Volume 30, Issue 174, August 2026

Lifestyle Management in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: Diet, Exercise, Supplementation, Sleep, and Mental Health

Agata Olecka^1♦, Filip Gałązka², Julia Gałązka³, Małgorzata Ziółek¹, Jakub Cegielski⁴, Magdalena Maroszek¹, Ariadna Bakier¹, Bartosz Janik¹, Kamil Szymczak¹, Jakub Ślęzak⁴, Albert Wiatr¹, Nikodem Mozgała⁴

¹7th Military Naval Hospital, Polanki 117, 80-305 Gdańsk, Poland
²Copernicus PL Sp. z o.o., St. Adalbert Hospital, aleja Jana Pawła II 50, 80-462, Gdańsk, Poland
³Cardinal Stefan Wyszyński University in Warsaw, Wóycickiego 1/3, 01-938 Warsaw, Poland
⁴The Prowincial Hospital in Bielsko-Biała, Bielsko-Biała, Poland

^♦Corresponding author
Agata Olecka, Postal address: ul. Bohuna 14, 09-410 Nowe Gulczewo, Poland

ABSTRACT

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormonal condition in women of reproductive age. PCOS affects reproduction, metabolism, and hormone levels. The exact cause of PCOS is still unclear. It is a complex disorder that affects several body systems, such as the endocrine, metabolic, and reproductive systems. Lifestyle changes are often the first treatment for PCOS, but they do not replace medication when it is needed. These changes include diet, exercise, and supplements. Researchers suggest several dietary approaches for women with PCOS. These focus on controlling weight, controlling calorie intake, and lowering inflammation. The goal is to boost insulin sensitivity and reduce symptoms of the disorder. Physical activity has an essential role in the management of PCOS. It improves insulin resistance, cholesterol levels, and body composition. Regular exercise also helps people control their weight. It also reduces inflammation. All of these contributors can improve overall health. Supplements such as inositol, vitamin D, and omega-3 fatty acids may also offer additional benefits. This review looks at the latest evidence on how diet, exercise, and supplements affect PCOS. Combining and tailoring these lifestyle changes seems to work best.

Keywords: PCOS, polycystic ovary syndrome, diet, exercise, physical activity, supplementation, sleep, mental health

Medical Science, 2026, 30, e166ms3885

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Published: 27 August 2026