Did you know that Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) appears to be more common among athletes? Many female athletes talk about their lack of menstruation and this could explain it. A study published in Fertility and Sterility showed a higher number of cases of hyperandrogenism (high testosterone levels) in adolescent swimmers compared with non-swimmers.
So, what does this mean if you are an athlete struggling with erratic periods and potentially PCOS?
On word: Nutrition. Athletes’ nutritional needs are different than a normal person, but especially when one has PCOS.
Some nutritional concerns for athletes with PCOS are:
-Balanced Carbohydrates
-Consumption of Anti-Inflammatory Foods
-Maintaining Iron Levels
-Managing Vitamin B12 Levels
-Monitoring Vitamin D Levels
Because of unique nutritional needs, each athlete with PCOS should find a nutritionist who is well versed in sports nutrition and PCOS to develop an individualized meal plan to optimize performance while managing health.
