RESUMO
The appropriate combination and composition of hypocaloric diets for obese women with polycystic ovary syndrome [PCOS] is still unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of a high protein-low glycaemic load diet on reproductive hormones in obese women with PCOS. In this single blind clinical trial, sixty overweight and obese women with PCOS, not using metformin, were randomly assigned in one of two groups, the modified with a 30% protein-low glycaemic load diet, and the conventional with 15% protein. Reproductive hormones, glucose and insulin were measured for 49 subjects at baseline and after 12 weeks. Weight loss showed no significant difference in the two groups. Changes in means for testosterone in the modified and conventional groups [0 to 12 weeks], were 1.78 +/- 1.52 to 1.31 +/- 1.27 and 1.51 +/- 0.63 to 1.15 +/- 0.57 ng/ml, respectively [p<0.001]. FSH, LH, estradiol, progesterone and prolactin did not change. Insulin and HOMA reduction was significant for modified diet [p<0.001]. Weight loss had a significant effect on reduction of androgens. The main effect of modified diet with high protein and low glycaemic load was observed on insulin and HOMA, a finding which should taken into consideration for women with PCOS