The PCOS Plan: Prevent and Reverse Polycystic Ovary Syndrome through Diet and Fasting

by Nadia Brito Pateguana, Jason Fung

New York Times bestselling author Dr. Jason Fung joins forces with naturopathic doctor Nadia Pateguana to offer methods to prevent and reverse PCOS through diet and intermittent fasting. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is the most common reproductive disorder in the world, affecting an estimated eight to 20 percent of women of reproductive age, almost half of whom are unable to conceive. PCOS is also associated with increased risks of heart disease, ovarian and endometrial cancers, and type 2 diabetes. In this clearly written guide, backed by science and personal experience, Drs. Jason Fung and Nadia Brito Pateguana

Genres: Health, Nonfiction, Self Help, Nutrition, Food, Diets

224 pages, Paperback

First published April 14, 2020

Reviews

[Marcy Jynx · Rating 2 out of 5]

I appreciated the summary on the physiology of PCOS. I feel much more informed about the mechanics behind the condition.

I'm not too sure about her diet recommendations though. First of all, I don't think weight loss should be the primary goal for every PCOS patient. I have several friends who are very slender with the condition so, clearly, weight isn't the only contributing factor in PCOS.

As for myself, I've been able to lose 20 lbs by simply going on supplements and avoiding high glycemic foods. I am by no means in ketosis and I don't fast, as her book recommends. While I think it's good to be mindful of what we eat, we also have to be careful to not become overly consumed with our eating habits/diet or else we'll just be replacing a physical disorder with a psychological one. It's a shame that she didn't mention the psychological risks that come with Keto and intermittent fasting diets (I.e., eating disorders) as its omission makes her seem uninformed.

[Kenzi Schamel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Plan was so good that it got me pregnant lol

[M · Rating 2 out of 5]

"This is not a diet, diets don't work!"
Describes highly restrictive list of foods you can and cannot eat.

[Lancakes · Rating 1 out of 5]

This was... bad :)

Let's start from the beginning: the foreward has a photo of the author in a bikini for... no reason lol. She talks in the foreword about developing PCOS without having an obese BMI and having rapid weight gain, but the description below the bikini pic does not provide info about whether the photo was taken before PCOS and weight gain, at the author's heaviest, or after her subsequent weight loss. It is completely unnecessary.

Moving on: chapter 1.

The title is "The Diabetes of Bearded Women"

LMAO ROAST ME.

This book is a primer on PCOS. That means people who are just seeking or receiving a diagnosis are looking for information. You could be a little more tactful. A little gentler lmao. I know, from reading the chapter, that the chapter pulls its title from the title of a seminal historic study published about PCOS. But hey, the chapter could have been called "The History of PCOS".

Further to my point about this book being a resource for people with PCOS who are seeking more info, I think the focus of this book on fertility should have been better advertised in the cover synopsis or even the book's subtitle. This naturopath opens the book with her reputation for getting women with PCOS pregnant. As someone with PCOS who is not looking to get pregnant, I could use 95% less anecdotes centring fertility. As an egregious aside: the author displays an incredibly callous attitude towards one of her clients who, upon treating her PCOS, suffers period pain. The author basically says this client is childish for complaining about period pain when so many women with PCOS are desperate to get pregnant. I hope this lady is a good liar and was able to fake compassion with her client in the moment. YIKES.

I found the science, as far as I could understand it, to be illuminating. It's been a hot minute since I studied nutrition, and I'm not really sure if I ever did grasp the molecular breakdowns in uni. A lot of self-evident graphics that didn't seem necessary, but maybe a different kind of visual learner is helped by their inclusion.

Somewhere around two thirds into the book the naturopath mentions the books written by the doctor that's listed as a co-author on this book. As far as I can tell, that is the extent of the doctor's contribution to this manuscript. As someone who is a little hesitant about naturopathy (consider it a healthy skepticism), a medical doctor co-author is the reason I bothered reading this book. But he doesn't seem to have written or verified any of the manuscript. There's literally just a sentence where the naturopath says 'reading this guy's 3 books will give you lots of good info'. K.

I take umbrage with the author describing the diet as "low-carb" - she explains her rationale for doing so, but I think any diet that aims to keep the body in ketosis should be described as a ketogenic diet.

Finally, the recipes look fucking disgusting. To give Pateguana some credit: it's cool that the recipes are for one person, since most people are attempting this dietary change alone and it's easier to double a recipe than halve it. It's also very supportive to include meal plan examples including shopping lists. But the actual food sounds bad lol.

After reading this book I'm left with a clearer understanding of the biological functions at play in my body which, ultimately, is one of the things I'm hoping to learn from my research into PCOS. However, this book has also left me with some Bad Feelings that I need to sort through. And, given this has been a pretty rough time of extensive medical testing, dealing with medical professionals, and confronting the emotional and physical realities of my sick body, I would have preferred a book that didn't kick me in the teeth and give me a lot of weird extraneous shit to sift through.

[Rita (RitaReadsTrash) · Rating 2 out of 5]

The only reason I'm not trashing this is there is information on the medical side of PCOS. After that, it was diet culture heaven and trash.

[Megan Meisberger · Rating 4 out of 5]

Eh. Not that exciting if you've researched keto and fasting a lot already. I suppose this would be invaluable for someone who doesn't understand what causes PCOS and isn't familar with the effects of insulin, and wants to get pregnant on PCOS but doesn't know how.

[Randi B · Rating 3 out of 5]

Informative, I mean I didn’t really learn anything profound or new but there were some good reminders and fasting tips. I will say, I didn’t agree with everything presented in this book. At one point I remember thinking “oh this must be an older publication, certainly this thinking is out of date”, alas this was printed in 2020. But I guess 3 years can be enough time for something to become outdated in regards to the medical field. For me personally, diet and exercise have gone hand in hand in stabilizing my PCOS. I feel like the author downplayed the role of exercise and put diet on a pedalstool. She practically screamed “look at me, I’m not your typical PCOS sufferer, I’m thin” at every turn. We get it you’re thin, and even you had to change your diet, but guess what, you need to move and exercise as well. I digress. I’m no expert, what do I know.

[Connie Jean · Rating 1 out of 5]

Incredibly dry. Seems hyper focused only on obese women with very few cycles. What about skinny pcos-ers? What about the many many women whose cycles are like a raging furious nonstop river? No, she only really speaks towards one type. Pcos affects a wide spectrum of women. She lost me because of this.

[Amanda T · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm newly diagnosed, but have suffered with PCOS for a very long time. Because I wasn't trying to get pregnant, it took menstrual issues and a glucose intolerance test from a very good endocrinologist to make the diagnosis. I wish somebody had recognized the symptoms when I was a teenager (irregular periods - BP pill for that; depression - more meds for that; weight gain - typical "eat less, exercise more" lecture from many, many doctors). A low carb diet sounds good and I'm working towards that and I cut out junk and sugar years ago (not that that made much difference). I've also asked two different doctors about keto - one said "yes, for a short period of time" and the other was a flat out "no". Neither advocated it as a long term solution.

And I'm just not sold on fasting. I may try the 16/8 method in the future, but not now. Baby steps.

There's no nutritional information included with any of the recipes. I found that frustrating. I tried the 90 second sandwich in the book (just the bread-y) part and well... I hope you like eggs and salt. Because that's all it tastes like. Yuck.

[Anna · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars for the medical exaplanations on PCOS
-2 stars as the diet is very restrictive, and that's definitely something you cannot keep up especially in social interactions.
I follow a lot of pcos nutritionists and RD on spcial media and each one has a different approach so in my opinion the pcos diet is yet to debate.
I think that these are a great start to clear the diet but after that you can adapt.

[Alexandra Power · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: 4/5 stars.

“The PCOS Plan” by Dr. Nadia Brito Pateguana and Dr. Jason Fung is a close look at the root causes and treatments of polycystic ovarian syndrome. This was a great book, with a few pitfalls: it is almost exactly the same in content and advice as Dr. Fung’s previous book “The Obesity Code!” The only difference is the focus has slightly shifted more towards PCOS and women’s health. The recommendations are pretty much the exact same, with only miniscule differences. My other problem is considering PCOS is such an umbrella term for different symptoms, it seems a bit of a stretch to me to pin the entire root cause of it on insulin resistance, especially as I personally know women with severe PCOS that have no signs or symptoms of insulin resistance. However, I am not a doctor, so am only speaking from my personal observances. Overall, this book is worth the read, especially if you have not yet read “The Obesity Code.”

[Rebekah P · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is filled with very useful, research-backed information, no bull****, and has given me hope.

I found this book so helpful. Unfortunately a lot of the pcos resources out there often try to monetise pcos, sell you teas and supplements and skirt around the information, putting it in a barrage of marketing emails, not offering much info until you subscribe to this or click on that. What I absolutely love about this book is the wealth of information, truth, and how it gets down to the root cause of Pcos and doesn't just help us to mask the symptoms. I am so hopeful that I can reverse this naturally without the drugs and conceive naturally when we are ready. I've also lost 4.7kg already by following low carb, no added sugar or processed foods, no dairy, and alternate day fasting consisting of a schedule of 24 hours and 16:8.

[Živilė Matijaškienė · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an amazing book that explains, sums up and guides. (Information, links, graphs, tables, schedules, lists, recipes, advice) 

I have been battling PCOS and hormonal overweight for years and only when I started changing the diet - I started seeing results.

Yes - other things come in into play too, diet alone isn't the whole picture - but it plays the major part and is a start (fasting, exercise, certain supplements, hormonal balancing is a must too)

I am also using the book as inspirational tool and time to time open it and re-read certain paragraphs. Especially on those harder, less motivated, or more hormonal days.

I have been researching this issue for such a long time and can adhere to everything what author communicates to us in this book. 

Only you can help yourself.. And yes - it is super hard (words can't express how hard) but we all choose our hard.

[Roohani · Rating 3 out of 5]

The authors have shared a lot of information and scientific explanations that were helpful to understand the condition. However, having read other articles, journals and books on the same topic, this book has some conflicting advice. Moreover, the food items and food plan they have recommended are a bit extreme, but that's my opinion. Please be a judge of that yourself, I am not a professional. Also the suggestions for diet do not suit well for me as a vegetarian.

[Mackenzie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This had a lot of great information that clearly explained PCOS. My doctors always gave me a vague understanding, but never full detail. This finally explained it all, or at least most of it.

However, this book hyper fixates on weight loss which I feel is important, but not 100% the cure to everything.

Let me get real right here on Goodreads dot com. I'm only sharing this because I feel it's Important for other women who look this book up and need some kind of solidarity.

I'm a 180lb cis gendered woman. I am extremely muscular with the addition of PCOS, in which this book states that it causes "masculine features." The musculature is hard enough to explain, nevermind the beard and receding hairline.

I married young at 160lbs and in the peak of my fitness and health. I was soon diagnosed with PCOS after I found myself in the ER with a ruptured cyst. My husband and I were open to the idea of children, but never "tried" but also never "not tried." We weren't tracking menses or ovulation, just participating in bedroom activities often enough that something should have eventually happened... But it didn't. That was a 3 year marriage and no baby ever came of it.
Knowing about my infertility and having the desire for children, my next partner, and now husband, have never used contraceptives and we have still resulted in no pregnancy. Between my two marriages, it's been 14 years of infertility.

The reason I felt it was important to mention my story is because this book blames the entirety of our problems on weight and diabetes. When I was 160lbs, a recent state track record breaker, and active young 20 something adult who never drank or smoke, and not even ore-diaberic, I still was infertile. So despite the fact I felt this book has some great pointers, awesome information, and solid suggestions, I don't think that weight loss is the ultimate answer.

The author writes as if you were to lose 20-40lbs, you're going to end up pregnant the moment you reach that particular set milestone, and I'm here to say, it's not all about weight loss, it's just not.

I'll update my review after I lose 20-40lbs and suddenly end up pregnant.

[Marissa Zappone · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have mixed feelings about this book. On the one hand, it taught me so much about the inner workings of PCOS which I loved. On the other hand, the suggested diet and some of the diet-related comments in the book set off eating disorder alarms in my head. I feel like it at least provides a starting line to then work with doctors and nutritionists to personalize a plan.

[Mari CB · Rating 2 out of 5]

Me ha parecido muy interesante el contenido teórico sobre el SOP, especialmente el como detectarlo y las explicaciones sobre el papel que las hormonas y la alimentación juegan en este síndrome, lo cual puede ayudar a mucha gente a detectarlo y acudir a un profesional para que sea diagnosticsdo y tratarlo.

Ahora bien, las recomendaciones prácticas y las dietas sugeridas me resultan algo peligrosas. Se proponen ayunos prolongados sin advertir sobre la necesidad de consultar a un médico o nutricionista. Además, los últimos capítulos pueden ser bastante peligrosos para personas que lean este libro y puedan presentar un TCA. Los dos ultimos capítulos y las dietas las veo totalmente prescindibles.

[Javis Jirón · Rating 4 out of 5]

Contiene la información que la mayoría de mujeres que tenemos SOP probablemente la sepamos. Explica la importancia del ayuno intermitente para tratar el SOP, las recetas no son tan sencillas por algunos ingredientes que en mi país, por ejemplo, son difíciles de encontrar.

[Emily Gear · Rating 4 out of 5]

Had a quick read of the topics that I needed information on, and used the recipes for some inspiration and motivation. I got some great info from this book

[Healthypedia · Rating 4 out of 5]

We'll explore both the strengths and weaknesses of The PCOS Plan and consider its relevance to those seeking a holistic approach to managing this complex condition.

In recent years, the growing awareness of women’s health issues has shed light on conditions like Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), a hormonal disorder affecting millions of women worldwide. Amidst the vast array of information available, The PCOS Plan by Dr. Nadia Pateguana and Dr. Jason Fung emerges as a notable resource.


Authors’ background


Dr. Nadia Brito Pateguana is a naturopathic physician specialising in aiding individuals dealing with metabolic syndrome.

She particularly helps women experiencing polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), in overcoming infertility through dietary adjustments. She holds a degree from the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine and boasts over fifteen years of clinical practice experience.

Jason Fung is a medical doctor, nephrologist, and author who has gained popularity for his work on intermittent fasting and low-carbohydrate diets.

He is the author of several books, including The Obesity Code and The Complete Guide to Fasting. Fung is known for his approach to treating obesity and type 2 diabetes by addressing the root causes of these conditions rather than just treating their symptoms. He has also been a vocal critic of the conventional medical approach to treating type 2 diabetes, which he argues is ineffective and harmful to patients.


What is the book about?

The PCOS Plan by Dr. Nadia Pateguana and Dr. Jason Fung is a comprehensive guidebook structured to provide readers with a deep understanding of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and effective strategies for managing it.

The book is divided into four distinct parts, each addressing a critical aspect of PCOS.

In Part 1, the authors emphasise the connection between PCOS and insulin resistance. They further explore the spectrum of PCOS and discuss its prevalence in Chapter 3.

Part 2 delves into the role of hormones, particularly insulin, in the development and manifestation of PCOS symptoms. Chapters 4 to 8 provide in-depth insights into the relationship between obesity, insulin, and the hormonal imbalances characteristic of PCOS.

In Part 3, the authors critique conventional treatments like medications, surgery, and low-calorie diets, offering readers a critical perspective on their efficacy.

Finally, Part 4 offers practical solutions by outlining the optimal diet for PCOS and providing readers with helpful advice and recipes, particularly focusing on low-carb options. With its structured approach, the book aims to empower readers with knowledge and actionable steps to effectively manage their PCOS.


Seven key takeaways from The PCOS Plan

1. Understanding PCOS

The book likely explains what Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is, its symptoms, and its impact on women’s health. It may discuss the hormonal imbalances associated with PCOS.

2. Dietary changes

The authors might emphasise the importance of dietary modifications in managing PCOS. This may include adopting a low-carb, low-sugar, and high-fibre diet to help regulate insulin levels and manage weight.

3. Intermittent fasting

The book could discuss the benefits of intermittent fasting as a tool for improving insulin sensitivity and addressing PCOS symptoms.

4. Exercise and lifestyle

It may highlight the significance of regular exercise and maintaining a healthy lifestyle in managing PCOS. Exercise can help with weight management and hormone regulation.

5. Stress management>

Stress can exacerbate PCOS symptoms, so the book may discuss stress management techniques such as mindfulness, meditation, and relaxation exercises.

6. Medical guidance and regular monitoring

It’s essential to seek professional medical advice and treatment for PCOS. The book may stress the importance of working with healthcare providers to create a personalised treatment plan. Keeping track of PCOS symptoms and monitoring progress is crucial. The authors may suggest ways to do this effectively.

7. Long-term lifestyle changes

PCOS management may require long-term commitment to dietary and lifestyle changes. The book may encourage readers to view these changes as a sustainable, lifelong approach to managing the condition.


Strengths and weaknesses, according to readers’ reviews

Strengths:
• Useful information: Multiple reviewers found the book to be filled with useful, research-backed information. It provides valuable insights into PCOS and its management, which can be empowering for readers seeking information on the condition.
• No-nonsense approach: Reviewers appreciated that the book doesn’t resort to marketing tactics or try to sell products. It offers straightforward information without pushing supplements or monetisation, which can be a common issue in some health-related literature.
• Hopeful and empowering: Some readers felt the book gave them hope and a sense of empowerment. It addresses the root causes of PCOS and offers strategies to address these causes naturally, which can be motivating for those looking to manage their condition without relying solely on medication.
• Dietary guidance: The book’s focus on dietary changes, including low carb, no added sugar, and elimination of processed foods, resonated with readers who found these recommendations beneficial for their PCOS management.

Weaknesses:
• Misleading title: One reviewer found the title of the book to be misleading. They were disappointed that a significant portion of the book was dedicated to PCOS-related fertility and pregnancy issues rather than addressing PCOS from a broader perspective.
• Narrow focus: Another criticism was that the book seemed to have a narrow focus, primarily addressing obese women with specific PCOS symptoms. Some readers felt that it didn’t adequately address the diverse range of experiences and symptoms that women with PCOS can have.
• Overlap with the previous book: Some readers pointed out that the book’s content and recommendations closely resembled those in Dr. Jason Fung’s previous book, The Obesity Code, with only minor differences. This made them question the need for a separate PCOS-focused book.
• Insulin resistance generalisation: One reviewer questioned the book’s assertion that insulin resistance is the sole root cause of PCOS, noting that not all women with PCOS exhibit signs of insulin resistance.


Best quotes from The PCOS Plan

“If humans produce too many babies when food is scarce, neither the baby nor the mother will survive. Therefore, the ovary has evolved a mechanism to obtain reliable information about the availability of food in the outside world. It should only produce eggs when food is available to sustain the growth of the baby. But trapped inside the pelvis, without eyes, ears, or nose, how can the ovary gauge what’s happening in the outside world? It uses nutrient sensors. Insulin is one of those nutrient sensors.”
“Weight loss improves all signs and symptoms of PCOS. In one study, after bariatric (weight-loss) surgery, not only did patients lose weight but their hirsutism and androgen levels decreased, their insulin resistance resolved, and their irregular menstrual cycles became regular.”


Final takeaway

The PCOS Plan by Dr. Nadia Pateguana and Dr. Jason Fung is a comprehensive guide aimed at helping women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) understand and manage their condition. The book explores the strong link between PCOS and insulin resistance, providing in-depth insights into the hormonal imbalances associated with the syndrome. Strengths of the book include its research-backed information and practical dietary advice. However, it may have some weaknesses in terms of a narrow focus on specific PCOS symptoms.

[Fallon Wells · Rating 2 out of 5]

Extremely misleading title. This book is roughly 85-90% about how to get pregnant with PCOS. God forbid I want to reverse my PCOS for me, it must be because I want children. I was so incredibly disappointed and angry with this book after how life changing The Obesity Code was for me.

[Nadia Toader · Rating 3 out of 5]

I appreciated the core message that lifestyle changes, especially around nutrition and fasting, can have a significant impact on PCOS symptoms. However, while the book was a good read overall, I found myself a bit let down by its structure and focus. A large portion of the content revolves around the author’s own experiences and anecdotes. Although personal stories can be inspiring, they often took center stage here, leaving me wishing for more actionable, step-by-step guidance throughout the book—not just in the final chapters.

The practical advice, recipes, dietary suggestions, and fasting protocols only appear toward the end, and even then, they felt a bit too brief and high-level. I expected more clarity and support in terms of how to actually implement the strategies being promoted. For a book marketed as a self-help guide, it leaned heavily toward memoir.

That said, I do think the book has value for readers looking for motivation and insight into a more holistic view of PCOS. But if you’re expecting a detailed, instructional guide from start to finish, you might find yourself wanting more.

[Stacy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great book that gives a LOT more information I've ever gathered in one place about PCOS. It goes into a LOT of medical explanation and while I sometimes got lost, I appreciated that I had the information to learn more about that area of the human body.

The last section has a lot of recipes (if that's what you're looking for), but I was hoping for more information about the glucose-fasting process for people with PCOS than what was included. I was kind of hoping for a side-by-side so I understood the difference. While information about Dr. Fung's discoveries were sprinkled in the book, this felt like a disjointed add-on to his information and less of a contacted "plot" in a series.

I definitely got some answers about managing my PCOS I just wish I understood the fasting better for my particular medical condition (which this book is about). All-in-all, if you have PCOS and are struggling with conceiving and to another extent, weight loss, definitely the book for you.

[Ashley Dean · Rating 1 out of 5]

I felt like fasting was a huge shove down my throat, and I don’t like the idea of fasting as I just get lightheaded and woozy way to easily. I also didn’t like the comment about all snacks are bad and don’t snack. None of the recipes are ones I would use which was disheartening. The first part of the book was repetitive like a science textbook. I have PCOS so I was hopeful to find more ways to help me manage it. I just felt for me personally there was a lot of contradictions to what I’ve seen personally. Exercising doesn’t make a difference? Please…. Do not recommend.

[Amanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was diagnosed with PCOS at age 19 after having irregular periods. I was put on birth control but didn't like it, then spironolactone which seemed to work. I briefly tried a keto diet as I was obese (so is the rest of my family), lost about 30 lbs., but then fell off it when COVID hit and gained back 20 lbs. Because I wasn't quite as heavy as I had been, my periods were regulated and my acne and hirsutism were no longer as severe, I considered my PCOS to be "managed" by the spironolactone.

Fast forward six years, I suffer a crippling episode of severe anxiety and depression along with intense PMS symptoms. This had happened to me in the past, but my doctor had chalked it up to stress. In my struggle to find answers to what exactly was happening to me, I was finally told that this was most likely all related to PCOS and insulin resistance.

Now, with the backstory out of the way, on to the review. I checked out this book because I wanted to learn as much as possible about this awful disease and what I could do to help myself. The doctors I saw when I was first diagnosed all stressed the risk of diabetes and cancer, but never mentioned the high risk of anxiety and depression. The cause of PCOS being insulin resistance was either not fully explained to me, or it didn't sink in because I didn't want to believe I'd have to diet for the rest of my life. Keto cuts out some of my favorite foods, and makes the process of food preparation much more complicated, time consuming, and difficult.

I give this book points for going into detail explaining the cause of PCOS and how it works, but it reinforced the idea that extremely strict dieting would be required to "cure" this disease. In the poor emotional state I am in, I found myself latching onto these ideas despite knowing that they were definitely not sustainable for me or even necessarily healthy in the long term. The author stresses the risks of not fasting properly, but also pushes the idea that exercise won't have any effect. I started to become more obsessive about what and when I ate while I was reading this book, which is rather telling. I don't want to trade PCOS for an eating disorder.

So, while this book contains valuable info about PCOS, its advice on how to manage it will not work for everyone and should be taken with a grain of salt. If you're like me and suffering mental anguish as a result of PCOS, definitely exercise caution and seek out other books on the subject as well as talk to your doctor.

[Maria · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pateguana takes the reader through her personal and professional journey with PCOS and explains that insulin is the root cause of the disease.

Why I started this book: Purchased this months ago, and I chose "bodies" for February's theme on the books that I wanted to knock off my list. So I have a book about my body, a book about black bodies, women's bodies and a mystery with bones in the house... just a little something for all sorts of fun.

Why I finished it: Fast, and basic reminder of what Pateguana and others believe in the primary cause of PCOS. If your doctor didn't give you much to go on, or if it's been a while, this is a great jump in. Pateguana without training as a nutritionist has counseled a large group of women to stick to a low carb diet and try fasting to help with their insulin resistance. She saw great results and is ready and willing to pass that on to anyone who will buy her book. It was mentioned in Maintenance Phase podcast and other reviews below, that intermittent fasting can be very unhelpful or even harmful for those individuals with a history of eating disorders. Stop it immediately if you find yourself trading your PCOS symptoms for a psychological disorder.

[Tina · Rating 2 out of 5]

The background behind PCOS was highly informative, however I was taken aback by the diet and fasting suggestions. The book strongly advises following the Keto diet ( "low-carb diet") as well as regular fasting. These diets have many risks, which were barely mentioned (if at all), and fasting is oftentimes not recommended for women. The possibility of brain fog and other health risks during the low-carb diet weren't too promising and I felt it didn't take the possible eating disorders into consideration either, which can be triggered by these diets. It's also mentionable how the main goal of the suggested diets were to lose weight, however not all PCOS patients are overweight. Although I'm looking forward to trying out the recipes at the end of the book, I feel like it should also be highlighted that these food alternatives are not accessible to everyone and demonizing every day produces are not helpful either.

[Kayla Sweigart · Rating 5 out of 5]

I recently finished reading this book on PCOS, and I found it incredibly informative. It breaks down a complex condition in a way that feels both accessible and empowering. The author covers a wide range of topics like symptoms, diagnosis, hormones, lifestyle factors, nutrition, and treatment options without overwhelming the reader. I appreciated how much evidence based information was included, as well as the practical guidance for making real life changes. What stood out to me most was the balance between science and support. The book not only explains what PCOS is but also helps you understand why things happen in your body, which made me feel more in control of managing my symptoms. Some sections were dense due to the amount of information, but overall it left me feeling better equipped and more hopeful. If you’re looking to understand PCOS more deeply or want a comprehensive resource to help guide your health journey, this book is definitely worth reading!!!!!

[Georgia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Giving this a three to be fair, because I really just skimmed over the bulk of it. I am already aware of PCOS, what it is, what causes it, etc. I didn’t get the book for that stuff, but for the part about reversing the insulin resistance issues associated with PCOS. Spoiler alert - this book is completely based on an intermittent fasting/keto approach. This might be great for other people, but going keto isn’t an option for me. I have no gall bladder and can’t digest fat well. I tried keto and definitely lost weight, but also destroyed my cholesterol levels to the point of needing medication. Again, your mileage may vary, but this is a waste of time for me, and it’s presented as some one size fits all approach, which I would caution anyone to take with a grain of salt.

[Emily · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was excited to read this since it was so recommended. My goals aren't weight loss, it's to be healthier. I am grateful for what I learned of pcos in this book, however I didnt learn much. It was a lot of dieting and pushing for fasting. Obviously I expected this given the title of the book. I just expected a little more? My own fault there.
I do not care to ever "train" myself to do multi-day fasts. Nice try though.
I wont go as far as to question the author as to why she would emphasis a eat 2x a day, as little as possible approach to people with pcos. I follow many pcos specialists and none have ever, ever, ever recommended a diet so restricted.