Making sense of PCOS and diet decisions
If you’ve been diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome, it can be a struggle to understand what to eat with PCOS. Instead of falling into the trap of “eat this, not that” or a fad diet, Park Avenue Fertility and Reproductive Medicine prefers a more strategic approach. PCOS and diet are closely connected. In treating PCOS in Connecticut, we prioritize nutrition.
Our caring team supports women with PCOS, who often face metabolic issues. Some women struggle with excess weight, which can harbor excess estrogen or insulin resistance that can crank up testosterone levels. This muddles communication between the brain and the ovaries, throwing a wrench into the delicate balance of hormones that direct ovulation.
What to eat with PCOS
When thinking about PCOS and diet, our goal is to empower women to focus on overall health, not just fertility. This means eating a well-balanced, nutrient-dense diet that supports blood sugar regulation and reduces inflammation, which can accompany PCOS.
There is no one-size-fits-all approach to healthy eating, and some patients with PCOS in Connecticut enlist help from a registered dietitian to devise a customized plan. We also offer general nutrition guidelines to support patients in their family-building journey.
- Maintain a well-balanced diet of protein and fat. This can include small quantities of protein, such as chicken, fish or tofu, as well as healthy fats, such as avocados and olive oil.
- Enjoy high-fiber vegetables and a variety of fruits, such as berries, which can reduce inflammation and taste great. Consider adding fruits to protein-rich foods, such as Greek yogurt, to balance blood sugar.
- Take a pass on processed foods and sugary snacks, and limit alcohol.
While PCOS and diet are closely connected, exercise combined with a good diet can deliver a powerful one-two punch. Studies have shown that walking three times a week for 30 minutes can benefit women with PCOS. Incremental changes can reap dividends, as a 5% to 10% reduction in body weight sometimes helps balance hormones and jump-starts ovulation.
We help patients navigate PCOS and diet
Patients with polycystic ovary syndrome face unique challenges when trying to conceive. Understanding what to eat with PCOS is not just about overcoming infertility, but is crucial to improving your overall health.
When considering what to eat with PCOS, our team at Park Avenue Fertility wants to equip patients to make choices of what to include, not simply what to restrict. Contact us to learn more about how we treat PCOS in Connecticut, and how we can help you balance PCOS and diet to support your health.