POLYCYSTIC ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a condition that affects a woman’s hormone levels, causing her not to ovulate, have high levels of the male hormone androgen, and have many small cysts on her ovaries. PCOS can cause missed or irregular periods, excess hair growth, acne, infertility, and weight gain.

Staying healthy with PCOS is key for women who are trying to conceive, says nutritionist Keisha Black. The condition can cause excessive weight gain with the development of insulin resistance resulting in diabetes mellitus in some women. Women with PCOS may take longer to get pregnant, because their irregular periods mean they don’t ovulate every month. Being overweight also reduces fertility.

“A key part of living with PCOS is that you should lose weight, and get to the ideal weight for your height,” Black said. “To do this you have to reduce your calorie intake and reduce your intake of refined sugar and fatty foods. Being healthy will improve your chances of pregnancy, and birthing a healthy baby.”

She added: “You have to also replace some foods with others; example, eliminate white carbs and sugars, and increase the protein, as this will both fill you up and stabilise your blood sugar levels.”

She said this may be difficult with the typical Jamaican diet, and as such, you may need a meal plan going forward.

Here is a plan for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Breakfast

“Foods containing whole wheat, eggs, citrus and the like are good for boosting immunity, increasing folate levels, and keeping your insulin levels steady,” Black said.

So have:

Whole wheat cereal with almond or oat milk

Fruit salad with oranges, grapefruit

Boiled egg with wheat toast

Whole wheat toast with avocado pear

Green smoothie

Oatmeal

Yoghurt parfait

Lunch

Sweet potatoes and baked chicken

Tuna salad

Lentil stew

Fruit smoothie

Fish with vegetables

Veggie stew peas

Generous portion of vegetables

Dinner

Similar to lunch. Other options are:

Salmon with vegetables

Chicken wrap using whole wheat or spinach tortilla

Curried chickpeas and rice

Chicken with baked sweet potato

“Along with a diet plan, weight loss can be achieved by becoming involved in a regular exercise routine,” Black said. “Both of these will help you get to your ideal weight for height, reduce your risk of diabetes mellitus, and improve your fertility.”