About 70% of women globally experience PCOS without realizing it. And, once they know, many find it challenging to adjust their lifestyle. However, diet can truly make a difference, as highlighted in a recent article in Die Presse.
20% of all women worldwide officially live with the diagnosis of PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome). However, there are probably many more affected: the World Health Organization estimates that around 70% of women who suffer from PCOS are undiagnosed. “In adult women, the syndrome is diagnosed in a maximum of three out of ten women, while in adolescents it affects one in five,” explained to Die Presse Barbara Obermayer-Pietsch, professor of Endocrinology at the Medical University of Graz and part of the investigation team of the SPIOMET4HEALTH project in Austria.
PCOS symptoms include irregular or prolonged periods, excess hair growth (hirsutism), acne, and abnormal fat distribution, among others. Importantly, there is no typical case of PCOS: not everyone experiences all symptoms or to the same extent. “Approximately half of those affected become obese, but not all, as shown by the example of former Spice Girl Victoria Beckham,” says Obermayer-Pietsch. This diversity makes diagnosing the syndrome so difficult.
The contrasting and varied manifestations of PCOS profoundly shape the quality of life of affected women: “Many affected are very proactive people, often hold leadership positions, but many also suffer from low self-esteem, have social anxiety due to their appearance, and develop depression,” enumerates the endocrinologist.
A slow-carb diet to relieve PCOS
The article also features advice of nutritionist Sandra Handlbauer-Zrust. “The initial recommendation for individuals affected by PCOS is to evaluate their lifestyle and carefully consider their dietary choices”. She specifically advocates for the slow-carb diet, which emphasizes minimizing carbohydrate intake and choosing those that digest slowly when consumed. “These include whole grain products, vegetables and complementary proteins, but it is also important to avoid sugar, white flour, and large amounts of fruit, alcohol, and energy drinks.”
Additional recommendations include maintaining four to six-hour intervals between the three daily meals and refraining from snacking, as “this disrupts blood sugar levels,” according to Handlbauer-Zrust. Regular exercise plays a significant role in improving hormonal balance; however, it should be tailored to individual needs, abilities, and preferences. “Sport should be for fun, never for stress or under pressure.”
PCOS in adolescents
PCOS is often diagnosed during adolescence, coinciding with the onset of menstruation. Currently, there is no cure, and young women are typically prescribed oral contraceptives to help manage symptoms. To address this, the EU project SPIOMET4HEALTH is conducting a clinical trial aimed at discovering the first non-hormonal treatment for PCOS.
The Spiomet4health clinical trial is ongoing, with the recruitment process still open. If you’re between 12 and 23, you can join in! Find all the details here.
And if you want to know more about how to address PCOS hormonal imbalances through diet:
- – Read the full article in Die Presse (in German).
- – Don’t miss our article “PCOS: a preferred diet?”.