Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) Nutritionists and Dietitians in Chicago, IL

Photo of Haleigh Augspols, Nutritionist/Dietitian, RDN, LDN
Haleigh Augspols
Nutritionist/Dietitian, RDN, LDN
4 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60606
Specialties include working with clients that have or had a history of Eating Disorders, Picky Eating, Pre-Diabetes, Heart Conditions, High Cholesterol, GERD, Crohn’s Disease, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Ulcerative Colitis, Gout, High Blood Pressure, Thyroid Disorders, PCOS, Pre/Post Natal Nutrition, Underweight Nutrition, Weight Management, Food Allergy
Passionate about nourishing bodies with evidence-based nutrition, Haleigh is a registered dietitian committed to guiding you through the maze of healthy eating. Haleigh loves helping her clients make small changes to their lifestyle that makes a huge difference to their health. Haleigh is dedicated to assisting clients with a mind-body approach to a healthier lifestyle through education on intuitive eating, stress reduction and a whole foods approach. She is a “non-diet” dietitian and strongly supports making changes that work for each person as an individual.
Specialties include working with clients that have or had a history of Eating Disorders, Picky Eating, Pre-Diabetes, Heart Conditions, High Cholesterol, GERD, Crohn’s Disease, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Ulcerative Colitis, Gout, High Blood Pressure, Thyroid Disorders, PCOS, Pre/Post Natal Nutrition, Underweight Nutrition, Weight Management, Food Allergy
Passionate about nourishing bodies with evidence-based nutrition, Haleigh is a registered dietitian committed to guiding you through the maze of healthy eating. Haleigh loves helping her clients make small changes to their lifestyle that makes a huge difference to their health. Haleigh is dedicated to assisting clients with a mind-body approach to a healthier lifestyle through education on intuitive eating, stress reduction and a whole foods approach. She is a “non-diet” dietitian and strongly supports making changes that work for each person as an individual.
(312) 779-1450 View (312) 779-1450
Photo of Adrienne DePaul, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RD, RDN, LDN
Adrienne DePaul
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RD, RDN, LDN
4 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60606
I am a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist who practices out of Health Loft helping clients whom have PCOS, interests in Pre/PostPartum nutrition, Gestational Diabetes, Diabetes, or Weight Management.
Specialities include working with clients that currently have PCOS, Pre/PostPartum nutrition, Gestational Diabetes, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Disease, Kidney Disease, Weight Management, Hormonal Imbalances, Thyroid Issues, Low Fodmap, Disordered Eating, High Blood Pressure, IBD, IBS, GI Conditions, Infertility Nutrition.
I am a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist who practices out of Health Loft helping clients whom have PCOS, interests in Pre/PostPartum nutrition, Gestational Diabetes, Diabetes, or Weight Management.
Specialities include working with clients that currently have PCOS, Pre/PostPartum nutrition, Gestational Diabetes, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Disease, Kidney Disease, Weight Management, Hormonal Imbalances, Thyroid Issues, Low Fodmap, Disordered Eating, High Blood Pressure, IBD, IBS, GI Conditions, Infertility Nutrition.
(312) 517-2296 View (312) 517-2296
Photo of Lea Hidock, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RD, LDN
Lea Hidock
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RD, LDN
3 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60616
Lea's specialties include weight loss, PCOS, women's hormone health, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and kidney disease.
Lea is a Registered Dietitian and Health Coach with over 12 years of experience guiding individuals toward better health. With a background in dialysis, she now focuses on weight loss, helping clients build sustainable habits. Lea believes in a personalized approach, working as a team to create a plan that fits your needs. She offers support, accountability, and encouragement but emphasizes that success requires effort. Her goal is to help you make lasting, meaningful changes.
Lea's specialties include weight loss, PCOS, women's hormone health, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and kidney disease.
Lea is a Registered Dietitian and Health Coach with over 12 years of experience guiding individuals toward better health. With a background in dialysis, she now focuses on weight loss, helping clients build sustainable habits. Lea believes in a personalized approach, working as a team to create a plan that fits your needs. She offers support, accountability, and encouragement but emphasizes that success requires effort. Her goal is to help you make lasting, meaningful changes.
(520) 462-3563 View (520) 462-3563
Photo of Ava Ajlouny, Nutritionist/Dietitian, RD
Ava Ajlouny
Nutritionist/Dietitian, RD
1 Endorsed
Online Only
Ava specializes in disordered eating, gut health, GI conditions, food sensitivities, prediabetes, weight management, and women’s health issues like PCOS and hormonal concerns.
Ava’s ideal client is someone who is curious about nutrition and ready to make real, lasting changes. They want to break free from diets, rebuild their relationship with food, and learn to trust their body’s cues. They’re interested in hormone balance, gut health, anti-inflammatory eating, and sustainable habits that support energy and well-being. They value guidance, education, and accountability as they move toward intuitive eating, joyful movement, and long-term health.
Ava specializes in disordered eating, gut health, GI conditions, food sensitivities, prediabetes, weight management, and women’s health issues like PCOS and hormonal concerns.
Ava’s ideal client is someone who is curious about nutrition and ready to make real, lasting changes. They want to break free from diets, rebuild their relationship with food, and learn to trust their body’s cues. They’re interested in hormone balance, gut health, anti-inflammatory eating, and sustainable habits that support energy and well-being. They value guidance, education, and accountability as they move toward intuitive eating, joyful movement, and long-term health.
(614) 756-2433 View (614) 756-2433
Photo of Ashley Fortenberry, Nutritionist/Dietitian, RD/RDN, LDN, CDN, CDCES, IFNCP
Ashley Fortenberry
Nutritionist/Dietitian, RD/RDN, LDN, CDN, CDCES, IFNCP
1 Endorsed
Online Only
All things diabetes (Type 1, Type 2, prediabetes - prevention of development into type 2 DM, diabetes and weight loss related medications, including insulin & GLP-1's), hypertension, elevated cholesterol, PCOS, menopause, pregnancy/postpartum health, teen nutrition, disordered eating, & eating disorder recovery.
Ebb & Flow Medical Nutrition Therapy & Consulting: helping people with chronic conditions - such as PCOS, diabetes, hypertension, and disordered eating - find solutions and peace with food through evidence-based, functional nutrition. I use food and nutrients to remit or improve chronic conditions, while teaching you about food/your body along the way. We look forward to meeting and working with you!
All things diabetes (Type 1, Type 2, prediabetes - prevention of development into type 2 DM, diabetes and weight loss related medications, including insulin & GLP-1's), hypertension, elevated cholesterol, PCOS, menopause, pregnancy/postpartum health, teen nutrition, disordered eating, & eating disorder recovery.
Ebb & Flow Medical Nutrition Therapy & Consulting: helping people with chronic conditions - such as PCOS, diabetes, hypertension, and disordered eating - find solutions and peace with food through evidence-based, functional nutrition. I use food and nutrients to remit or improve chronic conditions, while teaching you about food/your body along the way. We look forward to meeting and working with you!
(916) 409-3008 View (916) 409-3008
Photo of Justyna Bergholz, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RD, LD
Justyna Bergholz
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RD, LD
Serves Area
I work with individuals navigating binge eating, chronic health conditions, and those interested in improving the quality of their diet. I offer a practical approach grounded in respect, compassion, and behavior change principles. I invite clients into a supportive space where you can untangle past food experiences, understand how food impacts your health, and engage in self-reflection - exploring and challenging beliefs about food, body, and self.
I work with individuals navigating binge eating, chronic health conditions, and those interested in improving the quality of their diet. I offer a practical approach grounded in respect, compassion, and behavior change principles. I invite clients into a supportive space where you can untangle past food experiences, understand how food impacts your health, and engage in self-reflection - exploring and challenging beliefs about food, body, and self.
(219) 342-2345 View (219) 342-2345
Photo of Kristin Woodbury, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RDN, LDN
Kristin Woodbury
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RDN, LDN
4 Endorsed
Serves Area
Kristin specializes in working with adults and adolescents with Eating Disorders, Disordered Eating, PCOS, Digestive Conditions, IBS, Low FODMAP, Chron's, and Pre/Post Natal Nutrition, and Diabetes.
Specialties include working with adults with Eating Disorders, Disordered Eating, PCOS, Digestive Conditions, IBS, Low FODMAP, Crohn's, Diabetes, and Pre/Post Natal Nutrition. Other areas of expertise include but is not limited to general healthy eating, GERD, and Heart Conditions.
Kristin specializes in working with adults and adolescents with Eating Disorders, Disordered Eating, PCOS, Digestive Conditions, IBS, Low FODMAP, Chron's, and Pre/Post Natal Nutrition, and Diabetes.
Specialties include working with adults with Eating Disorders, Disordered Eating, PCOS, Digestive Conditions, IBS, Low FODMAP, Crohn's, Diabetes, and Pre/Post Natal Nutrition. Other areas of expertise include but is not limited to general healthy eating, GERD, and Heart Conditions.
(332) 249-8428 View (332) 249-8428
Photo of Johanna Richter, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RDN, CD, LDN
Johanna Richter
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RDN, CD, LDN
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
I work with people to improve their relationships with food, especially when complicated by medical conditions, such as digestive conditions (SIBO, IBS, Celiac, IBD, Fatty Liver), hormonal issues ( PCOS, PMDD), insulin resistance (Pre-Diabetes, Type 2 Diabetes), behavioral health conditions, genetic risk, chronic illness, and rare diseases.
Having trouble coping with food, nutrition, and your health, especially with the recent stress of COVID-19? Many people are experiencing stress-related changes in emotions, eating behaviors, and physical symptoms, including digestive issues. Whether these experiences are new to you or related to something you dealt with in the past, I’m here to help.
I work with people to improve their relationships with food, especially when complicated by medical conditions, such as digestive conditions (SIBO, IBS, Celiac, IBD, Fatty Liver), hormonal issues ( PCOS, PMDD), insulin resistance (Pre-Diabetes, Type 2 Diabetes), behavioral health conditions, genetic risk, chronic illness, and rare diseases.
Having trouble coping with food, nutrition, and your health, especially with the recent stress of COVID-19? Many people are experiencing stress-related changes in emotions, eating behaviors, and physical symptoms, including digestive issues. Whether these experiences are new to you or related to something you dealt with in the past, I’m here to help.
(206) 785-3724 View (206) 785-3724
Photo of Charlotte Hammond - Eating With Ease , Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RD, LDN, CDE, RYT
Eating With Ease
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RD, LDN, CDE, RYT
Serves Area
Common issues I help people with include digestive problems, PCOS, testosterone support, DIABETES, high blood pressure, anxiety/depression, hypothyroidism, sensitivity-related illness, and weight management.
I help clients find wellness, balance, and a path to eating sustainably for life. I’ll work with you where you are at, incorporating metabolic understanding, empathetic listening, and even mindfulness and yoga techniques to help you reduce medications, address sleep, regularize exercise, and soothe stress. With every bite, nourish all of yourself.
Common issues I help people with include digestive problems, PCOS, testosterone support, DIABETES, high blood pressure, anxiety/depression, hypothyroidism, sensitivity-related illness, and weight management.
I help clients find wellness, balance, and a path to eating sustainably for life. I’ll work with you where you are at, incorporating metabolic understanding, empathetic listening, and even mindfulness and yoga techniques to help you reduce medications, address sleep, regularize exercise, and soothe stress. With every bite, nourish all of yourself.
(312) 561-4896 View (312) 561-4896
Photo of Chloe Bierbower - Nutrition by Chloe, PLLC, Nutritionist/Dietitian, RD, LDN
Nutrition by Chloe, PLLC
Nutritionist/Dietitian, RD, LDN
Chicago, IL 60647
Working with a dietitian can help you nourish your body to support your fertility and manage PCOS, help manage gestational diabetes and pregnancy-related symptoms like nausea/vomiting and heartburn, and support postpartum healing and milk production.
Through 1:1 nutrition counseling we will work together to come up with an individualized nutrition plan that is tailored to your specific needs and goals. There's no "one size fits all" here. I use evidenced-based practice to ensure I'm providing the best and most up-to-date recommendations to my clients.
Working with a dietitian can help you nourish your body to support your fertility and manage PCOS, help manage gestational diabetes and pregnancy-related symptoms like nausea/vomiting and heartburn, and support postpartum healing and milk production.
Through 1:1 nutrition counseling we will work together to come up with an individualized nutrition plan that is tailored to your specific needs and goals. There's no "one size fits all" here. I use evidenced-based practice to ensure I'm providing the best and most up-to-date recommendations to my clients.
(312) 561-4892 View (312) 561-4892
Photo of Maria Seitz, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RDN, LD
Maria Seitz
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RDN, LD
3 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60606
Maria is a Registered Dietitian who strongly believes in improving physical, mental, and emotional health through nutrition. Maria enjoys using her clinical background to help others navigate their unique nutritional needs by providing individualized interventions. Maria believes in a patient-centered, evidenced-based approach to nutrition care. She will help you achieve your nutrition goals through education, counseling, and therapeutic modalities including cognitive behavioral therapy, exposure response prevention therapy, and medical nutrition therapy.
Maria is a Registered Dietitian who strongly believes in improving physical, mental, and emotional health through nutrition. Maria enjoys using her clinical background to help others navigate their unique nutritional needs by providing individualized interventions. Maria believes in a patient-centered, evidenced-based approach to nutrition care. She will help you achieve your nutrition goals through education, counseling, and therapeutic modalities including cognitive behavioral therapy, exposure response prevention therapy, and medical nutrition therapy.
(872) 259-9747 View (872) 259-9747
Photo of Marisa Spiegel, Nutritionist/Dietitian, RDN, LDN
Marisa Spiegel
Nutritionist/Dietitian, RDN, LDN
1 Endorsed
Online Only
As a dietitian with 20 years of experience, I’ve had the privilege of helping individuals across all stages of life, from children to older adults, discover how nutrition can transform their health and well-being. My work spans both inpatient and outpatient settings, where I’ve supported people managing a wide range of medical conditions, lifestyle goals, and health concerns. These experiences have shaped my deep belief that nutrition is more than just what we eat, it's a key part of prevention, healing, and living fully.
As a dietitian with 20 years of experience, I’ve had the privilege of helping individuals across all stages of life, from children to older adults, discover how nutrition can transform their health and well-being. My work spans both inpatient and outpatient settings, where I’ve supported people managing a wide range of medical conditions, lifestyle goals, and health concerns. These experiences have shaped my deep belief that nutrition is more than just what we eat, it's a key part of prevention, healing, and living fully.
(708) 273-5872 View (708) 273-5872
Photo of Julia Gibson, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RDN
Julia Gibson
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RDN
3 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60606
Julia is a dedicated Registered Dietitian with a commitment to helping individuals overcome eating disorders and cultivate a healthy relationship with food. Julia strives to bring a compassionate and non-judgmental demeanor to foster a safe space where individuals feel heard and understood, making her a ready and capable resource in the challenging but transformative process of overcoming nutrition challenges. Julia offers a wealth of knowledge that comes from years of working in the inpatient setting.
Julia is a dedicated Registered Dietitian with a commitment to helping individuals overcome eating disorders and cultivate a healthy relationship with food. Julia strives to bring a compassionate and non-judgmental demeanor to foster a safe space where individuals feel heard and understood, making her a ready and capable resource in the challenging but transformative process of overcoming nutrition challenges. Julia offers a wealth of knowledge that comes from years of working in the inpatient setting.
(312) 494-0401 View (312) 494-0401
Photo of Aby Fewel - My 3 Meals, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RD, LDN
My 3 Meals
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RD, LDN
1 Endorsed
Online Only
Clients are often tired of rigid food rules and constant dieting. It can be overwhelming to be expected to change the way you eat overnight. Many times, your doctor gives limited information about what to eat and does not always have the time to go into detail about what the means for your day-to-day life.
Clients are often tired of rigid food rules and constant dieting. It can be overwhelming to be expected to change the way you eat overnight. Many times, your doctor gives limited information about what to eat and does not always have the time to go into detail about what the means for your day-to-day life.
(312) 766-8197 View (312) 766-8197
Photo of Cindy Wu, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RD, LDN
Cindy Wu
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RD, LDN
3 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60613
Cindy is a Registered Dietitian with a background in individualized client care and one-on-one nutrition counseling. She has built rapport with clients across various backgrounds and diagnoses, specializing in eating disorders. Cindy’s primary goal is to help clients build a strong and sustainable relationship with food that supports their long-term health goals. She provides an empathetic, trauma-informed, HAES-informed, and weight-inclusive approach, prioritizing trust and client readiness for change.
Cindy is a Registered Dietitian with a background in individualized client care and one-on-one nutrition counseling. She has built rapport with clients across various backgrounds and diagnoses, specializing in eating disorders. Cindy’s primary goal is to help clients build a strong and sustainable relationship with food that supports their long-term health goals. She provides an empathetic, trauma-informed, HAES-informed, and weight-inclusive approach, prioritizing trust and client readiness for change.
(503) 476-9782 View (503) 476-9782
Photo of Lindsay Midura, Nutritionist/Dietitian, RDN, LDN
Lindsay Midura
Nutritionist/Dietitian, RDN, LDN
2 Endorsed
Online Only
Hi! I'm Lindsay, Functional Medicine Dietitian and Eating Disorder Specialist. I am passionate about helping my clients find healing from digestive distress and/or hormonal imbalances. Our relationship with food is the most consistent and intimate connection we have in our lifetime. Like many important relationships, how we connect and interact with food can become confusing, overwhelming and complicated. Do you find yourself lost among mixed messages of how to care for your health? Are you struggling with your health and want to find a sustainable way to use food as a healing tool? Peace with food and your body is possible for you.
Hi! I'm Lindsay, Functional Medicine Dietitian and Eating Disorder Specialist. I am passionate about helping my clients find healing from digestive distress and/or hormonal imbalances. Our relationship with food is the most consistent and intimate connection we have in our lifetime. Like many important relationships, how we connect and interact with food can become confusing, overwhelming and complicated. Do you find yourself lost among mixed messages of how to care for your health? Are you struggling with your health and want to find a sustainable way to use food as a healing tool? Peace with food and your body is possible for you.
(312) 766-6802 View (312) 766-6802
Photo of Marla Brodsky - Luscious life nutrition, Nutritionist/Dietitian, RD, LDN, BCIM, IFNCP
Luscious life nutrition
Nutritionist/Dietitian, RD, LDN, BCIM, IFNCP
Online Only
I am Board Certified in Integrative and functional Medicine. That means that I work with clients to find the root causes of their symptoms in a holistic way. We are learning that maintaining our gut health is the root of treating many diseases including autoimmune, inflammatory, skin, obesity, cancer, allergies, and more. I work with clients to figure out why they are struggling with a condition and treat it using food as medicine, identifying food sensitivities, providing nutrients to maximize the body's functioning, and if needed, I do cooking sessions to teach how to make healthy food taste great.
I am Board Certified in Integrative and functional Medicine. That means that I work with clients to find the root causes of their symptoms in a holistic way. We are learning that maintaining our gut health is the root of treating many diseases including autoimmune, inflammatory, skin, obesity, cancer, allergies, and more. I work with clients to figure out why they are struggling with a condition and treat it using food as medicine, identifying food sensitivities, providing nutrients to maximize the body's functioning, and if needed, I do cooking sessions to teach how to make healthy food taste great.
(773) 840-8159 View (773) 840-8159
Photo of Christi Kargl, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RD, CDCES
Christi Kargl
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RD, CDCES
Online Only
Christi (she/her) is a registered dietitian, a Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES), and a Lifestyle Coach for the Diabetes Prevention Program. She studied dietetics and dance at Michigan State University and completed a master’s degree in applied nutrition at Russell Sage College. She helps clients with a variety of health concerns and specializes in diabetes, metabolic disorders, mental health conditions, digestion issues and weight concerns. Christi is LGBTQ+ ally with years of experience providing inclusive care.
Christi (she/her) is a registered dietitian, a Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES), and a Lifestyle Coach for the Diabetes Prevention Program. She studied dietetics and dance at Michigan State University and completed a master’s degree in applied nutrition at Russell Sage College. She helps clients with a variety of health concerns and specializes in diabetes, metabolic disorders, mental health conditions, digestion issues and weight concerns. Christi is LGBTQ+ ally with years of experience providing inclusive care.
(312) 584-2745 View (312) 584-2745
Photo of Nikki Fata, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MPH, RDN, CEDS
Nikki Fata
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MPH, RDN, CEDS
Online Only
If food feels difficult, confusing and/or causes you worry, let’s talk about it. I’m here to help make it a bit easier. I use a nonjudgmental, weight-neutral and gender inclusive approach, to help all people realize that food can and does mean so much more than just the nutrients on the plate, and empower them that having a normalized relationship with food is possible. I believe in utilizing an all foods fit mentality to neutralize from the notion of “good” or “bad” foods. I specialize in working with adults, but can provide referrals to other providers who work with children or adolescents, upon request.
If food feels difficult, confusing and/or causes you worry, let’s talk about it. I’m here to help make it a bit easier. I use a nonjudgmental, weight-neutral and gender inclusive approach, to help all people realize that food can and does mean so much more than just the nutrients on the plate, and empower them that having a normalized relationship with food is possible. I believe in utilizing an all foods fit mentality to neutralize from the notion of “good” or “bad” foods. I specialize in working with adults, but can provide referrals to other providers who work with children or adolescents, upon request.
(312) 626-8667 View (312) 626-8667
Photo of Reanna Peterman, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RDN, LDN
Reanna Peterman
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RDN, LDN
Online Only
My ideal client feels stuck in diet culture, food guilt, or body shame. You might be struggling with an eating disorder, chronic dieting, or feeling disconnected from your body’s needs. Maybe you're neurodivergent and navigating sensory challenges, or you’ve had frustrating experiences with weight-focused healthcare. You want to heal your relationship with food, break free from shame, and find sustainable nourishment that feels good. You’re looking for a weight-inclusive, intuitive approach that helps you trust yourself again—I’m here to help you do just that.
My ideal client feels stuck in diet culture, food guilt, or body shame. You might be struggling with an eating disorder, chronic dieting, or feeling disconnected from your body’s needs. Maybe you're neurodivergent and navigating sensory challenges, or you’ve had frustrating experiences with weight-focused healthcare. You want to heal your relationship with food, break free from shame, and find sustainable nourishment that feels good. You’re looking for a weight-inclusive, intuitive approach that helps you trust yourself again—I’m here to help you do just that.
(815) 855-2454 View (815) 855-2454
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) Nutritionists and Dietitians

What is Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)?

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a condition characterized by hormonal imbalance, leading to symptoms such as irregular or absent periods, weight gain, excess hair growth, infertility, and acne. The exact causes of PCOS are not well understood, but it is believed to result from a combination of genetic and lifestyle factors, including stress and nutrition.

How is PCOS treated?

PCOS is typically treated with a combination of medication and lifestyle changes. Many individuals with PCOS are prescribed birth control medication to help regulate the abnormal hormone levels associated with the condition. With regard to lifestyle modifications, healthcare professionals often recommend maintaining a balanced, healthy diet and engaging in regular physical activity. This is particularly important for women diagnosed with obesity or diabetes, as weight loss and improved insulin regulation can significantly alleviate PCOS symptoms.

What diet is best for people with PCOS?

In general, experts recommend a plant-based diet high in fiber, healthy fats, and lean protein as the best nutritional approach to managing PCOS. Because women diagnosed with PCOS are at a higher risk of specific conditions, such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and heart problems, a diet that helps prevent such conditions can be highly effective. The "Mediterranean diet," characterized by the consumption of lots of healthy fats, vegetables, beans, and whole grains is one common diet with evidence supporting its efficacy in preventing cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. In addition, other lifestyle modifications that support weight management and healthy insulin levels—such as exercise, smoking cessation, and alcohol consumption reduction—are often also incorporated into PCOS treatment.

What foods should people with PCOS avoid?

Due to the high blood sugar levels and insulin resistance characteristic of PCOS, experts typically advise individuals with PCOS to avoid foods that cause large blood sugar spikes, such as sugary snacks and refined carbs like white bread. Instead, they recommend consuming foods rich in healthy fats, whole grains, and fiber, which can help stabilize blood sugar levels. Individuals with PCOS may also find that certain foods trigger their symptoms. Therefore, identifying and avoiding these specific foods can be important for reducing symptom severity on an individual level.