engleski

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) – pilot study on diet quality

Introduction: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a complex gynecological and endocrinological disorder affecting 6% to 21% of reproductive age women. The main characteristics of PCOS include hyperandrogenism, irregular menstrual cycles, lack of ovulation, enlarged ovaries with numerous cysts and infertility. Symptoms vary widely between women, but most commonly include obesity, hyperinsulinemia and insulin resistance (approximately 65% to 70% of women with PCOS). Therefore, uniform therapy and dietary recommendations fail. Objective: The objective of this study was to analyze the quality of diet and dietary patterns of women with PCOS. Actual lifestyle habits and the diet of the women with PCOS have not been extensively researched internationally and never in Croatia. Methods: The study included women of reproductive age diagnosed with PCOS (N=12), recruited at the Gynecological Office Lončar, Karlovac, Croatia. Study participants completed a general questionnaire on socio-economic characteristics and two questionnaires regarding their gynecological health and PCOS symptoms. Anthropometry was measured (Seca) while biochemical data was provided by the gynecologist. Diet quality was assessed with a 24-hour dietary recall and quality of diet and exercise habits were assessed with a questionnaire developed specifically for this study. Results: Women with PCOS had an average daily energy intake of 82.3% of the RDA, i.e. 2333 kcal/day. When analyzing the contribution of separate macronutrients to that daily energy intake, discrepancies from the recommendations were found. The main discrepancies are high contribution of fats (40.1%) and increased intake of proteins (17.7%). Total fat intake showed a statistically significant positive correlation with waist circumference and waist to hips ratio. In addition, a statistically significant correlation was found between age and intake of total carbohydrates and plant proteins. Conclusion: Study findings show the potential for a larger-scale study on Croatian women with PCOS.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome ; diet ; dietary habits

This is in-extenso article which was presented as a poster on the 8th International Scientific and Professional Conference WITH FOOD TO HEALTH held in Tuzla, Bosnia and Herzegovina on 16th October 2015.