Volume 30, Issue 167, January 2026

The impact of diet and physical activity on the symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in young women - A literature review

Marta Kowalska^1♦, Anna Mazur¹, Julia Brodziak¹, Katarzyna Fojcik¹, Wiktoria Ciszewska¹, Zofia Kosztyła-Czech¹, Tomasz Wiśniewski¹, Michał Dworak¹, Mateusz Matyja²

¹Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland
²Specialist Voivodeship Hospital of Saint Barbara No. 5 in Sosnowiec - Trauma Center, Sosnowiec, Poland

^♦Corresponding author
Marta Kowalska, Medical University of Silesia, Poniatowskiego 15, 40-055 Katowice, Poland

ABSTRACT

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) affects approximately 20% of women of reproductive age, which makes it one of the most common endocrine disorders. This disorder often manifests itself during puberty - irregular cycles, symptoms of hyperandrogenism, and various metabolic abnormalities are typical manifestations. These manifestations not only reduce fertility but also increase the risk of health complications and lower quality of life. More and more evidence shows that lifestyle modification, such as diet adjustments and regular physical activity, should be considered as the first-line treatment for PCOS. This narrative review discusses current data regarding the importance of the role of diet and physical activity in reducing the symptoms of PCOS in young women.

Keywords: PCOS; polycystic ovary syndrome; lifestyle; physical activity; diet

Medical Science, 2026, 30, e12ms3764

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DOI: https://doi.org/10.54905/disssi.v30i167.e12ms3764

Published: 25 January 2026