Nutritional and herbal interventions for polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS): a comprehensive review of dietary approaches, macronutrient impact, and herbal medicine in management

Abstract

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a common health condition related to a woman's hormonal problems. Hormonal imbalance, metabolic disorders, and an increased insulin level mainly characterize the ailment. This detailed review focuses on dietary strategies, macromolecules, macromolecules, and herbal interventions that exception-ally work in PCOS treatment. Research has shown that Mediterranean, low-glycemic index, and ketogenic diets that are modified with individuals in mind are the best ways to resolve insulin resistance, obesity, and lack of ovulation. The other nutrients shown to affect glucose metabolism and play a role in hormone regulation are the macromolecules, such as increased protein and reduced refined carbs. Among the different micronutrients, vitamin D, omega-3 fatty acids, and inositol were shown to be the most vital supplements in the treatment of PCOS-induced oxidative damage, hyperandrogenism, and infertility. Not to mention, cinnamon, curcumin, sage, fennel, and traditional Chinese herbal medicine are among some of the herbal remedies that so far show good potential to be the perfect complementary therapy tools as they create better glycemic control, inflammation reduction, and menstrual cycle regularization. Even though the findings are promising, the current supply of clinical trials for standardizing these nutritional and herbal protocols is lacking. Overall, this report stresses the fact that a customized, holistic diet regime is the best treatment for women with PCOS to make them feel well and live a long and healthy life.

Keywords: Endocrine disorders; Insulin resistance; Macronutrients and micronutrients; Metabolic syndrome; Nutrition; Reproductive health.

Fig. 1

The stages of polycystic ovarian syndrome: infancy to puberty

Fig. 2

PCOS, insulin signaling, androgen production, and bone metabolism molecular pathways. The left panel shows how insulin resistance and androgen excess cause acne, alopecia, and hirsutism in PCOS. The right panel shows how RANKL, OPG, and Trap5b change osteoclast activity and bone resorption, causing osteoporosis

Fig. 3

Comprehensive approach to ovulation induction and the management of associated clinical symptoms in PCOS. The diagram delineates primary and secondary causes, clinical symptoms, and corresponding therapeutic interventions, including pharmacological, lifestyle, and cosmetic treatments

Fig. 4

The relationship between obesity, metabolic dysfunction, and reproductive health is complicated. The table shows the functions of insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, hyperinsulinemia, and altered leptin signaling in the development of cardiovascular risk, menstrual irregularities, hyperandrogenism, and infertility. The most important parts of this process are the influence of leptin feedback, hypothalamic-pituitary dysregulation, and hormonal imbalances on obesity-related outcomes

Fig. 5

Macronutrients and micronutrients that may help in PCOS

Fig. 6

Overall composition and distinguishing features of food habits

Fig. 7

Overview of common dietary supplements used in the management of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), highlighting their specific benefits and roles in improving metabolic, hormonal, and reproductive health parameters