Efficacy of dietary changes compared to current pharmacological treatments for PCOS
Date of Award
Spring 2021
Degree Name
Master of Medical Science (Physician Assistant)
Department
Physician Assistant; College of Health Sciences
First Advisor
Stephanie Pillai
Abstract
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) affects 5-10% of women between the ages of 15 and 44. These patients present with elevated androgenic hormones, excess hair growth, weight gain and menstrual disorders. Women with PCOS are at higher risk for infertility, metabolic syndrome and heart and vascular diseases. Standard treatment for these patients includes prescription oral contraceptives (OCP) and metformin, but OCP have side effects of increased coagulopathy and risk of cardiovascular disease in an already at risk population and other adverse side effects. As even a modest weight loss of 2-5% has been shown to reduce symptoms, this paper aims to examine if a nutrition-focused diet is equally or more effective for weight loss and reduction of PCOS symptoms compared to current pharmacological treatments.
Recommended Citation
Stauff, Heather, "Efficacy of dietary changes compared to current pharmacological treatments for PCOS" (2021). Capstone Showcase. 101.
https://scholarworks.arcadia.edu/showcase/2021/pa/101
Additional Files
Poster- Efficacy of dietary changes compared to current pharmacological treatments for PCOS.pdf (754 kB)Poster- Efficacy of dietary changes compared to current pharmacological treatments for PCOS
References- PICO.docx (18 kB)
Reference List
Efficacy of dietary changes compared to current pharmacological treatments for PCOS
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) affects 5-10% of women between the ages of 15 and 44. These patients present with elevated androgenic hormones, excess hair growth, weight gain and menstrual disorders. Women with PCOS are at higher risk for infertility, metabolic syndrome and heart and vascular diseases. Standard treatment for these patients includes prescription oral contraceptives (OCP) and metformin, but OCP have side effects of increased coagulopathy and risk of cardiovascular disease in an already at risk population and other adverse side effects. As even a modest weight loss of 2-5% has been shown to reduce symptoms, this paper aims to examine if a nutrition-focused diet is equally or more effective for weight loss and reduction of PCOS symptoms compared to current pharmacological treatments.