We receive many questions from women with PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome) about managing insulin resistance and weight gain, which are frequent results of PCOS. These patients do not respond normally to insulin, leading to high testosterone levels that disrupt the menstrual cycle. The good news is that women with PCOS may not need to resort to insulin-lowering medications in order to improve their chances of conceiving.
Research conducted by The Hebrew University of Jerusalem and Tel Aviv University suggests that the timing of food intake is an important factor in managing insulin resistance and hormone levels. Published in 2013 in the journal Clinical Science, the study monitored 60 women with PCOS, ages 25 to 39, over the course of 12 weeks. While each of the 60 women consumed roughly 1,800 calories per day, half of the women consumed the bulk of their calories at breakfast time and the other half at dinner. Read the full study.
The results indicated that the group that consumed more calories at breakfast experienced higher ovulation rates than the group that ate a larger dinner. The “breakfast” group also showed an eight percent decrease in glucose levels and insulin resistance. In addition, testosterone levels decreased by 50 percent in this subset of study participants. The “dinner” group, meanwhile, did not show changes in these areas.
Based on this data, we encourage women who are interested in managing their PCOS and associated insulin resistance via natural means to eat a hearty breakfast and avoid large meals at the end of the day. This approach is beneficial for both overweight and slim women. Consuming the bulk of calories during the day, when you are active, keeps your glucose levels high when you need energy the most and lower overnight. This allows the body to self-regulate glucose levels and may promote weight loss in overweight women.
Clear Passage® Physical Therapy has 20+ years of experience treating women with PCOS and helping them conceive, without drugs or surgery.
Request a free phone consultation with a therapist to learn more about our treatment.
“If the information in this article sounds like it may relate to what you’re experiencing, the team at Clear Passage® Physical Therapy is here to help. Many people living with this condition simply want to know if there is a natural treatment option without drugs or surgery that could work for them. The good news is you don’t have to figure it out alone. You can request more information to speak with a knowledgeable team member who will review your situation and help you understand whether this specialized therapy may be a good fit. If you’re ready to move forward, you can also apply for therapy so the clinical staff can carefully review your health history and determine the best path toward relief. Taking a few minutes to reach out could be the first step toward getting answers—and possibly getting your life back.”