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Updated by alyson-ellis-ny on Nov 09, 2020
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10 Foods That Can Worsen Your PCOS

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a complicated disorder that affects women of reproductive age. Many women find out they have this condition in their 20s and 30s, but it can occur at any age after puberty. PCOS is the result of an imbalance of reproductive hormones which causes problems in the ovaries.

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10 Foods That Can Worsen Your PCOS

10 Foods That Can Worsen Your PCOS

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a complicated disorder that affects women of reproductive age. Many women find out they have this condition in their 20s and 30s, but it can occur at any age after puberty. PCOS is the result of an imbalance of reproductive hormones which causes problems in the ovaries. PCOS has a wide range of symptoms including:

  • Irregular periods or amenorrhea (the absence of menstruation during at last three months)
  • Acne or oily skin
  • Frequent headaches
  • Heavy bleeding during menstruation
  • Excess hair growth
  • Weight gain
  • Increased insulin levels
  • High levels of androgen (male hormones)
  • Fertility issues
  • Male-pattern baldness
  • Dark patches on the skin

The exact cause of PCOS is still unknown but obesity, gene factors, and insulin resistance increase your risk of getting it. Unfortunately, the condition often causes infertility, metabolic syndrome, and endometrial cancer. You should also know that it’s incurable but proper PCOS management can help you prevent the risks and combat most symptoms. If you want to know how to manage PCOS, keep reading.

PCOS management should be holistic and constant. This means you need to make certain lifestyle changes and live with them. What does PCOS management include? First, it’s important to learn how to manage your stress levels Stress can make your symptoms worse and speed up the progression of the condition. Women with chronic stress have constantly elevated cortisol levels. High cortisol can wreak havoc on your other hormones and raise inflammation.

Second, you should take prescribed medications and monitor how your symptoms change. Third, you need to change your diet. Any food you eat affects your health and symptoms. While certain foods can improve the symptoms, other products promote PCOS progression and lead to many health issues. Here are the 10 worst foods for women with PCOS:

1. Processed carbohydrates

Foods rich in processed carbs negatively affect blood sugar levels since they are stripped of their fiber. Regular consumption of white rice, soda, white bread, and baked goods worsens insulin resistance and thus exacerbates symptoms of the polycystic ovarian syndrome.

2. Dairy products

Scientists suggest that eating dairy products can increase insulin levels. If you have PCOS and you like dairy, you should talk to your health care provider about whether you need to eliminate these products from your diet.

3. Sugary foods

Sugary foods are considered the most pro-inflammatory and insulin-spiking products which will lead to an imbalance of insulin and blood sugar levels and negatively impact gut health. Sweets like cookies and candy and other foods that have added sugars are your enemies. Look at nutritional labels to help you choose the right food for you.

4. Unhealthy fats

Unhealthy fats include saturated and hydrogenated fats. These types of fat raise estrogen production which exacerbates PCOS and promotes other hormone imbalances. Dairy products like cream or cheese, fatty red meats, and processed or fried foods are full of unhealthy fats.

5. Gluten-containing foods

PCOS doesn’t contribute to gluten intolerance but it’s recommended for women with this disorder to avoid products high in gluten. Why? Gluten might trigger inflammation which can in turn cause insulin resistance and raise your risk of diabetes. People with higher levels of inflammation often have excess androgen production. Androgen imbalance leads to weight gain and irregular periods, both of which are common symptoms of the polycystic ovarian syndrome.

6. Alcohol

Women with PCOS tend to develop fatty liver disease. This condition is dangerous since it has no symptoms but it causes liver damage and other complications. Alcohol is a direct toxin to your liver and the gut microbiome. The more alcohol you consume the more your liver suffers.

7. Soy products

Since PCOS is accompanied by elevated estrogen levels, soy products should be avoided. Soy has been shown to raise estrogen levels. This is the good news for those with low estrogen but those who have elevated estrogen levels should be careful. Although there is still some debate about the impact of soy on estrogen levels, it is worth considering cutting out soy products if you are suffering from PCOS.

8. Starchy veggies

Not all vegetables are equally healthy. Try avoiding veggies with high starch content. These include potatoes and corn. Instead, choose green vegetables like broccoli and spinach.

9. Processed meats

Foods such as hot dogs, sausages, and pepperoni are processed and therefore they promote overall inflammation. Consider avoiding them.

10. Caffeine

Women who drink two or more cups of coffee per day have higher estrogen levels. Any increase in estrogen is bad for you if you have polycystic ovarian syndrome.