine disorder. Its clinical manifestations include amenorrhea, obesity, infertility, acne, and hirsutism. A key characteristic of the disease is anovulation which affects fertility. Therefore, the general diagnostic procedure for patients with suspected PCOS begins with an ultrasound at a hospital. If the ultrasound suggests PCOS, it is necessary to have a blood test for sex hormone levels on an empty stomach during the 2nd to 5th day of the menstrual cycle. Diagnosis is generally determined through a combination of sex hormone tests and ultrasound examinations, which can confirm whether one has PCOS. The causes of PCOS are generally attributed to staying up late, dieting, high stress, irregular lifestyle, indiscriminate use of contraceptives and diet pills, obesity, and patients with other endocrine disorders. Since PCOS affects fertility and is difficult to treat, patients diagnosed with this condition must seek treatment in hospital endocrinology departments or specialized gynecology departments.

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Written by Zhang Xiu Rong
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Can polycystic ovary syndrome naturally conceive?

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is characterized by symptoms such as amenorrhea, obesity, infertility, acne, and hirsutism. In cases of PCOS, the chances of natural conception are slim unless one regularly maintains a disciplined lifestyle, manages PCOS through exercise, weight loss, and a regulated life routine which normalizes hormone levels, thus enabling normal ovulation and the possibility of natural conception. Otherwise, a distinctive feature of PCOS is anovulation, and to achieve conception, hormone levels must be normalized. Once hormone levels are normalized, some individuals may ovulate on their own, while others may need medication to stimulate ovulation. Therefore, the chances of natural conception with PCOS are very low.

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Written by Shen Li Wen
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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The difference between polycystic ovary syndrome and polycystic ovaries

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and polycystic ovaries are different. Firstly, polycystic ovaries are diagnosed through ultrasound, wherein more than 12 small follicles are found in both ovaries simultaneously under ultrasound guidance. This condition can occur in some normal women as well as women who have been taking short-acting birth control pills for a long time. In subsequent check-ups, this condition might not be detected. On the other hand, polycystic ovary syndrome is a disease represented by a cluster of clinical symptoms. For instance, women may experience infrequent ovulation, longer menstrual cycles, and it can also lead to infertility. There are also manifestations of increased androgen levels, such as increased body hair and facial acne. Polycystic ovary syndrome primarily affects a woman's normal fertility functions and thus requires treatment; whereas, polycystic ovaries usually just require observation.

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Written by Zhang Xiu Rong
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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What foods should be eaten with polycystic ovary syndrome?

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.