PCOS, which stands for polycystic ovary syndrome, is a hormone-driven disorder that affects women during their reproductive years.
The condition can lead to irregular or infrequent periods or periods that last longer than usual. One of the key characteristics of the condition is that it causes androgen imbalance–a male hormone oversecretion that leads to the appearance of male-pattern facial or body hair.
Those with PCOS are likely to develop small fluid-filled cysts on the outer edge of the ovaries, which contain immature eggs. These cysts prevent the regular release of eggs, which can lead to issues with fertility in some women.
Alongside advocating the need for early diagnosis, experts recommend following a PCOS-specific diet to address the risks associated with the condition. These diets are designed to improve insulin resistance, manage body weight, support healthy blood pressure levels, and reduce oxidative stress, among other factors. However, these diets are often shrouded by some myths that need to be busted.
Common PCOS myths:
- You must reduce gluten and dairy from your diet: Eliminating gluten and dairy from the diet can bring some relief, but it isn’t a long-term cure, according to Rescripted. Recognizing the uniqueness of each individual’s body, personalized care and treatment is vital for effectively managing PCOS.
- The ketogenic diet works wonders for PCOS: A 2021 study published in PubMed suggests that a ketogenic diet may offer additional benefits for obese women with PCOS and liver dysfunction, compared to conventional pharmacological treatment. It helped women with their menstrual cycle and hormonal levels. However, as per a 2021 study NCBI by ketogenic diet may not be a good fit for PCOS because it can affect how your body is composed and how your metabolism works. PCOS is a complex condition with different characteristics, and the ketogenic diet’s high-fat approach may not be the best choice.
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