Date of Award

5-2026

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science in Nutrition Science

Department

Health Science and Human Ecology

First Reader/Committee Chair

Dr. Neal Malik

Abstract

Background and Aims: PCOS is one of the leading multisystem conditions among women of reproductive age. Dietary changes may help improve outcomes associated with PCOS and its comorbidities. While a lower carbohydrate, moderate protein diet is often recommended, those with PCOS often use temporary diets or dietary supplements instead of or in addition to prescription medications due to dissatisfaction with their treatment options. Additionally, studies examining the usefulness of supplements and their effects on PCOS symptoms are lacking. This study explored the prevalence of use of temporary diets, prescription medications, and dietary supplements among women with PCOS.

Methods: An anonymous online survey (Google Forms) was distributed among individuals associated with California State University, San Bernardino (CSUSB) through the campus’ mass email distribution system and via biweekly posts on the public Facebook group “PCOS 𖤓 Princesses.” The survey remained open to respondents for two months and a total of 247 women participated. Data related to their demographics, opinions regarding treatment of their PCOS, their current treatments, use of dietary supplements, prescription medications, and diet patterns were collected.

Results: Data were exported from Google Forms to the Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 31 (SPSS v. 31) for analysis. Descriptive statistics exploring the frequencies of the selected options were conducted. The diets most frequently chosen were a low carb diet, 77 (11.8%), high protein diet, 73 (11.8%), and low calorie diet, 65 (10.0%). Those following a high protein diet most often supplemented with vitamin D or D3, 32 (50.0%), spearmint tea, 23 (35.9%), and probiotics, 25 (39.1%). Those consuming a low carb diet most often supplemented with vitamin D or D3, 27 (45.0%), spearmint tea, 28 (46.7%), and omega-3 fatty acids, 23 (38.3%). Lastly, those following a low-calorie diet most often supplemented with vitamin D or D3, 20 (40.8%), omega-3 fatty acids, 17 (34.7%), and both spearmint tea and probiotics, 15 (30.6%). Metformin was the most commonly used prescription medication among those that followed these diets.

Conclusions: PCOS is a complex condition that affects women worldwide. This study found that women consistently prefer alternative or collaborative treatment options supporting the evidence that lifestyle modifications are an integral part of managing the syndrome. Low carb, high protein, or low-calorie diets are most frequently used, often in conjunction with dietary supplementation of vitamin D or D3, spearmint tea, magnesium, omega-3 fatty acids, and probiotics as complementary treatments. These results are consistent with the limited literature available. More research needs to be conducted to strengthen the evidence behind nutrition-based interventions.

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