PCOS and PCOD Diet and Lifestyle Management in Ahmedabad
Written by Palak, Clinical Dietitian. Reviewed by Dr Arth Shah, MCh Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery.
The short version PCOS (often called PCOD in India) is a hormonal condition, and most women with it have some degree of insulin resistance. Meals that keep blood sugar steady, regular activity, good sleep and – where weight is a factor – losing even 5-10% of body weight can improve periods, energy, skin and hair. Diet works alongside your gynaecologist’s treatment, not instead of it.
PCOS and insulin resistance
In many women with PCOS, the body needs more insulin to keep blood sugar normal. Higher insulin pushes the ovaries to make more male-type hormones – which is behind irregular periods, acne, unwanted facial hair and hair thinning on the scalp. Food choices that reduce blood sugar spikes help calm that cycle.
What to eat - in a Gujarati kitchen
Instead of | Try |
Maida farsan, biscuits, white bread | Roasted chana, makhana, sprouts, a handful of nuts |
Large portions of rice or rotli alone | Smaller portions with dal, curd, paneer or egg and plenty of sabzi |
Sweetened chai several times a day | Less sugar, fewer cups; buttermilk |
Fruit juice | Whole fruit |
Skipping breakfast | A protein-based breakfast – besan chilla, moong dal chilla, eggs, poha with peanuts and sprouts |
No food is banned. The pattern matters: protein and fibre with each meal, fewer refined carbohydrates, and regular meal times.
Weight - and when it is not the issue
Where weight is a factor, losing 5-10% can restore more regular periods. But many women with PCOS are a normal weight – so the plan focuses on blood sugar, strength and wellbeing, not only the scale.
Activity and sleep
Strength training and brisk walking both improve insulin sensitivity. Poor sleep and high stress worsen it. Small, regular changes last longer than intense short bursts.
Skin and hair
Diet does not replace treatment for acne or unwanted hair, but steadier hormones help treatment work better and last longer. At the clinic, this is coordinated with acne treatment, laser hair removal and hair thinning treatment. Several skin tags with darkened skin in the neck folds can also be a sign of insulin resistance – see skin tags.
Planning a pregnancy
Good nutrition and a healthy weight improve the chances of ovulation. Start folic acid before trying to conceive, and plan with your gynaecologist.
Your doctor: Dr Arth Shah, MS, MCh (Plastic Surgery)
Skin treatments at Rejuva Aesthetica are overseen by Dr Arth Shah, who completed his MBBS at Gujarat University in 2009, his MS in General Surgery at Sardar Patel University, Vallabh Vidyanagar in 2014, and his MCh in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at B.J. Medical College, Ahmedabad in 2017. He is registered with the Gujarat Medical Council under registration number G-25994 and has practised in Ahmedabad since 2018.
Book a skin consultation in Ahmedabad
A skin consultation takes about twenty minutes. Come without makeup. Your skin type and concern are assessed, the right peel and depth are chosen, and you are told how many sessions you are likely to need and what the whole course costs. If your skin needs preparing first, that starts before the peel does.
Rejuva Aesthetica – Plastic & Cosmetic Surgery Clinic 102, Himalaya Emerald, Besides IOC Petrol Pump, Near Shivranjani Over Bridge, Jodhpur, Ahmedabad, Gujarat 380015 Phone: +91 74360 00990 | 079 2692 9299 Monday to Saturday, 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Closed Sundays and public holidays. |
Frequently Asked Question
The terms are often used interchangeably in India. Medically, PCOS is the recognised condition; the diet and lifestyle approach is the same.
There is no single best diet. Meals with protein and fibre, fewer refined carbohydrates and sugary drinks, regular meal times, and enough activity work for most women.
PCOS is managed rather than cured, but diet and lifestyle can improve periods, skin, hair and energy considerably
Not to lose weight. The focus is steady blood sugar, strength training and good sleep.
It can reduce new growth over time by lowering insulin and hormones, but existing hair needs treatment such as laser hair removal.
Energy and cravings often improve within weeks; periods and skin usually take three to six months.
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