PCOS is the most prevalent endocrine disorder to affect women. It is a common cause of menstrual irregularities and infertility during reproductive age. Even though current PCOS research is limited, what we do know is that PCOS has similarities to and associations with other autoimmune conditions. Although PCOS is not currently considered an autoimmune disease, emerging research shows that it has a greater impact on your immune system than researchers previously thought. Interestingly, research also that shows that women with PCOS are also significantly more likely to develop an accompanying autoimmune condition.
PCOS and Autoimmune Disorders
There are a few theories that point to why women with PCOS may be more prone to autoimmune disorders.
Inflammation
The association between inflammation and autoimmune conditions in women with PCOS has been a popular discussion topic. The theory posits that inflammatory processes related to PCOS either cause or are exacerbated by accompanying autoimmune disorders. Inflammation can also lead to production of ANA (anti-nuclear antibodies), which are common in autoimmune disorders.
Sex hormone Imbalances
This theory suggests that the imbalance between the sex hormones estradiol and progesterone plays a role in the link between autoimmune disorders and PCOS. Research shows that low progesterone levels can cause an overstimulation of the immune system. This in turn produces elevated levels of estrogen, which causes antibody production. These antibodies increase the likelihood of developing an autoimmune condition.
Low Vitamin D Levels
Vitamin D levels are generally significantly lower in women with PCOS. Increasing evidence demonstrates a strong association between vitamin D and biological processes that regulate immune responses. Low Vitamin D levels are also associated with several autoimmune diseases, such as Hashimoto Thyroiditis, an autoimmune disorder that causes chronic thyroid inflammation.
Because research on this topic remains incomplete, there’s no way to definitively say if PCOS is an autoimmune disorder…or if having PCOS increases your risk for developing an autoimmune disorder.
Current research is exploring the autoimmune connection between PCOS and its strong relationship with obesity, insulin resistance, and hyperandrogenism (androgen excess). The bottom line? We know that there is an association between PCOS and autoimmune diseases, although further studies are needed at the molecular level to establish the presence of autoimmune characteristics in PCOS patients.
Either way, there are dietary improvements you can make right now! We do know that a diet high in anti-inflammatory foods can help you manage PCOS and avoid immune system complications. Our recommendations on foods to eat and foods to avoid for an anti-inflammatory diet are listed below.
Foods to Eat
- Vegetables: Broccoli, kale, sweet potatoes, cauliflower, mushrooms
- Fruits: Strawberries, blueberries, cherries, oranges, blackberries, raspberries, grapes, avocado
- Grains: whole wheat bread, oatmeal, brown rice, quinoa, bulgur, whole wheat pasta
- Minimally processed meats: fish, poultry, lean beef
- Probiotic rich food: kombucha, kimchi, sauerkraut, pickles
Foods to Avoid
- Sugar and high fructose corn syrup: check food labels and avoid products like soda, candy and sweetened beverages
- Refined grains: white bread, white rice, white pasta, pastries, cookies, cakes
- Alcohol
- Processed meat: Sausage, bacon, ham, smoked meat, beef jerky, cured meats, deli meat
To read more about foods to avoid, foods to eat, and how to make easy changes as part of a healthy PCOS diet, download our PCOS Nutrition Guide.
Topics
