The Interplay of Diet and Psychological Stress in the Pathophysiology and Management of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOD): A Narrative Review

Dr. Seema Kadam; Anuja Dixit

The Interplay of Diet and Psychological Stress in the Pathophysiology and Management of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOD): A Narrative Review

Author(s)	Dr. Seema Kadam, Anuja Dixit
Country	India
Abstract	Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), also called polycystic ovarian disease (PCOD), is a common hormonal and metabolic disorder in women of reproductive age. It causes high levels of male hormones (hyperandrogenism), irregular or absent ovulation, and multiple small cysts in the ovaries. Besides affecting fertility, PCOS is often linked to insulin resistance, obesity, abnormal cholesterol levels, and low-grade inflammation, which can increase the risk of long-term problems like type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and infertility. Women with PCOS also commonly experience psychological issues such as depression, anxiety, and stress, which can make both metabolic and reproductive symptoms worse. Diet and lifestyle are very important in managing PCOS. Research shows that certain diets — such as low-glycaemic index (LGI) diets, Mediterranean-style diets, and anti-inflammatory diets — can improve insulin sensitivity, balance hormones, help with weight management, and improve fertility. Psychological stress can negatively affect the body by disrupting the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis, increasing cortisol levels, and interfering with ovarian function, which can lead to irregular periods and infertility. Stress also encourages unhealthy habits such as poor eating, emotional eating, and less physical activity, making PCOS symptoms worse. This review summarizes current evidence on how diet and psychological stress affect women with PCOS, explains the biological mechanisms involved, and identifies areas that need more research. Studies suggest that combining healthy diet changes, weight management, and stress-reduction strategies works better than addressing only diet or stress. Such holistic approaches can improve metabolic health, reproductive function, and mental well-being. However, more long-term and well-designed studies are needed to find the best diet plans and stress-management methods specifically for women with PCOS.
Keywords	Polycystic ovary syndrome, PCOS, PCOD, diet, Mediterranean diet, low-glycaemic diet, insulin resistance, psychological stress, mental health, reproductive health, lifestyle intervention, hormonal imbalance, fertility ,ovulation , menstrual cycle
Field	Arts
Published In	Volume 6, Issue 11, November 2025
Published On	2025-11-30
Cite This	The Interplay of Diet and Psychological Stress in the Pathophysiology and Management of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOD): A Narrative Review - Dr. Seema Kadam, Anuja Dixit - IJLRP Volume 6, Issue 11, November 2025.

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The Interplay of Diet and Psychological Stress in the Pathophysiology and Management of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOD): A Narrative Review

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