A Comparison between Diet, Exercise, and Combined Intervention in Women with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (A Systematic Review for The Anthropometric, Metabolic, Psychological, and Hormonal Parameters)

Rizky Ika Nahdiah


Abstract


Introduction: Lifestyle changes are first-line treatments for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), but the comparative efficacy of various modalities remains unclear.
Objective: This systematic review compares the effects of diet (D), exercise (E), and combined interventions (ED) on PCOS manifestations.
Methods: A systematic search of PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Springer (2021–2025) identified 9 RCTs involving 418 women. Outcomes included anthropometric, metabolic, psychological, and hormonal parameters.
Results: Dietary intervention (D) produced the greatest improvements in insulin sensitivity (HOMA-IR, fasting glucose), lipid profiles (TC, LDL, TG), and hormonal balance (SHBG, LH). Combined therapy (ED) was most effective for reducing BMI and increasing HDL. Conversely, exercise alone (E) was most effective at reducing depression and anxiety scores. No significant changes were observed in WHR or FSH. 
Discussion: Diet serves as a metabolic anchor by addressing hyperinsulinemia, while exercise catalyzes mental health benefits. The synergy of ED optimizes body composition and cardiovascular health.
Conclusion: PCOS management should be personalized, prioritizing diet for metabolic control and exercise for psychological well-being. A combined approach offers the most comprehensive benefits for body composition and long-term health.

Perbandingan antara Diet, Olahraga, dan Intervensi Kombinasi pada Wanita dengan Sindrom Ovarium Polikistik 
(Sebuah Tinjauan Sistematis terhadap Parameter Antropometri, Metabolik, Psikologis, dan Hormonal)

Abstrak
Pendahuluan: Perubahan gaya hidup merupakan lini pertama pengobatan Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), namun efektivitas perbandingan berbagai modalitas masih belum jelas.
Tujuan: Tinjauan sistematis ini membandingkan dampak diet (D), olahraga (E), dan intervensi kombinasi (ED) terhadap manifestasi PCOS.
Metode: Tinjauan sistematis pada PubMed, ScienceDirect, dan Springer (2021 – 2025) mengidentifikasi 9 studi RCT yang melibatkan 418 wanita. Parameter yang diukur meliputi antropometri, metabolik, psikologis, dan hormonal.
Hasil: Intervensi diet (D) memberikan perbaikan terbesar pada sensitivitas insulin (HOMA-IR, glukosa puasa), profil lipid (TC, LDL, TG), dan keseimbangan hormonal (SHBG, LH). Terapi kombinasi (ED) paling efektif untuk penurunan BMI dan peningkatan HDL. Sebaliknya, olahraga mandiri (E) menunjukkan efikasi tertinggi dalam mengurangi skor depresi dan kecemasan. Tidak ditemukan perubahan signifikan pada WHR atau FSH pada semua kelompok.
Diskusi: Diet berperan sebagai jangkar metabolik dalam mengatasi hiperinsulinemia, sementara olahraga berfungsi sebagai katalis kesehatan mental. Sinergi ED mengoptimalkan komposisi tubuh dan kesehatan kardiovaskular.
Kesimpulan: Penatalaksanaan PCOS harus dipersonalisasi; memprioritaskan diet untuk kontrol metabolik dan olahraga untuk kesejahteraan psikologis. Pendekatan kombinasi menawarkan manfaat paling komprehensif bagi komposisi tubuh dan kesehatan jangka panjang.


Keywords


Diet; exercise; PCOS

Full Text:

PDF

References


Hart R, Hickey M, Franks S. Definitions, prevalence and symptoms of polycystic ovaries and polycystic ovary syndrome. Best Pract Res Clin Obstet Gynaecol. 2004 Oct;18(5):671-83.

World Health Organization. Polycystic ovary syndrome [Internet]. Geneva: World Health Organization; 2024 [cited 2025 Dec 25]. Available from: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/polycystic-ovary-syndrome

Christ JP, Cedars MI. Current guidelines for diagnosing PCOS. Diagnostics (Basel). 2023 Mar 15;13(6):1113.

Smet ME, McLennan A. Rotterdam criteria, the end. Australas J Ultrasound Med. 2018 May 17;21(2):59-60.

Shorakae S, Boyle J, Teede H. Polycystic ovary syndrome: a common hormonal condition with major metabolic sequelae that physicians should know about. Intern Med J. 2014 Aug;44(8):720-6.

Chen W, Pang Y. Metabolic syndrome and PCOS: pathogenesis and the role of metabolites. Metabolites. 2021 Dec 14;11(12):869.

Dewani D, Karwade P, Mahajan KS. The invisible struggle: the psychosocial aspects of polycystic ovary syndrome. Cureus. 2023 Dec 30;15(12):e51321.

Almhmoud H, Alatassi L, Baddoura M, Sandouk J, Alkayali MZ, Najjar H, et al. Polycystic ovary syndrome and its multidimensional impacts on women's mental health: a narrative review. Medicine (Baltimore). 2024 Jun 21;103(25):e38647.

Saei Ghare Naz M, Rostami Dovom M, Ramezani Tehrani F. The menstrual disturbances in endocrine disorders: a narrative review. Int J Endocrinol Metab. 2020 Oct 14;18(4):e106694.

Tammo O. Understanding polycystic ovary syndrome: a comprehensive guide [Internet]. London: IntechOpen; 2025 [cited 2025 Dec 25]. Available from: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.1010597

Gautam R, Maan P, Jyoti A, Kumar A, Malhotra N, Arora T. The role of lifestyle interventions in PCOS management: a systematic review. Nutrients. 2025 Jan 9;17(2):310.

Porchia LM, Hernandez-Garcia SC, Gonzalez-Mejia ME, López-Bayghen E. Diets with lower carbohydrate concentrations improve insulin sensitivity in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: a meta-analysis. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol. 2020 May;248:110-7.

Miranda-Furtado CL, Ramos FK, Kogure GS, Santana-Lemos BA, Ferriani RA, Calado RT, et al. A nonrandomized trial of progressive resistance training intervention in women with polycystic ovary syndrome and its implications in telomere content. Reprod Sci. 2016 May;23(5):644-54.

Patil AD, Pathak SD, Kokate P, Bhogal RS, Badave AS, Varadha M, et al. Yoga intervention improves the metabolic parameters and quality of life among infertile women with polycystic ovary syndrome in Indian population. Int J Yoga. 2023 May-Aug;16(2):98-105.

Wang A, Noel M, Christ JP, Corley J, Lenhart N, Cedars MI, et al. Vigorous vs. moderate exercise to improve glucose metabolism in inactive women with polycystic ovary syndrome and insulin resistance: a pilot randomized controlled trial of two home-based exercise routines. FS Rep. 2023 Dec 22;5(1):80-6.

Dietz de Loos A, Jiskoot G, Beerthuizen A, Busschbach J, Laven J. Metabolic health during a randomized controlled lifestyle intervention in women with PCOS. Eur J Endocrinol. 2021 Nov 30;186(1):53-64.

Li C, Xing C, Zhang J, Zhao H, Shi W, He B. Eight-hour time-restricted feeding improves endocrine and metabolic profiles in women with anovulatory polycystic ovary syndrome. J Transl Med. 2021 Apr 13;19(1):148.

Sharifi M, Saber A, Moludi J, Salimi Y, Jahan-Mihan A. The effects of portfolio moderate-carbohydrate and ketogenic diets on anthropometric indices, metabolic status, and hormonal levels in overweight or obese women with polycystic ovary syndrome: a randomized controlled trial. Nutr J. 2024 Dec 2;23(1):152.

Ozdemir M, Mumusoglu S, Bilgic P. Comparison of metabolic and hormonal profiles between low-advanced glycation end products (AGEs) and standard AGEs-containing weight-loss diets in overweight phenotype-A PCOS patients: a randomized clinical trial. Reprod Sci. 2025;32:1190-201.

Patten RK, McIlvenna LC, Moreno-Asso A, Hiam D, Stepto NK, Rosenbaum S, et al. Efficacy of high-intensity interval training for improving mental health and health-related quality of life in women with polycystic ovary syndrome. Sci Rep. 2023 Feb 21;13(1):3025.

Mohammadi S, Monazzami A, Alavimilani S. Effects of eight-week high-intensity interval training on some metabolic, hormonal and cardiovascular indices in women with PCOS: a randomized controlled trail. BMC Sports Sci Med Rehabil. 2023 Mar 29;15(1):47.

Pandurevic S, Mancini I, Mitselman D, Magagnoli M, Teglia R, Fazzeri R, Dionese P, Cecchetti C, Caprio M, Moretti C, Sicinska J, Agostini A, Gazineo D, Godino L, Sajoux I, Fanelli F, Meriggiola CM, Pagotto U, Gambineri A. Efficacy of very low-calorie ketogenic diet with the Pronokal® method in obese women with polycystic ovary syndrome: a 16-week randomized controlled trial. Endocr Connect. 2023 Jun 12;12(7):e220536. doi: 10.1530/EC-22-0536. PMID: 37018117; PMCID: PMC10305483.

Guo Y, Liu Y, Yan X, Ding R, Wang L. Effects of multidimensional life management on healthy behavior in polycystic ovary syndrome patients: a randomized controlled trial. Front Psychol. 2022 Aug 18;13:918991.

Cowan S, Lim S, Alycia C, Pirotta S, Thomson R, Grieger J, et al. Lifestyle management in polycystic ovary syndrome: beyond weight loss. Lancet Diabetes Endocrinol. 2023;11(7):514-26.

Teede HJ, Tay CT, Laven JJE, Dokras A, Moran LJ, Piltonen TT, et al. Recommendations from the 2023 international evidence-based guideline for the assessment and management of polycystic ovary syndrome. Fertil Steril. 2023 Sep;120(3):477-93.




DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.24198/obgynia.v9i2.1102

Refbacks

  • There are currently no refbacks.


Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.


     
 

Creative Commons License
Indonesian Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology Science is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License
  Web Analytics
  View My Stat