◦ Low glycaemic index foods improve insulin sensitivity, aid weight loss and improve fertility in obese PCOS patients. They also lower the amount of androgens in the blood, helpful in the treatment of PCOS. Eat plenty of legumes (beans, lentils), non–starchy vegetables and fruits such as apples and pears, and whole grain products such as rye, oats, barley and Basmati rice. 7

◦ Phytosterols help to control tumour growth and also improve cholesterol levels. They are found in nuts, seeds, plant oils, fruits and vegetables. Oranges and passionfruit are especially good sources.

◦ Chromium is a handy supplement or food which helps to regulate blood glucose levels and improve insulin receptivity. These include brewers yeast, calf liver, wheat germ and molasses as well as eggs, whole grains and meat.

◦ Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant inhibiting lipid peroxidation while also improving cardiovascular health and eicosanoid production. Good sources include wheatgerm oil, nuts, vegetable seeds and oils. 4

◦ Ensure adequate water intake of around 2 litres daily...

Foods to avoid:

Make an effort to avoid eating highly refined carbohydrate foods such as white breads and confectionary as these are a stress on glucose metabolism. Also avoid foods high in saturated fat. It may be helpful to avoid eating meats that may contain hormones, particularly oestrogen.

Herbs:
PCOS can be treated and alleviated with herbal medicine. Chaste Tree is commonly used for female reproductive conditions. It balances female hormones and helps to regulate the menstrual cycle. Peony, Licorice, Gymnema and Black Cohosh are also popular choices. Herbal treatment aims to control blood glucose levels and regulate female hormonal levels. They are also useful to alleviate the side effects of PCOS such as weight gain and acne.

References
1. Ehrmann D (2005) ‘Polycystic Ovary Syndrome’, The New England Journal of Medicine vol.352, iss.12 p.1223-1238
2. Jefferay K (2005) Nutrition as Therapy volume 2, Australasian College of Natural Therapies, Sydney
3. Henze Ch, Hinney B, Wuttke W (1998) ‘Incidence of Increased Androgen Levels in Patients Suffering from Acne’, Dermatology v.196 p.53-54
4. Jamison J (2003) Clinical Guide to Nutrition & Dietary Supplements in Disease Management, Churchill Livingstone Melbourne
5. Bulloch S (2003) ‘Phytotherapy for Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome’ Modern Phytotherapist v.8 n.2, Mediherb Pty Ltd, Australia
6. Haggans CJ, Hutchins AM, Olson BA, Thomas W, Martini MC, Slavin JL (1999) ‘ Effect of flaxseed consumption on urinary estrogen metabolites in postmenopausal women’ Nutrition and Cancer vol.33 iss.2 pp.188-95
7. Allen C, Clarke D, Wilson H, Buchholz (2005) ‘Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and a Low Glycaemic Index Diet’, Canadian Journal of Dietetic Practise and Research, iss.30
p.3
◦ Ed. Beers M, Berkow R (1999) The Merck Manual (17 th ed.) Merck & Co Inc, USA

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome refers to a collection of symptoms that can occur in women only, and may lead to infertility. The syndrome commonly presents with loss of regular menses, acne, obesity, hirsutism (increase in body hair) and enlarged ovaries containing cystic formations. The cause of these symptoms is multifaceted. Conditions such as obesity, high levels of androgen hormones and insulin resistance are thought to be contributing factors. Pre-disposing factors include:

Hormonal abnormalities – Excessive production of androgens by the ovaries leads to an abnormally high level of luteinizing hormone (LH) a vital female reproductive hormones. 1
Insulin resistance – When cells in the body don’t uptake insulin well, the levels of this substance builds in the blood and can worsen ovarian cyst growth. 2
Obesity – Higher proportions of body fat are associated with increased levels of oestrogen in the blood which in turn increases levels of androgens and Luteinizing hormone (LH).
Overactive enzyme 5-alpha-reductase may lead to an overproduction of testosterone which in turn can cause severe acne and formation of ovarian cysts. The type of testosterone ‘5-alpha-dihydrotestosterone’ produced is extremely potent. 3

Orthodox medicine commonly treats this condition with an insulin-sensitizing drug called ‘Metformin’. Fertility drugs and the Oral Contraceptive Pill are also prescribed depending on the patient’s personal history. The options don’t end here however.

How to fight Polycystic Ovaries using diet.

Useful foods are:
◦ Soy products such as tofu and soy milk contain ‘isoflavones’, which are thought to improve glucose tolerance and discourage neoplastic tumours from growing. Soy has it’s own version of oestrogens called ‘Phyto-oestrogens’ which compete with our human oestrogen in the body. By reducing human oestrogen activity the growth of oestrogen-dependent tumours is reduced. Consume 30 – 50mg of isoflavones daily (for example 200 gms of tofu daily). 4

◦ Dietary fibre is important to help the body remove excess oestrogen and balance hormone levels. Eat about 40 grams of soluble fibre a day. Good sources include legumes, tofu, leafy green vegetables and bitter greens. 5

◦ Flaxseed (Linum usitatissinum) is thought to be able to maintain female hormonal balance. 6