Diet Impact on Women Diagnosed with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, Can Modification of the Diet Be a Treatment?

Emily Rand

Co-Presenters: Individual Presentation

College: The Dorothy and George Hennings College of Science, Mathematics and Technology

Major: Biology

Faculty Research Mentor: Adriana Tagliaferro

Abstract:

Title: Diet Impact on Women Diagnosed with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, Can Modification of the Diet Be a Treatment?Author: Emily Rand, Department of Biology, Kean UniversityAbstract:Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is a multisystem condition impacting an estimate of eight to thirteen percent of women in reproductive ages and is known as the leading cause of reversible infertility. Considered to be an endocrine and metabolic disorder, PCOS is often associated with other conditions such as obesity, metabolic syndrome, hyperinsulinemia, insulin resistance and many more. Clinical manifestations such as irregular menstruation, acne, and the presence of multiple cysts on the ovaries can present in early adolescents. If not treated promptly, PCOS can lead to infertility, the development of other chronic conditions, and even cancer. Therapeutic options must be recommended based upon each case, as PCOS can be highly diverse. This review aims to assess published literature to establish the relationship between diet and the condition PCOS, as well as compare different papers with diet regimens as treatment options, such as the Keto-Diet, Mediterranean Diet, and the DASH diet for women diagnosed with PCOS.Based on analysis of multiple studies testing the relationship between diet and PCOS, this review found that even with positive outcomes found in both metabolic aspects and hormonal aspects, there is not enough data to determine long-term impacts and sustainability. The studies reviewed portrayed similar limitations, particularly with small test groups and short time frames of experimentation. Furthermore, the studies presented in this review show potential for finding a diet type that can both be attainable and useful in treating those diagnosed with PCOS.