"Intermittent Fasting Effective for Treating Polycystic Ovary Syndrome"

Korea University Anam Hospital Research Team

A study has found that intermittent fasting has therapeutic effects on polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

[Photo by Korea University Medical Center]

Korea University Anam Hospital announced on the 11th that a research team led by Professors Park Hyuntae and Ryu Kijin from the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology has for the first time identified the therapeutic effects of time-restricted feeding on PCOS.

PCOS has a very high prevalence but currently lacks an approved fundamental treatment, making it difficult to manage. Although various clinical guidelines recommend healthy eating, there have been no specific studies or guidelines. Through this study, the research team revealed the effects of time-restricted feeding dietary therapy on PCOS.

Time-restricted feeding is a form of intermittent fasting that allows free eating during a specific time window each day and fasting during the remaining hours. Compared to existing dietary therapies, it has the advantage of causing less stress as there are no restrictions on the type, amount, or calorie intake of food. Additionally, its therapeutic effects on chronic diseases such as obesity, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome are well known.

The research team applied time-restricted feeding for four weeks in a PCOS animal model. As a result, they confirmed improvements in weight gain, polycystic ovaries, increased male hormones, hyperactivation of luteinizing hormone pulsatile secretion, increased visceral fat and inflammation, as well as various reproductive endocrine function-related biomarkers in the ovaries and hypothalamus, all returning to normal levels.

The research team stated, "Time-restricted feeding can be relatively easily practiced without significant cost or effort and is expected to be effective not only for various chronic diseases but also for the treatment of PCOS." They added, "Since this study was conducted on an animal model, follow-up studies on humans regarding the timing of time-restricted feeding are necessary."

They further advised, "For those with PCOS, attention should be paid not only to treatments that prevent complications such as oral contraceptives but also to maintaining a healthy and regular dietary habit in the long term."

This study was published in the international academic journal 'Scientific Reports.'

(From left) Professors Park Hyuntae and Ryu Gijin, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Korea University Anam Hospital. [Photo by Korea University Anam Hospital]