PCOS Diet, Supplement and Herb Recommendations

Medically reviewed by Abbey Sharp, Registered Dietitian (RD), BASc.

I share an updated in depth post on PCOS Diet, supplement and herb recommendations for those who suffer from polycystic ovary syndrome, and I cover if weight loss is necessary.

You guys might remember that a while back I did a two part blog post on PCOS management. If you missed it, you can check out part one and part two. Since that post, there’s been newer evidence on PCOS recommendations, so in this post we are going to review the new evidence and again ask the question if weight loss is necessary in PCOS treatment. To answer that weight loss question, I’ll include some quotes from a conversation I had with weight inclusion intuitive eating Dietitian, Julie Duffy Dillon who specializes in PCOS.

What is PCOS?

PCOS aka Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, involves an imbalance in women’s sex hormones like estrogen, progesterone and testosterone leading to the growth of ovarian cysts (aka benign masses). If left untreated, PCOS can lead to irregular or absent periods, infertility, unwanted hair growth on our face and body, acne, alopecia (hair loss from head), pregnancy complications and even cancer.

PCOS can be diagnosed when at least two out of the three of the following occurs:

1. The ovaries are “polycystic” because either there are 12 or more follicles on one ovary or the size of one or both ovaries is high
2. Hyperandrogenism where there are high levels of androgens (male hormones) and/or symptoms of excess androgens like acne or excess hair growth
3. There are issues with your period like lack of periods, irregular periods or lack of ovulation

For me personally, I was diagnosed because I wasn’t ovulating at all, and my ovaries were slightly polycystic. Of course, everyone is different so PCOS can look and operate completely differently depending on the individual.

Let’s first discuss some of the traditional management strategies for PCOS.

PCOS Diet Recommendations

One of the longstanding dietary recommendations that holds some merit in managing PCOS symptoms is a low glycemic diet.

What is a low glycemic diet?

A low Glycemic index, or low GI diet consists of carbohydrate based foods that are slow digesting and cause a gradual rise in blood sugar and insulin, plus of course lots of protein and healthy fats.

Some examples of low GI carbohydrates includes:

• Whole grain breads
• Steel cut oats
• Bulgur
• Sweet potato
• Apples
• Prunes
• Milk
• Chickpea
• Lentils

One study found that when women with PCOS followed a low GI diet, their menstrual regularity improved compared to individuals who followed a standard healthy diet. This likely has something to do with the fact that fewer blood sugar spikes and falls improved insulin sensitivity which in turn improved menstrual irregularity. A more recent 2019 study found that a low GI diet improved menstrual irregularity in 80% of women with PCOS. However in that study, the low GI diet was energy restricted, so unclear whether the change reported was because of the energy restriction or the low GI diet. The researchers believe that a low GI diet may delay the absorption of carbohydrates and improve metabolic pathways and insulin resistance.

It’s important to note that low GI doesn’t mean low carb. The evidence for the use of low carb diets like keto for PCOS is still in its infancy. I was able to find one super small study with 11 patients that saw some improvements, but as we will discuss later, we have no clue if this is sustainable for most people. A systematic review examined a variety of diets in the treatment of PCOS, and found that a low carb diet was associated with a greater decrease in insulin resistance compared with a conventional diet. They also found that a low GI diet targeting weight loss was associated with a greater reduction in insulin resistance compared to a conventional weight loss diet.

The evidence on choosing higher fibre lower glycemic index carbohydrates is definitely stronger, and for most people, this is way more sustainable. So the recommendation is that you can still enjoy carbs and a variety of carbs, you’ll just want to select those that have more fibre so you don’t see the same insulin spike. You’ll also want to pair those carbs with lean protein, and healthy fats to help stabilize those blood sugars further.

Finally, even though its tempting given the diet culture we live in, you actually want to make sure you’re eating enough and eating regularly. I’m going to chat more about this with Julie when I patch her in, but in short, when we let ourselves get too hungry, our blood sugars plummet, we get ravenous, and then we see a massive spike when we do finally eat. Restricting also sends us into a binge and restrict cycle which results in can perpetuate metabolic dysfunction.

PCOS Supplement and Herb Recommendations

There are a ton of supplements and herbs that claim to eradicate PCOS symptoms, but we really only have solid evidence to support a few.

Inositol

Inositol is really number one. Inositol is a small molecule that is structurally similar to glucose and is naturally found in foods like whole grains and citrus fruits. one 2016 systematic review found that the supplementation of inositol improved hormonal and reproductive disturbances in PCOS. another 2017 meta-analysis found that inositol improved the metabolic profile of women with PCOS and reduced some of the high levels of androgen hormones that cause a lot of the symptoms and problems. Finally, the evidence also suggests that it may improve pregnancy outcomes for women with PCOs undergoing IVF.

Omega 3

Most of us could probably benefit from an omega-3 supplement. One 2018 systematic review and meta-analysis found that omega 3 supplementation in PCOS patients helped improve insulin resistance and reduce total cholesterol, triglyceride and LDL levels.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D deficiency is common in women with PCOS, possibly because of the metabolic and endocrine disorders associated with the disease. So its often recommended to patients to supplement with vitamin D although admittedly, the research on this one is still a little unclear. one 2015 systematic review and meta-analysis found a positive association between PCOS and vitamin D deficiency, however the studies did not find that vitamin D supplementation had a beneficial effect. That being said, the researchers of the study do recommend larger prospective studies to further assess the association between vitamin D levels and PCOS treatment, and in my professional opinion, most people, at least here in Canada, can benefit from vitamin D.

Probiotics

While we’re still not 100% sure about vitamin d alone, research has found that the combination of vitamin D and a probiotic supplement may be effective at treating symptoms. one 2019 randomized controlled trial found that vitamin D and probiotic co-supplementation improved depression, anxiety and stress scale scores in women with PCOS. It was also associated with a significant reduction in total testosterone, hirsutism, CRP (inflammation), and the oxidative stress marker malondialdehyde compared with a placebo.

Chromium

Chromium is an essential trace element that may play a role in treating PCOS symptoms by improving the body’s response to insulin. A 2018 systematic review and meta-analysis did not find any significant differences in insulin metabolism, hormone status and lipid profiles between the chromium treated group and the control group. At the moment, chromium does not seem to have any significant benefit for women with PCOS. Future studies are still necessary.

Cinnamon

A 2018 mouse study found that cinnamon supplementation may improve insulin resistance and may be a potential therapeutic agent for the treatment of PCOS. In a 2014 human study, involving 45 women with PCOS, cinnamon supplementation improved menstrual cyclicality. We are still in need of larger human studies to know its efficacy in the treatment of PCOS symptoms.

Turmeric

Research has shown that C-reactive protein, aka CRP (a marker for inflammation) is typically higher in PCOS patients and that when CRP is reduced so are the metabolic symptoms of PCOS. Since turmeric has anti-inflammatory properties, some research has found that it may decrease CRP levels, thereby improving PCOS symptoms. In a 2017 rat study, rats treated with turmeric increased the number of corpus luteum and a decrease in inflammatory markers. At the moment there is still not enough evidence to support its efficacy.

Zinc

Zinc is an essential trace element which is responsible for the function of over 300 enzymes. It also plays a crucial role in insulin metabolism. Women with PCOS typically have lower zinc levels and that deficiency may be associated with abnormal lipid profiles. So does supplementation help?

In a 2001 study, a zinc supplement or placebo was given to 60 women with PCOS. The results showed a significant reduction in the levels of total cholesterol, LDL, triglycerides in the zinc treated group. Based on that, zinc supplementation may be effective at improving lipid metabolism in women with PCOS. Further more current research is needed before recommending its effectiveness.

Evening Primrose Oil

A 2018 randomized controlled trial was performed on 60 women with PCOS and vitamin D deficient. Participants receiving vitamin D and evening primrose oil for 12 weeks experienced improved triglycerides and LDL cholesterol.

Berberine

In a 2012 study, the short term effect of berberine was compared to metformin on various metabolic parameters. The results found that berberine showed a decrease in total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL and an increase in HDL. A recent 2018 systematic review and meta-analysis concluded that berberine showed a promising prospect in treating PCOS, but the mechanisms are still unclear. Higher quality studies are still needed to confirm its effect.

Herbs

There are herbs including Maca root, ashwaganda, holy basil, licorice, chasteberry, and tribulus terristris. I feel like I’ve just said a harry potter spell. There are lots of herbs that are often recommended for treating PCOS symptoms, however the research on their effectiveness is very limited. Many of these herbs carry some antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties which is why they are commonly recommended for treating PCOS. Research has shown that C-reactive protein (a marker for inflammation) is typically higher in PCOS patients and that when CRP is reduced so are the metabolic symptoms of PCOS. So while its totally possible that one or a combination of these herbs may serve as good adjuncts to traditional supplements and medication, they shouldn’t be relied on all on their own.

PCOS Lifestyle Recommendations

Sleep and Stress Relief 

Getting enough sleep and reducing stress is so key. Research has revealed that aligned with my own experience, sleep disorders and insomnia are significantly more common in women with PCOS. Also getting a shitty sleep when you’re struggling with already messed up hormones can totally worsen symptoms. *LOUD SIGH*.

Quitting Smoking 

Smoking as been found to worsen PCOS symptoms and even put someone at high risk for metabolic syndrome, so it’s recommended to avoid smoking.

Acupuncture for Treatment of Ovulation Disorders

There is some evidence that acupuncture may influence ovulation by affecting levels of various hormones, however its mechanism is still not well understood. According to the  Cochrane database there is currently insufficient evidence to support the use of acupuncture for the treatment of ovulation disorders in women with PCOS, but if nothing else, a lot of women find it stress relieving and therefore it may be a nice compliment to your traditional health care regime. Personally im a huge fan, and think it has made a difference in my fertility journey, even if it’s just the placebo effect.

Avoiding Endocrine Disruptors

Over the years, it has been suggested that endocrine disruptor chemicals Bisphenol A (BPA) may contribute to the rise in PCOS. Some animal studies have found that BPA exposure disrupted ovarian and reproductive functions in females while a 2017 systematic review and meta-analysis found that PCOS patients had significantly higher BPA levels compared to a control group. Researchers from this study believe that BPA might be involved in the insulin-resistance and hyperandrogenism of PCOS, however more high quality studies are needed to explore this association.

Weight Loss for PCOS Management

The last lifestyle change that has ALWAYS been recommended for the treatment of PCOS is weight loss. I’ve waited to mention this one because while it’s probably the first thing a doctor will just tell you to do, it’s definitely controversial.

Why is Weight Loss so Universally Recommended for pcos?

I don’t know, I guess because doctors still think that weight loss is easy. It’s definitely easy for them to send someone off with the suggestion and hope for the best. But the recommendation is based on research suggesting that obesity and abdominal fat can exacerbate PCOS symptoms by increasing insulin resistance.

Its important to note, however, that not all women with PCOS struggle with insulin resistance or diabetes – I’m a good example right here. Furthermore, a lot of experts like Julie Duffy Dillon says that doling out universal weight loss advice to women with PCOS could actually have really dangerous effects.

For one, disordered eating is significantly more prevalent in women with PCOS with 86% of patients with PCOS presenting with a subclinical eating disorder. While it’s unclear why this is, it’s likely related to the shame that women carry and the pressure that’s been placed on this population to lose weight at any expense.

To further discuss “ditching the diet”, I had an enlightening conversation with Registered Dietitian Julie Duffy Dillion, who is an intuitive eating and PCOS specialist.

Why Weight Loss is Bad Advice for Women with PCOS

One of the first questions I asked Julie is why weight loss recommendations is bad advice for women living with PCOS.

Right off the bat, Julie emphasizes that PCOS has a genetic component and since weight doesn’t cause PCOS, why would it fix it. Also we know from countless studies that diets don’t work for most people, so why would it work for people with PCOS.

Other point Julie mentions is the role of binge eating. Research has found that many people with PCOS experience binge eating because yo-yo dieting predicts binge eating. With the many hormonal issues going on with PCOS, like high circulating insulin, these issues can lead to really intense cravings. So if someone with PCOS goes on a diet and eliminates foods like carbs and sugar, that will intensify those cravings. It’s important to note that PCOS cravings are nothing like the common cravings that people without PCOS experience.

Here’s how Julie describes PCOS cravings:

PCOS cravings are different. They’re primal. Every cell in the body is screaming: EAT. It’s like someone who’s been drowning, and finally coming to the surface and breathing and gasping for air. PCOS cravings are the same. So when we tell people, just lose weight, it’s basically telling people, not to be so obsessed with air. That’s silly because we need air to breathe and we need food to live.

This is super interesting, especially since the research has found that low calorie dieting increases cortisol which is linked to insulin resistance and weight gain.

Why Weight Loss may Worsen PCOS

I asked Julie how weight loss could actually worsen PCOS. Julie has found that weight cycling or yo-yo dieting is actually connected to higher insulin levels, higher testosterone, higher cortisol, higher cholesterol and higher blood pressure.All of these things are connected to PCOS, which can only worsen symptoms.

Researchers have found that people with PCOS are in a chronic pro-inflammatory state which is connected to lots of fatigue and brain fog. They’ve also connected that same pro-inflammatory state to weight cycling. Again, all of this is worsening the symptoms of PCOS.

Julie has also found from her clinical experience, that since so many people are constantly told to lose weight, people will generally avoid the doctor because of that. So when you avoid the doctor and neglect your healthcare needs, that will obviously worsen your symptoms and overall health.

On top of all this, Julie believes that a general blanket statement to lose weight teaches us that “fat bodies or larger bodies are bad and is a form of discrimination and weight stigma. We also know that weight stigma is associated with higher insulin levels, cortisol, cholesterol and blood sugars”

So at the end of the day, the very thing that weight is treating with PCOS is just going to make it worse.

Responding to Cravings Without Worsening PCOS

A lot of women with PCOS often describe feeling overwhelming cravings, particularly for carbs. This phenomenon occurs because cells that have become insulin resistant no longer are responding to insulin, so the pancreas keeps producing more insulin to compensate. Since the muscles are properly getting the glucose it wants, it’s basically just floating in the blood stream, effectively starving and sending out more signals for their preferred source of fuel- sugar! So I asked Julie how women could respond to their cravings without worsening their PCOS by gaining more weight or spiking their insulin.

People with PCOS are often told to ignore their cravings, but Julie has an interesting perspective. Julie sees carb cravings are insight and are the guidepost to help people understand what they need to treat their PCOS. Julie believes that “carb cravings should be listened to, respected and not shunned. It’s the way that they know that their condition needs more attention.”

Julie recommends to her clients that when they have a carb craving, they should step back for a moment and ask yourself these questions:

“Have you been eating enough?”

“Have you been sleeping enough?”

“Are you eating enough protein?”

“Are you restricting too much?”

“Are you exercising too much?”

“Have you been taking your supplements?”

Julie’s advice is to “lean into your carb cravings” and I love that.

How to Eat Intuitively When You Have PCOS

A question I often get asked as I enter the intuitive eating space is how a person with PCOS can eat intuitively when their hormones are giving them mixed or “incorrect” signals about what their body actually needs. Julie provided some great recommendations on how to honour your hunger and health with PCOS.

An Anti-Diet Approach 

Julie has emphasized that women shouldn’t be dieting to lose weight for PCOS management, so I wanted to know what some of her recommendations are for dietary intervention and planning when it comes to PCOS management.

Eating Enough calories

First and foremost Julie’s recommendation is to make sure you’re eating enough. To prevent those primal cravings, it’s important that you’re getting enough food and listen to those carb cravings.

eating More Protein for symptom management

Second, Julie often tells her PCOS clients that they probably need more protein. Julie recommends her clients strategically experiment with protein. Try incorporating protein in the morning or before bed and to see how that helps their energy levels and cravings.

Inositol

Thirdly, Julie recommends the use of a few supplements like Inositol. Like we mentioned earlier in this post, Julie recommends inositol because it has a lot of research to support its use. Julie encourages people to talk to their healthcare provider about using it.

Move Your Body

Julie recommends people  move their body in way that feels good. People with PCOS believe they have to torture their body with exercise, and do it when they don’t feel like it. However that shouldn’t be the case. Find an exercise that works for you, and when you do, you may even start to crave moving.

Bottom Line on pcos diet, supplement and herb recommendations

Finally, Julie admits that one of the hardest things for people with PCOS is to find a way to respect and love your body. Often people are told not to love their body and are told they need to be smaller. If you can find a way to love your body, research has found that this can lower cortisol levels, inflammation, triglycerides. These are things that are associated with PCOS. Finding compassion and realizing that your body can still do amazing things can all help with the treatment of PCOS.

I want to end on that awesome note and I especially want to thank Julie for the amazing interview I had with her. If you want to get in touch with her and check out her blog and social media, here are her contact details:

https://www.juliedillonrd.com/pcos/

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Updated on July 29th, 2020

Sofia Tsalamlal

Sofia is a Registered Dietitian and Nutrition Communication Expert. She is a regular contributor for Abbey’s Kitchen.