Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS), this complex hormonal disorder affects 1 in 10 women worldwide, and 1 in 5 women in India. But only a few persons are talking about it, and the disorder is widely misunderstood. Polycystic ovary syndrome is a hormonal disorder common amongst women of reproductive age. PCOS affects a lady’s ovaries, the reproductive organs that produce estrogen and progesterone — hormones that regulate the menstrual cycle. The ovaries also produce a small variety of male hormones called androgens.

What are the symptoms of PCOS?

• Missed periods, irregular periods, or very light periods
• Ovaries which are large or have many cysts
• Excess body hair, including the chest, stomach, and back (hirsutism)
• Weight gain, especially across the belly (abdomen)
• Pimples or oily skin
• Male-pattern baldness or thinning hair
• Infertility 
• Small pieces of excess skin on the neck or armpits (skin tags)
• Dark or thick skin patches on the back of the neck, within the armpits, and under the breasts

Diets that will help individuals with PCOS manage their symptoms are:

Eating clean will bring balance to the hormones in your body. Women coping with PCOS should eat food in its most natural state. As insulin, cortisol, testosterone, progesterone, estrogen, and the thyroid change into more in balance, PCOS symptoms will be more controlled.

• A low glycemic index (GI) food regimen: The body digests foods with a low GI more slowly, meaning they don’t cause insulin levels to rise as much or as quickly as other foods, similar to some carbohydrates. Foods in a low GI food regimen include whole grains, legumes, nuts, seeds, fruits, starchy vegetables, and other unprocessed, low-carbohydrate foods.
• An anti-inflammatory food regimen: Anti-inflammatory foods, similar to berries, fatty fish, leafy greens, and additional virgin olive oil, may reduce inflammation-related symptoms, similar to fatigue.
• The DASH food regimen: Doctors often recommend the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) food regimen to scale back the chance or impact of heart disease. It may additionally help manage PCOS symptoms. A DASH food regimen is wealthy in fish, poultry, fruits, vegetables whole grain, and low-fat dairy produce. The food regimen discourages foods which are high in saturated fat and sugar.
• Limit dairy and alcohol: In response to research published within the International Journal of Stopping Medicine, reducing dairy intake could potentially help certain women with PCOS drop extra pounds and help a few of their hormonal PCOS symptoms. Also, it’s best to limit excess alcohol intake and particularly inflammatory, sugary mixed drinks.

Foods to avoid

Women with a PCOS should avoid these foods

• Refined carbohydrates, similar to mass-produced pastries and white bread.
• Fried foods, similar to fast food.
• Sugary beverages, similar to sodas and energy drinks.
• Processed meats, similar to hot dogs, sausages, and luncheon meats.
• Solid fats, including margarine, shortening, and lard.
• Excess beef, similar to steaks, hamburgers, and pork.
• Limit the intake of alcohol