Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common medical condition in which ovaries produce an abnormal amount of male sex hormones androgens that are usually present in women in small amounts. It causes an imbalance in reproductive hormones and metabolism.
Coffee or caffeinated drinks raise oestrogen (female hormone) levels in the body. In PCOS, hormone levels are already disturbed and increased consumption of caffeine further complicates the condition.
Processed and fried foods have a large amount of unhealthy saturated fats, trans fats and increase the risk of weight gain. Eating such food increases inflammation that exacerbates PCOS symptoms.
Doctors often ask to completely avoid alcohol as consumption can increase the levels of testosterone hormones and also disturb the hormones required for ovulation.
Beverages like soda, fizzy drinks and energy drinks are high in sugar levels. They increase the release of insulin and affect the level of testosterone, leading to mood swings and bloating.
Products like milk, ice cream, cheese and sweetened yoghurt have chemicals that increase androgen hormone production. Androgen helps in the production of oestrogen (female hormone) and an increase in oestrogen levels can lead to severity of PCOS.
Soy products have a compound named phytoestrogen that mimics the oestrogen hormone and tricks the body into reducing oestrogen production. This further aggravates hormonal imbalance which worsens PCOS.