PCOS Management

by Harpreet Singh

Common symptoms include:

  • Ovarian Cysts
  • Irregular Menstruation & Fertility Complications
  • Insulin resistance - Weight gain, Obesity, Diabetes
  • High blood sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol levels
  • Acne
  • Increased body hair (male growth - Hirsutism)
  • Darkening of skin
  • Sleep Apnoea
  • Endometrial Cancer
  • Depression

PCOS, Insulin Resistance & Weight Gain
Approximately 60-80% of women with PCOS are overweight, most having truncal fat, high blood sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol. PCOS greatly increases one’s risk for developing Type 2 Diabetes.

PCOS & Type 2 Diabetes
In PCOS, the body slows or stops responding to insulin. Insulin helps the cells in your body turn sugar (glucose) from the food we eat into energy. Continuous high glucose levels in your blood, can lead to Type 2 Diabetes.

Managing Insulin Levels to Control PCOS
When you eat, you are either feeding or fighting your PCOS. Certain foods, like carbohydrates spike your blood glucose levels. PCOS is a lifelong condition, and so our nutritionists will help you make long lasting sustainable changes, until healthy eating becomes natural to you.

Book an eye-opening session with our nutritionist, to reverse the symptoms of PCOS through diet and prevent the onset of Diabetes

For PCOS, a low-carbohydrate, and low Glycaemic index diet is recommended.

  • Low Carbohydrates - this will help reduce insulin levels which help balance hormones, normalise ovulation and menstruation.
  • Low Gluten - foods like wheat, barley and oats are highly inflammatory and should be avoided. In fact many women with PCOS have non-celiac gluten sensitivity.
  • Low Glycaemic Foods: Do not cause big insulin spikes
  • High Fibre - broccoli, cauliflower, lettuce, green and red peppers, beans and lentils, almonds, berries, pumpkin and sweet potatoes.
  • Lean Protein - keeps you fuller for longer and prevents snacking
  • Anti-inflammatory foods:
    • Dark leafy greens: kale, spinach
    • Vegetables: broccoli, cauliflower, tomatoes
    • Blackberries, red grapes, cherries
    • Lentils & beans
    • Avocado and coconut
    • Turmeric and cinnamon
    • Walnuts, pine nuts, almonds
    • Healthy Fats: avocado, nuts, coconut milk, and fatty fish
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