Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) Nutritionists and Dietitians in Seattle, WA
Johanna Richter
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RDN, CD, LDN
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Seattle, WA 98121
I work with people to improve their relationships with food, especially when complicated by medical conditions, such as digestive conditions (SIBO, IBS, Celiac, IBD, Fatty Liver), hormonal issues ( PCOS, PMDD), insulin resistance (Pre-Diabetes, Type 2 Diabetes), behavioral health conditions, genetic risk, chronic illness, and rare diseases.
Having trouble coping with food, nutrition, and your health, especially with the recent stress of COVID-19? Many people are experiencing stress-related changes in emotions, eating behaviors, and physical symptoms, including digestive issues. Whether these experiences are new to you or related to something you dealt with in the past, I’m here to help.
I work with people to improve their relationships with food, especially when complicated by medical conditions, such as digestive conditions (SIBO, IBS, Celiac, IBD, Fatty Liver), hormonal issues ( PCOS, PMDD), insulin resistance (Pre-Diabetes, Type 2 Diabetes), behavioral health conditions, genetic risk, chronic illness, and rare diseases.
Having trouble coping with food, nutrition, and your health, especially with the recent stress of COVID-19? Many people are experiencing stress-related changes in emotions, eating behaviors, and physical symptoms, including digestive issues. Whether these experiences are new to you or related to something you dealt with in the past, I’m here to help.
I offer trustworthy guidance and a results-driven action plan designed for your body and your life, to help you conceive more easily and enjoy a healthy pregnancy - at any age - whether you have PCOS, endometriosis or unexplained infertility, whether you're going all natural or getting help from IUI or IVF, whether it's your first baby or your next baby.
You're ready to make a baby. Maybe you're a pretty healthy eater, but haven't narrowed in on the nutrients specific for fertility. Maybe you're getting some help with IUI or IVF and assumed what you eat doesn't make much difference at this stage of the game. Maybe you've got PCOS or endometriosis and didn't know that you can heal your hormones and get pregnant more easily with the right nutrition plan. Reality check! If you don't have your nutrition honed in, you'll waste precious time and spend more agonizing months without your baby. I provide personalized nutrition plans to get you pregnant more quickly & easily - at any age!
I offer trustworthy guidance and a results-driven action plan designed for your body and your life, to help you conceive more easily and enjoy a healthy pregnancy - at any age - whether you have PCOS, endometriosis or unexplained infertility, whether you're going all natural or getting help from IUI or IVF, whether it's your first baby or your next baby.
You're ready to make a baby. Maybe you're a pretty healthy eater, but haven't narrowed in on the nutrients specific for fertility. Maybe you're getting some help with IUI or IVF and assumed what you eat doesn't make much difference at this stage of the game. Maybe you've got PCOS or endometriosis and didn't know that you can heal your hormones and get pregnant more easily with the right nutrition plan. Reality check! If you don't have your nutrition honed in, you'll waste precious time and spend more agonizing months without your baby. I provide personalized nutrition plans to get you pregnant more quickly & easily - at any age!
Specialities include: Weight management, Pre-Diabetes, Type 2 Diabetes, Gestational Diabetes, PCOS, Heart Healthy Eating, General Nutrition, High Cholesterol, Pre/Post Natal Nutrition, Celiac Disease, IBS, Vegetarian and Vegan diets.
Brittany is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist with Health Loft who works collaboratively with clients to create life-long and sustainable changes. Brittany understands that change takes time and works with client’s to find this balance in nutrition and daily movement. Through open discussion during sessions, client's will learn how to establish daily patterns that ultimately create healthy habits for long-term success. Brittany believes there is no one perfect diet and works with you to find the dietary interventions best suited for your health journey.
Specialities include: Weight management, Pre-Diabetes, Type 2 Diabetes, Gestational Diabetes, PCOS, Heart Healthy Eating, General Nutrition, High Cholesterol, Pre/Post Natal Nutrition, Celiac Disease, IBS, Vegetarian and Vegan diets.
Brittany is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist with Health Loft who works collaboratively with clients to create life-long and sustainable changes. Brittany understands that change takes time and works with client’s to find this balance in nutrition and daily movement. Through open discussion during sessions, client's will learn how to establish daily patterns that ultimately create healthy habits for long-term success. Brittany believes there is no one perfect diet and works with you to find the dietary interventions best suited for your health journey.
Diagnosed with PCOS? Struggling with digestive issues, period problems, thyroid problems, or fertility challenges? Experiencing symptoms of fatigue, low energy, bloating, acne, and/ or hair loss? If you’re finding it difficult to get answers from your doctor, or if you were simply told "your labs look normal", and are tired of the trial-and-error approach, wasting time and money on random supplements and treatments, know that there's a better solution. You deserve to have the tools to learn how to manage your health issues, heal your body, and feel like yourself while living a life you love to its fullest potential.
Diagnosed with PCOS? Struggling with digestive issues, period problems, thyroid problems, or fertility challenges? Experiencing symptoms of fatigue, low energy, bloating, acne, and/ or hair loss? If you’re finding it difficult to get answers from your doctor, or if you were simply told "your labs look normal", and are tired of the trial-and-error approach, wasting time and money on random supplements and treatments, know that there's a better solution. You deserve to have the tools to learn how to manage your health issues, heal your body, and feel like yourself while living a life you love to its fullest potential.
Heather Brummer
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, LAc, CN
Verified Verified
Seattle, WA 98103 (Online Only)
Are you tired of being confused about what to eat? I'm here for you! As a nutritionist that has practiced for nearly twenty years, I have seen a lot of fads come and go. And I have worked with so many of you who have come to me unsure about which fad was “right”. Instead of focusing on the perfectly “right” way to eat, I help my clients find the right ways to eat for them, while also helping to reverse prediabetes, improve fertility or symptoms with PCOS, and create a more resilient immune and hormonal balance with autoimmune conditions such as Hashimoto’s disease.
Are you tired of being confused about what to eat? I'm here for you! As a nutritionist that has practiced for nearly twenty years, I have seen a lot of fads come and go. And I have worked with so many of you who have come to me unsure about which fad was “right”. Instead of focusing on the perfectly “right” way to eat, I help my clients find the right ways to eat for them, while also helping to reverse prediabetes, improve fertility or symptoms with PCOS, and create a more resilient immune and hormonal balance with autoimmune conditions such as Hashimoto’s disease.
Exhausted from diets? Overwhelmed by social media telling you what to do? Working with me, I help you learn how to best meet your body's needs without toxic diet culture trends. As a Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor, I assist my clients in establishing a healthy relationship with food and their body. Additionally, I can help you manage health-conditions including IBS, PCOS, Hashimoto's, and Diabetes using realistic interventions custom fit to your needs. I can also help you to navigate realistic Nutrition recommendations customized for your needs.
Exhausted from diets? Overwhelmed by social media telling you what to do? Working with me, I help you learn how to best meet your body's needs without toxic diet culture trends. As a Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor, I assist my clients in establishing a healthy relationship with food and their body. Additionally, I can help you manage health-conditions including IBS, PCOS, Hashimoto's, and Diabetes using realistic interventions custom fit to your needs. I can also help you to navigate realistic Nutrition recommendations customized for your needs.
Sofia specializes in working with adults and adolescents with Eating Disorders, Disordered Eating, Digestive issues (IBS, IBD, Low FODMAP), Hormone Health ( PCOS, etc.
Sofia is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist specializing in working with adults and adolescents with Eating Disorders, Disordered Eating, Digestive issues (IBS, IBD, Low FODMAP), Hormonal Imbalances ( PCOS, etc.), and interested in Sports Nutrition. Sofia is passionate about helping others build a positive relationship with food and their bodies. Nutrition is not one-size-fits all, and Sofia believes in the importance of having a client-centered approach and providing personalized nutrition care. Her past experiences have driven her desire to help others reach lifestyle changes in a sustainable and practical way.
Sofia specializes in working with adults and adolescents with Eating Disorders, Disordered Eating, Digestive issues (IBS, IBD, Low FODMAP), Hormone Health ( PCOS, etc.
Sofia is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist specializing in working with adults and adolescents with Eating Disorders, Disordered Eating, Digestive issues (IBS, IBD, Low FODMAP), Hormonal Imbalances ( PCOS, etc.), and interested in Sports Nutrition. Sofia is passionate about helping others build a positive relationship with food and their bodies. Nutrition is not one-size-fits all, and Sofia believes in the importance of having a client-centered approach and providing personalized nutrition care. Her past experiences have driven her desire to help others reach lifestyle changes in a sustainable and practical way.
Specialties include Eating disorders, Disordered Eating, Digestive Issues, IBS, Crohn's, Celiac, PCOS, Intuitive Eating, Body Image Concerns, and Vegan/Vegetarian diets.
Emily practices out of Health Loft and specializes in working with Eating Disorders, Disordered Eating, Plant Based Diets, Digestive Issues, Body Image Concerns and other conditions. She strongly believes that all foods fit and strives to help clients in their food freedom journey. Using a weight neutral and non-judgemental approach, Emily believes that health is multifactorial and will work to see you as a person, rather than a diagnosis. Emily has spent the majority of her career in higher levels of care for eating disorder treatment (RES, PHP, IOP) treating various eating disorders diagnoses.
Specialties include Eating disorders, Disordered Eating, Digestive Issues, IBS, Crohn's, Celiac, PCOS, Intuitive Eating, Body Image Concerns, and Vegan/Vegetarian diets.
Emily practices out of Health Loft and specializes in working with Eating Disorders, Disordered Eating, Plant Based Diets, Digestive Issues, Body Image Concerns and other conditions. She strongly believes that all foods fit and strives to help clients in their food freedom journey. Using a weight neutral and non-judgemental approach, Emily believes that health is multifactorial and will work to see you as a person, rather than a diagnosis. Emily has spent the majority of her career in higher levels of care for eating disorder treatment (RES, PHP, IOP) treating various eating disorders diagnoses.
They have experience supporting folks with chronic concerns like diabetes, PCOS, high cholesterol, cancer, eating disorders, depression, anxiety, and much more.
As a Filipino/a/x Dietitian Maria-Lourdes or Malou approaches their work with intersectionality in mind. She sees clients as the expert of their lived experience and believes that folks are "already whole." Whether you are in the action or maintenance phase in your health journey (or eating disorder recovery), Malou welcomes you to come as you are. They invite folks to consider or discover a non-diet, weight-inclusive, anti-oppression approach. With a clinical nutrition background, she offers medical nutrition therapy, nutrition counseling, and nutrition assessments for those concerned of the severity of their symptoms.
They have experience supporting folks with chronic concerns like diabetes, PCOS, high cholesterol, cancer, eating disorders, depression, anxiety, and much more.
As a Filipino/a/x Dietitian Maria-Lourdes or Malou approaches their work with intersectionality in mind. She sees clients as the expert of their lived experience and believes that folks are "already whole." Whether you are in the action or maintenance phase in your health journey (or eating disorder recovery), Malou welcomes you to come as you are. They invite folks to consider or discover a non-diet, weight-inclusive, anti-oppression approach. With a clinical nutrition background, she offers medical nutrition therapy, nutrition counseling, and nutrition assessments for those concerned of the severity of their symptoms.
Riley Smith
Nutritionist/Dietitian, RDN, CD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Seattle, WA 98101 (Online Only)
Riley is a registered dietitian on a mission to help individuals and family systems build an empowering relationship with food and body. She believes that nutrition can be simple, accessible, and intuitive. Riley specializes in disordered eating patterns, eating disorders (bulimia nervosa, anorexia nervosa, binge eating disorder, ARFID, orthorexia, other specified feeding and eating disorder), sports nutrition, nutrition for dancers, nutrition for aerial artists, adolescent and pediatric nutrition, women’s health ( PCOS, menstrual disorders, menopause, amenorrhea, pregnancy, lactation), lifestyle nutrition and intuitive eating.
Riley is a registered dietitian on a mission to help individuals and family systems build an empowering relationship with food and body. She believes that nutrition can be simple, accessible, and intuitive. Riley specializes in disordered eating patterns, eating disorders (bulimia nervosa, anorexia nervosa, binge eating disorder, ARFID, orthorexia, other specified feeding and eating disorder), sports nutrition, nutrition for dancers, nutrition for aerial artists, adolescent and pediatric nutrition, women’s health ( PCOS, menstrual disorders, menopause, amenorrhea, pregnancy, lactation), lifestyle nutrition and intuitive eating.
Hi there! I'm Emmy Bright, a Registered Dietitian and Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor with a weight-neutral and non-diet approach to nutrition & health. I specialize in providing HAES-based medical nutrition therapy for chronic conditions including GI Disorders (IBS, Celiac, GERD, & many more), Thyroid Disorders, PCOS, Diabetes, Heart Health, Pregnancy, Menopause, Vegan/Vegetarian Diets, Food Allergies, and Autoimmune Conditions. I also specialize in working with clients who have or have had Disordered Eating, Body Image Issues, Chronic Dieting, and/or Eating Disorders (binge eating, anorexia, bulimia, ARFID).
Hi there! I'm Emmy Bright, a Registered Dietitian and Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor with a weight-neutral and non-diet approach to nutrition & health. I specialize in providing HAES-based medical nutrition therapy for chronic conditions including GI Disorders (IBS, Celiac, GERD, & many more), Thyroid Disorders, PCOS, Diabetes, Heart Health, Pregnancy, Menopause, Vegan/Vegetarian Diets, Food Allergies, and Autoimmune Conditions. I also specialize in working with clients who have or have had Disordered Eating, Body Image Issues, Chronic Dieting, and/or Eating Disorders (binge eating, anorexia, bulimia, ARFID).
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Marissa Beck
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RDN
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Seattle, WA 98101 (Online Only)
Are you a high-achieving perfectionist struggling with food and your body weight? Do you or your family have disordered eating patterns? I am here to help you break free from all-or-nothing food thinking and empower you to confidently nourish yourself and your loved ones. As a dedicated and experienced nutrition counselor, I offer personalized, non-diet virtual nutrition counseling and education to help you reach your full potential in sports, career, family life and overall health. With my guidance, you can also manage chronic conditions (special focus: diabetes, PCOS, hypertension, hyperlipidemia & metabolic syndrome).
Are you a high-achieving perfectionist struggling with food and your body weight? Do you or your family have disordered eating patterns? I am here to help you break free from all-or-nothing food thinking and empower you to confidently nourish yourself and your loved ones. As a dedicated and experienced nutrition counselor, I offer personalized, non-diet virtual nutrition counseling and education to help you reach your full potential in sports, career, family life and overall health. With my guidance, you can also manage chronic conditions (special focus: diabetes, PCOS, hypertension, hyperlipidemia & metabolic syndrome).
Jody Halouska
Nutritionist/Dietitian, RD, LDN, CDCES
Verified Verified
Seattle, WA 98102 (Online Only)
Specialties include Diabetes and Pre-diabetes, Bariatrics (pre and post operation), Weight management, High Blood Pressure, High Cholesterol, Heart Conditions, Underweight Nutrition, Intuitive Eating, PCOS, Prenatal/Post Natal Nutrition, Gastrointestinal, GERD, Hypothyroidism, Hyperthyroidism, Kidney disease, liver disease, and Sports Nutrition.
Jody is a passionate advocate for health, wellness, and feeling your best. Jody is committed to empowering individuals to make positive and sustainable lifestyle changes. Jody strives to provide personalized guidance to help clients achieve their health goals and create a harmonious relationship with food. Recognizing that each individual's relationship with food is unique, Jody works to create a supportive and non-judgmental environment where clients feel empowered to explore their dietary preferences, navigate challenges and cultivate sustainable habits that align with their goals and values.
Specialties include Diabetes and Pre-diabetes, Bariatrics (pre and post operation), Weight management, High Blood Pressure, High Cholesterol, Heart Conditions, Underweight Nutrition, Intuitive Eating, PCOS, Prenatal/Post Natal Nutrition, Gastrointestinal, GERD, Hypothyroidism, Hyperthyroidism, Kidney disease, liver disease, and Sports Nutrition.
Jody is a passionate advocate for health, wellness, and feeling your best. Jody is committed to empowering individuals to make positive and sustainable lifestyle changes. Jody strives to provide personalized guidance to help clients achieve their health goals and create a harmonious relationship with food. Recognizing that each individual's relationship with food is unique, Jody works to create a supportive and non-judgmental environment where clients feel empowered to explore their dietary preferences, navigate challenges and cultivate sustainable habits that align with their goals and values.
Specialties include Eating disorders, Disordered Eating, Digestive Issues (IBS, IBD), Crohn's, Celiac, Weight Management for Adults/Adolescents, Diabetes, GERD, Allergy Nutrition, PCOS, Cardiovascular Disease, Kidney Disorders, High Blood Pressure, and other conditions.
As a dedicated and compassionate dietitian, Kristin specializes in helping her clients achieve their health and wellness goals through personalized nutrition and lifestyle changes. With a deep understanding that each individual’s dietary needs are unique, she tailors her approach to suit her client’s specific lifestyle, health conditions and goals. Kristin focuses on promoting intuitive eating and fostering a positive relationship with food, helping her clients to listen to their body’s cues and develop a more balanced and mindful approach to eating.
Specialties include Eating disorders, Disordered Eating, Digestive Issues (IBS, IBD), Crohn's, Celiac, Weight Management for Adults/Adolescents, Diabetes, GERD, Allergy Nutrition, PCOS, Cardiovascular Disease, Kidney Disorders, High Blood Pressure, and other conditions.
As a dedicated and compassionate dietitian, Kristin specializes in helping her clients achieve their health and wellness goals through personalized nutrition and lifestyle changes. With a deep understanding that each individual’s dietary needs are unique, she tailors her approach to suit her client’s specific lifestyle, health conditions and goals. Kristin focuses on promoting intuitive eating and fostering a positive relationship with food, helping her clients to listen to their body’s cues and develop a more balanced and mindful approach to eating.
Paige Becker
Nutritionist/Dietitian, RDN, LD, CD
Verified Verified
Seattle, WA 98102 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
Other interest areas include GI issues / IBS, blood sugar concerns, PCOS, and women's health.
Hello! I'm a Registered Dietitian who's passionate about providing individualized nutrition care that considers the whole person: mind, body, and spirit. I aim to help clients improve their relationships with food, self-care, and their bodies from a Health At Every Size (HAES) perspective. My counseling approach is based in Intuitive Eating principles and bolstered by somatics and self-compassion-focused behavior change techniques. I'm also aware of the importance of nervous system regulation for positive, sustainable behavior change, thus I'm a proponent of the healing capacity of sensory-engaging practices (like art!)
Other interest areas include GI issues / IBS, blood sugar concerns, PCOS, and women's health.
Hello! I'm a Registered Dietitian who's passionate about providing individualized nutrition care that considers the whole person: mind, body, and spirit. I aim to help clients improve their relationships with food, self-care, and their bodies from a Health At Every Size (HAES) perspective. My counseling approach is based in Intuitive Eating principles and bolstered by somatics and self-compassion-focused behavior change techniques. I'm also aware of the importance of nervous system regulation for positive, sustainable behavior change, thus I'm a proponent of the healing capacity of sensory-engaging practices (like art!)
Specialties include: Women's sustainable weight loss, weight management, PCOS, mindful eating, intuitive eating, health and wellness, prediabetes, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart conditions, lifestyle counseling, general diet and nutrition.
Paulina is a registered dietitian whose approach to wellness is holistic and invites you to explore various components of your healthy lifestyle such as mindful eating and body movement from a place of gratitude. Join her as she guides you towards unlocking optimal health so you can feel your best. She is passionate about helping women thrive in their bodies and feel their best. She believes in creating a safe space for you to paint the vision of your healthiest self and in finding that inner motivation for a healthier life and then achieving it through daily goals you set together. She is here for weekly accountability.
Specialties include: Women's sustainable weight loss, weight management, PCOS, mindful eating, intuitive eating, health and wellness, prediabetes, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart conditions, lifestyle counseling, general diet and nutrition.
Paulina is a registered dietitian whose approach to wellness is holistic and invites you to explore various components of your healthy lifestyle such as mindful eating and body movement from a place of gratitude. Join her as she guides you towards unlocking optimal health so you can feel your best. She is passionate about helping women thrive in their bodies and feel their best. She believes in creating a safe space for you to paint the vision of your healthiest self and in finding that inner motivation for a healthier life and then achieving it through daily goals you set together. She is here for weekly accountability.
VeggieLush Nutrition
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RD, CDN
Verified Verified
Seattle, WA 98115 (Online Only)
Hi I'm Jeani and I help women balance hormones and boost fertility through tasty, plant-forward foods, so you can live a lush life. Do you have unexplained weight gain, irregular periods, bloating, low energy, infertility or other hormonal symptoms that make it hard to know what to eat and how to feel comfortable in your body? Have you tried all the diets, and it didn't help? Did your doctor tell you to go on the pill to regulate your period and just lose some weight to cure your symptoms? I'm here to help with the right science-backed foods, nutrients & supplements. Balance hormones and lose fat and gain muscle without dieting.
Hi I'm Jeani and I help women balance hormones and boost fertility through tasty, plant-forward foods, so you can live a lush life. Do you have unexplained weight gain, irregular periods, bloating, low energy, infertility or other hormonal symptoms that make it hard to know what to eat and how to feel comfortable in your body? Have you tried all the diets, and it didn't help? Did your doctor tell you to go on the pill to regulate your period and just lose some weight to cure your symptoms? I'm here to help with the right science-backed foods, nutrients & supplements. Balance hormones and lose fat and gain muscle without dieting.
New Leaf Nutrition Counseling
Nutritionist/Dietitian, RD, CD, LD
Verified Verified
Seattle, WA 98103 (Online Only)
Hi there! We are a group practice of Registered Dietitians who specialize in eating disorder recovery, intuitive eating, and an anti-diet approach to wellness. We serve folks virtually in WA and OR and are based in Portland, OR. We value client-centered care by meeting clients where they’re at while providing supportive encouragement for clients to reach towards their goals.
Hi there! We are a group practice of Registered Dietitians who specialize in eating disorder recovery, intuitive eating, and an anti-diet approach to wellness. We serve folks virtually in WA and OR and are based in Portland, OR. We value client-centered care by meeting clients where they’re at while providing supportive encouragement for clients to reach towards their goals.
My mission and vision is to prevent needless suffering caused by hurtful messaging and misinformation from our culture, family, or health care system that disrupts the connection and/or enjoyment of your body, food, and eating. Shame, guilt, and stigma have no place in healthcare. I am committed to providing trauma informed care and seek to help provide tools and skills to help learn to self regulate and improve tolerance connecting the body and eating. I provide practical, realistic strategies resulting in long-term success. Stop overthinking food, hating your body, emotional eating, or regrets. I'm here to help!
My mission and vision is to prevent needless suffering caused by hurtful messaging and misinformation from our culture, family, or health care system that disrupts the connection and/or enjoyment of your body, food, and eating. Shame, guilt, and stigma have no place in healthcare. I am committed to providing trauma informed care and seek to help provide tools and skills to help learn to self regulate and improve tolerance connecting the body and eating. I provide practical, realistic strategies resulting in long-term success. Stop overthinking food, hating your body, emotional eating, or regrets. I'm here to help!
Liz Wyosnick MS, RDN is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist with a Masters in Nutrition Science. I offer a non-dogmatic approach to health where recommendations are rooted in sustainability and science. I am particularly passionate about empowering individuals to live their life most well, in which healthy choices become what they want to do, versus what they have to do. I enjoy collaborating with my clients so that they receive thoughtful education around food, the body, and systems, as well as helpful insight within behavior change research.
Liz Wyosnick MS, RDN is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist with a Masters in Nutrition Science. I offer a non-dogmatic approach to health where recommendations are rooted in sustainability and science. I am particularly passionate about empowering individuals to live their life most well, in which healthy choices become what they want to do, versus what they have to do. I enjoy collaborating with my clients so that they receive thoughtful education around food, the body, and systems, as well as helpful insight within behavior change research.
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) Nutritionists and Dietitians
What is Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)?
Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a condition characterized by hormonal imbalance, leading to symptoms such as irregular or absent periods, weight gain, excess hair growth, infertility, and acne. The exact causes of PCOS are not well understood, but it is believed to result from a combination of genetic and lifestyle factors, including stress and nutrition.
How is PCOS treated?
PCOS is typically treated with a combination of medication and lifestyle changes. Many individuals with PCOS are prescribed birth control medication to help regulate the abnormal hormone levels associated with the condition. With regard to lifestyle modifications, healthcare professionals often recommend maintaining a balanced, healthy diet and engaging in regular physical activity. This is particularly important for women diagnosed with obesity or diabetes, as weight loss and improved insulin regulation can significantly alleviate PCOS symptoms.
What diet is best for people with PCOS?
In general, experts recommend a plant-based diet high in fiber, healthy fats, and lean protein as the best nutritional approach to managing PCOS. Because women diagnosed with PCOS are at a higher risk of specific conditions, such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and heart problems, a diet that helps prevent such conditions can be highly effective. The "Mediterranean diet," characterized by the consumption of lots of healthy fats, vegetables, beans, and whole grains is one common diet with evidence supporting its efficacy in preventing cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. In addition, other lifestyle modifications that support weight management and healthy insulin levels—such as exercise, smoking cessation, and alcohol consumption reduction—are often also incorporated into PCOS treatment.
What foods should people with PCOS avoid?
Due to the high blood sugar levels and insulin resistance characteristic of PCOS, experts typically advise individuals with PCOS to avoid foods that cause large blood sugar spikes, such as sugary snacks and refined carbs like white bread. Instead, they recommend consuming foods rich in healthy fats, whole grains, and fiber, which can help stabilize blood sugar levels. Individuals with PCOS may also find that certain foods trigger their symptoms. Therefore, identifying and avoiding these specific foods can be important for reducing symptom severity on an individual level.