Polycystic ovary syndrome

This chapter presents the answers to the questions raised on Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), explained with reference to the case of a 31-year-old Asian woman, Nisha who has a family history of diabetes; her mother had gestational diabetes and developed type 2 diabetes later in life. It explains the nutrition and dietetic diagnosis, clinical diagnostic criteria for PCOS, conditions associated with PCOS and dietetic intervention. The chapter explores how motivated is she to make dietary changes even though she states that she is motivated to get pregnant and dietary restrictions that are associated with Hinduism and Nisha's physical activity level. It explains the effects of insulin resistance in PCOS, dietary supplements and her possible barriers to change. The general practitioner physical activity questionnaire (GPPAQ) was commissioned by the Department of Health for use in the NHS.