Benefits of a Gluten-Free, or Low-Gluten Diet for PCOS

Polycystic ovary syndrome, also known as PCOS, is a hormonal endocrine disorder, and is the most common disorder, involving hormones in women. In many cases it involves the presence of numerous small cysts on one or both ovaries, however cysts are not necessary for a PCOS diagnosis, as there are different types of PCOS.

In addition to affecting hormonal balance, PCOS can also lead to other related issues such as insulin resistance and diabetes, excess male hormones, irregular menstrual cycles and, if left unchecked, other complications such as recurrent miscarriages. Fortunately, there are ways to manage PCOS symptoms and keep them from worsening. In addition to medications, other natural approaches are possible as well. One way to do so, depending on the severity of symptoms or the type of PCOS, is by adopting a gluten-free diet, or at least limiting intake of gluten.

Gluten is a protein in many grains such as wheat, rye, barley, and oats. Many people have sensitivities to gluten because it contains prolamins which are difficult for some people to digest. The diet involves eliminating all sources of gluten from one’s diet, including foods that may seem unrelated, such as soy sauce, salad dressing, and canned soups.

PCOS and Gluten: What’s the Connection?

PCOS is a disorder that often leads to the increased production of male hormones. This can cause issues such as difficulty getting pregnant, excess facial hair growth, skin problems, and mood swings. Gluten can cause an increase in certain male hormones that exacerbate these symptoms.

In addition, studies suggest that gluten-containing grains may lead to excess insulin secretion, which can further worsen the symptoms of PCOS. Because insulin resistance is a common symptom of PCOS, women with PCOS often have difficulty processing carbs and experience high blood sugar or bloating and increased discomfort after meals.

Managing PCOS by Limiting and Avoiding Gluten

For women with PCOS, a gluten-free or low-gluten diet can help manage the condition’s symptoms.

A low gluten diet can help reduce the symptoms related to PCOS by lowering insulin resistance, blood sugar, and the amount of certain male hormones in your body. This condition-induced insulin resistance can cause high blood sugar, which in turn, can lead to diabetes.

It can also help prevent the progression of complications related to PCOS. For example, a low gluten diet may also help with weight loss, an added benefit as many women with PCOS often suffer from unwanted weight gain and difficulties in losing weight. This possible added weight loss from dietary changes and cuts can reduce the risk of high blood pressure and limit the risk of diabetes.

For women with PCOS who consistently limit gluten in their diet, an added benefit may be seen with menstrual cycles becoming more regular. This is because a gluten-free, or low-gluten diet can reduce insulin resistance, which often causes irregular menstrual cycles.

Additional benefits of a change in diet can also help reduce acne breakouts related to PCOS.

Because gluten can promote an increase in certain male hormone production, symptoms such as acne breakouts and facial hair growth, which are common symptoms of PCOS, can be managed by reducing the number of male hormones in your body, or by reducing factors which can increase the level of these hormones.

Who Should Avoid Gluten?

There’s no doubt that anyone diagnosed with an autoimmune disease such as celiac disease, gluten sensitivity, or dermatitis herpetiformis should avoid gluten at all costs. These diseases cause an immune response to gluten, meaning the body mistakes it for an invading pathogen, which can cause severe damage to the small intestine.

However, anyone with PCOS interested in exploring a gluten-free diet may benefit from the dietary change as well in managing symptoms and preventing complications such as breakouts, and diabetes risks. One thing that is nice about trying to cut gluten is that it can be safe to do and proper food exchanges can cut gluten while still providing adequate nutrients in the diet.

Tips for Cutting Gluten Intake to Manage PCOS

It is important to note that no research has proven that going gluten-free is a treatment for PCOS symptoms. In fact, some women with PCOS cut out gluten to find that their symptoms show little improvement. However, if you’re considering cutting down on the gluten intake in an attempt to manage your PCOS symptoms, you’ll want to ensure you do it right. Begin by checking with a doctor to receive their dietary advice or recommendations about other possible dietary changes and follow these tips to make the transition as easy as possible.

All in all, when it comes to cutting back on gluten, the change can have several benefits for people who have PCOS, including a reduction in insulin resistance, hormonal balance, weight loss, menstrual cycle regulation, and more. While it may seem like an odd cut in the diet, it can be a good starting place for women looking to ease their PCOS symptoms without resorting to medications and more drastic measures.