Diet in PCOS at OpenMed Warsaw
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common hormonal disorders in women of reproductive age. The disease can affect not only the menstrual cycle and fertility, but also body weight, metabolism and well-being. An appropriately chosen diet in PCOS is one of the basic elements of treatment and can significantly support pharmacological therapy. If you are looking for specialist nutritional support in PCOS in Warsaw, we invite you to OpenMed in Wola. A specialist helps develop an individual nutritional plan tailored to the patient's health status, test results and lifestyle.
What is PCOS and why does diet matter?
PCOS is an endocrine disorder in which there is improper functioning of the ovaries and hormonal disturbances. In many patients, an elevated level of androgens, that is, hormones typically considered male, as well as ovulation disorders, are observed. Insulin resistance, which makes it difficult to control body weight and increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, also often coexists.
An appropriate diet in PCOS helps improve the sensitivity of tissues to insulin, supports the regulation of hormonal balance and reduces chronic inflammation. Even a small reduction in body weight can have a beneficial effect on the regularity of menstrual cycles and improve the chances of becoming pregnant in women planning motherhood.
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Symptoms of PCOS and the influence of nutrition on the course of the disease
Symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome can be very varied. The most common are irregular periods, difficulty becoming pregnant, acne, excessive male-pattern hair growth, oily skin and a tendency to gain weight. Some women also experience chronic fatigue, mood swings and difficulty reducing body fat despite following weight-loss diets.
Properly planned nutrition does not eliminate the disease itself, but it can effectively reduce its symptoms. Stabilizing the level of glucose and insulin in the blood is particularly important, because metabolic disorders are one of the most important elements of PCOS. The nutritional plan should therefore be tailored individually and take into account not only body weight, but also laboratory test results and coexisting conditions.
What does a dietary consultation at OpenMed look like?
At OpenMed, the consultation begins with a detailed health and nutritional interview. The specialist analyzes the current diet, level of physical activity, treatment history and current test results. Symptoms associated with PCOS, such as menstrual disorders, skin problems or difficulty maintaining a proper body weight, are also assessed.
Based on the information gathered, an individual nutritional plan is developed. Its goal is not only weight reduction, if there are indications for it, but above all the improvement of metabolic parameters and support of hormonal balance. The specialist pays attention to practical solutions that can be implemented on a daily basis without the need to follow restrictive diets.
What nutritional principles are used in PCOS?
A diet in PCOS should support a stable glucose level and limit sudden surges of insulin. In practice, the most commonly recommended are:
- products with a low and medium glycemic index,
- vegetables and fruit that are a source of dietary fiber,
- whole-grain cereal products,
- healthy fats coming from, among others, fish, nuts and olive oil,
- an appropriate amount of protein supporting satiety and appetite control.
There is no single universal diet for all women with PCOS. What works for one patient will not always be the best solution for another. That is why an individual approach and regular monitoring of effects are so important.
Diet as an element of long-term treatment
PCOS is a chronic disease, so changing the way of eating should be treated as an element of long-term therapy. An appropriate diet can support hormonal treatment, improve well-being and reduce the risk of metabolic complications in the future. Regular follow-up visits make it possible to assess the effectiveness of the introduced changes and adjust the recommendations to the current needs of the body.
Diet in PCOS - FAQ
Yes. An appropriately chosen diet can support the regulation of hormonal balance, improve insulin sensitivity and reduce the severity of PCOS symptoms.
No. The nutritional plan depends on body weight, test results and the patient's individual health situation.
Products rich in fiber, whole-grain cereal products, vegetables, healthy fats and sources of complete protein are most often recommended.
In many women, improving the diet and reducing insulin resistance can have a beneficial effect on the regularity of menstrual cycles.
It is not necessary, but it is worth bringing current laboratory test results and medical documentation, if available.