What should I eat to manage polycystic ovary syndrome?

Written by Li Shun Hua
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Updated on April 30, 2025
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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 Zhang Xiu Rong
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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What foods are good to eat for polycystic ovary syndrome?

Patients with polycystic ovary syndrome must pay attention to their diet, as the characteristics of this disease include amenorrhea, obesity, infertility, acne, and hirsutism. Due to obesity, one should avoid eating large portions of meat and food that is high in fat and calories. Additionally, patients should check their fasting blood glucose and insulin levels, as the majority of these patients tend to have high blood sugar and insulin resistance. At this time, foods high in starch should be avoided. Dietarily, it is generally advisable to eat more green vegetables, fruits, and beans or bean products. Bean products contain estrogens which can counteract the high testosterone levels in polycystic ovary syndrome. Therefore, dietary attention is crucial. Besides focusing on diet, patients should also lose weight and reduce body weight through exercise, which helps in the recovery from the disease.

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Written by He Bing
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Can polycystic ovary syndrome be treated with surgery?

Polycystic ovary syndrome can be treated surgically. There are two methods of surgical treatment. For patients with high levels of luteinizing hormone and testosterone, laparoscopic ovarian drilling can be performed, which has advantages such as definite therapeutic effect, minimal injury, and moderate cost. Possible issues with laparoscopic ovarian drilling include ineffective treatment, pelvic adhesion, and reduced ovarian function. Previously, ovarian wedge resection was commonly used, which could lower androgen levels, alleviate symptoms of hirsutism, and increase pregnancy rates. However, due to the high incidence of adhesions around the ovaries after surgery, this method is no longer commonly used clinically.

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Written by Du Rui Xia
Obstetrics
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Can polycystic ovary syndrome conceive naturally?

In cases of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), some women are able to conceive naturally. Clinically, patients with PCOS mainly exhibit symptoms such as obesity, hirsutism, menstrual irregularities, and infertility. This is due to ovulatory dysfunction common in PCOS, which affects the ability to conceive naturally. However, some women may occasionally release a normal ovum, allowing for the possibility of natural conception under such conditions, though the likelihood of this occurring is relatively low. Generally, treatment is needed to facilitate the normal release of follicles, after which natural conception may be possible.

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Written by Shen Li Wen
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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How to regulate amenorrhea in polycystic ovary syndrome?

When a woman with polycystic ovary syndrome experiences amenorrhea, the first step is to observe her body type. If she is relatively obese, it is advisable to suggest controlling diet and engaging in moderate activity to reduce her weight, that is, to lower her body mass index. After doing so, some women may regain their normal menstrual cycles. For those with a normal body type or those who still have irregular menstrual cycles after losing weight, considering oral contraceptives might be suitable. These can reduce the level of androgens in the body. For women of childbearing age who still have reproductive needs, after regulating the menstrual cycle, if normal ovulation is not resumed, ovulation induction treatments can be considered to help the woman conceive normally.

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Written by He Bing
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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The fastest conception method for polycystic ovary syndrome

If patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) want to conceive as soon as possible, they can make efforts in the following areas: First, weight loss. Among patients with polycystic ovary syndrome, 67% are obese or overweight. Obesity for PCOS patients is not only unattractive but also brings metabolic disorders, reproductive health, and other hazards. Therefore, the first thing is to lose weight. However, weight loss should not rely solely on dieting; it requires a reasonable dietary arrangement combined with scientific exercise methods. Reducing or controlling weight can improve hyperinsulinemia, insulin resistance, and hyperandrogenemia, thereby restoring menstrual cycles, reducing hirsutism and symptoms, and greatly increasing the chances of conception. Second, medication-assisted treatment, mainly from three aspects: adjusting menstrual cycles, treating hyperandrogenemia, and treating insulin resistance. Third, ovulation induction and assisted reproduction. If a PCOS patient with a pregnancy desire cannot conceive naturally with normal male semen analysis, medication-induced ovulation and assisted reproductive technology can be considered to aid conception. Polycystic ovary syndrome is an endocrine metabolic disease and a chronic condition that requires long-term management. It cannot be resolved overnight. Patients need to maintain a relaxed attitude and proceed under the guidance of a professional doctor.