Beyond Hormones: The Efficacy of Time-Restricted Eating as an Alternative to Traditional Pharmacological Therapy for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
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Background/Objective
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common endocrinopathies during reproductive age, affecting up to 25% of women worldwide. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of Time Restricted Eating (TRE) as an alternative to traditional hormonal therapy in patients with PCOS.
Methods
A prospective, longitudinal, comparative clinical study was conducted. A total of 16 patients, diagnosed with PCOS, were divided into three groups to assess combined and isolated treatment options. Two groups underwent a 90-day Time Restricted Eating protocol with measurements at day 0 and 90 for ovary follicle count, luteinizing hormone, follicle stimulating Hormone, estradiol, progesterone, total testosterone, free testosterone, fasting insulin and glucose. Results were compared to a control group undergoing traditional hormonal treatment.
Results
Ultrasonographic assessment of left and right ovary, showed a significant reduction in FC for the TRE group (36.67 ± 12.81 % and 41.79 ± 3.76, respectively). Metabolic and hormonal markers also showed an important reduction: HOMA-IR (11.7 ± 8.47 %), GLU (5.06 ± 0.91 %), INS (11.87 ± 6.93 %), FT (54.92 ± 10.01%), TT (3.96 ± 1.48%) LH (22.67 ± 3.24%) and FSH (23.53 ± 6.84 %).
Conclusions
A 90-day TRE intervention is a safe and reliable treatment option when compared to standard Oral Contraceptive (OC) therapy, especially for the improvement of hyperandrogenism, metabolic and hormonal parameters in patients with PCOS.
