Cited by 115Ovarian function and disordersDiabetes, Cardiovascular Risks, and LipoproteinsEndometriosis Research and Treatment

The Role of Lifestyle Interventions in PCOS Management: A Systematic Review

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Gautam, Rohit, Maan, Pratibha, Jyoti, Anshu, Kumar, Anshu, Malhotra, Neena, Arora, Taruna·2025·Nutrients

Abstract

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most prevalent endocrine disorders among reproductive-aged women. It is characterized by hyperandrogenism, anovulation, and polycystic ovaries. Lifestyle changes are suggested as first-line interventions in managing PCOS. This systematic review aims to assess the scientific evidence regarding the role of lifestyle modifications (dietary changes, physical activity, and behavioral changes) in improving reproductive, anthropometric, metabolic, and psychological outcomes in women with PCOS. Dietary interventions such as foods with low glycemic index scores; caloric restrictions; high-fiber, omega three fatty acid-rich diets; ketogenic diets; Mediterranean diets; antioxidant-rich food; and anti-inflammatory diets improve insulin sensitivity and hormonal balance in women with PCOS. Physical activity, like aerobic and resistance exercise, enhances insulin sensitivity, helps weight loss, and improves metabolic and reproductive outcomes in women with PCOS. Further, behavioral and education modules can also be used to improve awareness, adherence, and the effectiveness of conventional treatment and to manage mental health issues related to PCOS. Collectively, lifestyle modifications not only improve the biochemical, hormonal, and anthropometric parameters in PCOS patients but also reduce the long-term risks of metabolic and cardiovascular diseases.

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  • After 8 weeks of daily intake of 200 μg chromium picolinate, hirsutism, acne, and TAC were significantly decreased, and TAC was improved.

    “Some RCTS and meta-analyses have been performed, and the results have shown that CrP is effective in some cases; for instance, studies indicated that hirsutism, acne, and TAC were significantly decreased, and TAC was improved after 8 weeks of a daily intake of 200 µg [138].”

    From Nutritional and herbal interventions for polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS): a comprehensive review of dietary approaches, macronutrient impact, and herbal medicine in management (2025) · cites this paper as [138]

    The dietary-supplements discussion (sections 3.4 and 3.6; page numbers unavailable) reports TAC findings for other interventions, including vitamin D with omega-3 and melatonin. Searches for chromium picolinate and the specified 200 μg, eight-week regimen found no passage in our copy addressing the claimed effects on hirsutism, acne, or TAC. (LLM, conf=0.76)

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4 of the 191 references couldn’t be matched to a known paper.

Research works printed but not linked: 1

  1. [93]Masood W. Annamaraju P. Suheb M.Z.K. Uppaluri K.R. Ketogenic Diet StatPearls [Internet] StatPearls Publishing St. Petersburg, FL, USA 2023 29763005

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Authors
Gautam, R., Maan, P., Jyoti, A., Kumar, A., Malhotra, N., & Arora, T.
Affiliations
  • Indian Council of Medical Research (IN)
  • All India Institute of Medical Sciences (IN)
Corresponding author
  • Malhotra, Neena
  • Arora, Taruna
Venue
Nutrients
Publisher
MDPI AG
Published
2025-01-16
Volume
17
Issue
2
Pages
310
ISSN
2072-6643 (ISSN-L)
OpenAlex
W4406428049
Cited by
115
References
191
Citations by year
2026: 79 · 2025: 35 · 2023: 1
FWCI
15.78
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Locations
  • Nutrients (publishedVersion, cc-by)
  • PubMed Central (publishedVersion, cc-by)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
Funders
ICMR (Indian Council of Medical Research) (5/7/103/PCOS-phaseII/NTF/2020RBMCH)
Topics
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Reproductive Medicine › Ovarian function and disorders
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism › Diabetes, Cardiovascular Risks, and Lipoproteins
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Reproductive Medicine › Endometriosis Research and Treatment
Keywords
polycystic ovary syndrome, lifestyle intervention, dietary intervention, physical activity, insulin sensitivity, ketogenic diet, Mediterranean diet, omega-3 fatty acids, caloric restriction, glycemic index, weight loss, anovulation, hyperandrogenism, psychological outcomes, cardiovascular risk, metabolic outcomes
MeSH terms
Female, Humans, Insulin Resistance, Life Style, Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, Exercise

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