A Review on the Assessment of the Efficacy of the Diet in Women with Polycystic Ovary Disorder

ABSTRACTThe polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is defined as a combination of Hyperandrogenism (hirsutism and acne) and anovulation (oligomenorrhea, infertility, and dysfunctional uterine bleeding), with or without the presence of polycystic ovaries on ultrasound. It represents the main endocrine disorder in the reproductive age, affecting 6% - 15% of women in menacme. It is the most common cause of infertility due to anovulation, and the main source of female infertility. PCOS is becoming commoner due to increased awareness and the global increase in the prevalence of overweight and obesity. When in the presence of a menstrual disorder, the diagnosis of PCOS is reached in 30% - 40% of patients with primary or secondary amenorrhea and in 80% of patients with oligomenorrhea. PCOS should be diagnosed and treated early in adolescence due to reproductive, metabolic and oncological complications which may be associated with it. Treatment options include drugs, diet and lifestyle improvement. The optimal approach to dietary management of patients with PCOS gives beneficiary effects. Some studies revealed that PCOS is associated with overweight or obesity; successful weight reduction is the most effective method of restoring normal ovulation and menstruation. Low-carbohydrate diet and sustained regular exercise may help. It has been recommended that a diet in which a significant part of total carbohydrates is obtained from fruit, vegetables and whole grain sources may be helpful.Keywords: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, Infertility, Anovulation, Hyperandrogenism, Insulin Resistance.