Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: Dietary Approaches to Counteract Insulin Resistance

Abstract

Background: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a prevalent hormonal disorder connected to ovulatory infertility and recent research indicates that different diets alter the risk of developing PCOS. Insulin resistance (IR) is one of the key pathologies which classifies PCOS. Understanding the etiology leading to IR in PCOS patients and the disorders associated with IR can allow for a therapeutic measure to be put in place to counteract the etiology and even reduce the risk of developing the disorder. Objective: The objective of this review is to identify the key factors that lead to IR so that diet and other lifestyle aspects can be used to counteract PCOS Symptoms.Design: A total of 679 studies were taken into consideration for this review, however, I performed a literature review of 75 primary papers. Data and findings from these studies were used to gain a better understanding of the dietary etiology of IR in PCOS, and this information can be used to describe a specific diet to counteract its etiology.Results: Many symptoms and disorders in the biological pathway of PCOS is associated with IR. Clinical studies have established that an increase in carbohydrates, low-density lipoproteins, and triglycerides is associated with IR in PCOS patients. Similar studies have found that a decrease in dietary proteins (especially branched chain amino acid intake), lactate, phosphatidylcholine, high-density lipoproteins, and long-chain fatty acids are also associated with PCOS patients. The drug metformin has also been associated with ameliorating many of the negative impacts imposed by IR in PCOS patients. Addressing these factors and changing diet and lifestyle (such as increased exercise) can help reduce the IR-related effects in PCOS patients.