And maybe while using your non-dominant hand, too.

If you have this condition, you may have heard that diet and exercise can help.

But people tend to say that foralotof health issues, even when it couldnt be further from the truth.

woman working out in her apartment with a dumbbell

Amber Venerable

So, is this medical fact or fiction?

Here, SELF explores the connection between PCOS, diet, and exercise.

What causes PCOS

Lets walk through the science ofPCOSa bit.

Stay with us here, because it will help you understand any possible diet and exercise links.

Ovarian dysfunction can throw these hormones out of whack, leading to PCOS symptoms.

Experts arent sure of exactlyhowthese excess androgens can affect ovulation.

Another prevalent theory holds that insulin resistance is at the root of PCOS.

In that instance, your pancreas pumps out extra insulin.

Where does PCOS come in?

Insulin resistance can cause your ovaries to make too many androgens, according to theMayo Clinic.

But data on this is conflicting, according to 2012 research on insulin resistance and PCOS inEndocrine Reviews.

So, how are diet and exercise supposed to help with these PCOS symptoms?

you’re free to improve the insulin sensitivity and improve the syndrome, Dr. Nestler says.

The way you eat and exercise might help you do it.

Theevidence-based guidelinesMoran worked on present what scientists have found on the subject so far.

When it comes to diet, these guidelines recommend going forbalance, not a specific diet in particular.

TheUSDAalso recommends limiting trans fats, saturated fats, added sugars, and excessive sodium.

Still, its up to future research to confirm whether dietary changes can really improve PCOS symptoms.

Think brisk walking, hiking, yoga, low-impact aerobics, recreational swimming, golf, and tennis.

But its not valid to say that everyone with PCOS should consider trying to lose weight, Moran says.

In other words, circumstances you have little to no control over can impact your weight.

Someresearchpoints to a possible relationship between ghrelin (a hormone that helps to regulate appetite) and PCOS.

More research is needed to understand this connection, though.

Bottom line: Theres no one-size-fits-all way to treat PCOS.

The options go far beyond diet and exercise, so you might need to mix and match.

The point is that if you have PCOS, you also have options.

See what your doctor thinks about how diet, exercise, and various medical treatments may impact your symptoms.