Beyond Hormones: The Efficacy of Time-Restricted Eating as an Alternative to Traditional Pharmacological Therapy for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Background/ObjectivePolycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common endocrinopathies during reproductive age, affecting up to 25% of women worldwide. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of Time Restricted Eating (TRE) as an alternative to traditional hormonal therapy in patients with PCOS. MethodsA prospective, longitudinal, comparative clinical study was conducted. A total of 16 patients, diagnosed with PCOS, were divided into three groups to assess combined and isolated treatment options. Two groups underwent a 90-day Time Restricted Eating protocol with measurements at day 0 and 90 for ovary follicle count, luteinizing hormone, follicle stimulating Hormone, estradiol, progesterone, total testosterone, free testosterone, fasting insulin and glucose. Results were compared to a control group undergoing traditional hormonal treatment. ResultsUltrasonographic assessment of left and right ovary, showed a significant reduction in FC for the TRE group (36.67 {+/-} 12.81 % and 41.79 {+/-} 3.76, respectively). Metabolic and hormonal markers also showed an important reduction: HOMA-IR (11.7 {+/-} 8.47 %), GLU (5.06 {+/-} 0.91 %), INS (11.87 {+/-} 6.93 %), FT (54.92 {+/-} 10.01%), TT (3.96 {+/-} 1.48%) LH (22.67 {+/-} 3.24%) and FSH (23.53 {+/-} 6.84 %). ConclusionsA 90-day TRE intervention is a safe and reliable treatment option when compared to standard Oral Contraceptive (OC) therapy, especially for the improvement of hyperandrogenism, metabolic and hormonal parameters in patients with PCOS.