Community Dietary and Exercise Strategies to Mitigate Symptoms of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Abstract

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal and metabolic disorder characterized by heightened androgens, or hormones associated with male sex characteristics, that circulate in the bloodstream of affected women. This hormonal imbalance contributes to the development of small cysts on the ovaries and irregular menstrual cycles, which can lead to infertility. Other symptoms include hirsutism, insulin resistance (IR), and acne, although not all symptoms must be present for a PCOS diagnosis. Symptoms are often prevalent following menarche, and PCOS is usually diagnosed alongside co-existing conditions such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, and endometrial cancer, which increase health risks in individuals with PCOS. Diet and physical activity are proven first-line approaches to managing PCOS symptoms such as IR. Given this, the present literature review evaluates three community strategies that involve diet and exercise to mitigate the symptoms of those diagnosed with PCOS. This paper focuses on how food-access programs connecting the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) with Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) can provide greater access to healthy meals, particularly those belonging to a Mediterranean diet, which emphasizes limiting saturated fats, trans fats, and processed sugars; how pricing policies such as taxes on high-sugar beverages and subsidies for healthier foods can promote healthier eating; and how structured community exercise programs, mirroring programs for other chronic diseases, can provide an effective mode of physical activity. Together, these interventions may improve PCOS by alleviating symptoms such as IR and irregular menstruation.