ASSOCIATION BETWEEN DIETARY PROTEIN-TO-CARBOHYDRATE RATIO AND SYMPTOMS PROFILE OF POLYCYSTIC OVARY SYNDROME IN OBESE FEMALES AGED 15–30 YEARS: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

Abstract

Background: Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is a prevalent endocrine disorder among women of reproductive age, often associated with obesity and metabolic disturbances. Dietary modifications, particularly altering macronutrient composition, have been suggested as a potential intervention to alleviate PCOS symptoms.
Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the association between dietary protein-to-carbohydrate (P:C) ratio and PCOS symptoms in females aged 15–30 years.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 50 obese women presenting with PCOS symptoms as per the Rotterdam diagnostic cri. Anthropometric measurements, including height, weight, waist circumference, and hip circumference, were recorded to calculate body mass index (BMI) and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR). Dietary intake data were collected through structured interviews and validated dietary recall questionnaires to determine the daily P:C ratio. The association between dietary P:C ratio and PCOS symptoms, including acne, hirsutism, and menstrual irregularities, was analysed using statistical methods.
Results: Women exhibiting PCOS symptoms had a significantly lower dietary P:C ratio compared to those without symptoms (p < 0.05). A lower P:C ratio (≤0.32) was significantly associated with acne (p = 0.031), irregular menses (p = 0.028), and hirsutism (p = 0.046).
Conclusion: Findings suggest that an increased dietary protein-to-carbohydrate ratio may have a beneficial effect on PCOS symptoms. Dietary interventions focusing on protein intake modulation could be considered as a non-pharmacological approach to managing PCOS. Further longitudinal studies with larger sample sizes are required to confirm these associations.