Diet, Nutritional Supplements, and Botanical Medicine in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a highly prevalent condition, with estimated incidence ranging from 6% to 20% of women worldwide. PCOS causes significant impact to quality of life in affected women. PCOS is driven by both insulin resistance (IR) and hyperandrogenemia. Because weight loss is a primary consideration in people with PCOS, nutrition and lifestyle change have especially important roles to play. Women with PCOS may derive many benefits from a low-carbohydrate diet approach, which may address the IR seen in this condition. This article reviews data related not only to nutritional approaches to PCOS, but also for nutritional supplements or botanical medicines that may be considered. These include N-acetylcysteine, chromium, melatonin, inositol, vitamin D, fenugreek seed extract, and curcumin.