Nutrition: coffee reduces the risk of polycystic ovary syndrome

Researchers from the University of Murcia, the Institute of Biomedical Research of Murcia and the Institute of Sanitary and Biomedical Research of Alicante have found that active coffee consumption reduces the risk of developing polycystic ovarian syndrome by 69%. The results of the study are published in the journal Nutrition.

The study involved 126 women with polycystic ovary syndrome and 159 healthy volunteers, combined in a control group (without gynecological diseases). The average age of the participants was 29 years and the average caffeine intake was 52.46 mg/day.

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a pathology accompanied by ovarian dysfunction. It is characterized by the absence of ovulation or its rare occurrence, as well as the formation of cysts on the ovary. PCOS is the most common cause of endocrine-related female infertility.

Researchers found that participants who actively consumed coffee (two or more cups per day) had a 69% lower risk of developing polycystic ovarian syndrome than women who refused to drink coffee for various reasons. In addition, women who drank at least one cup of coffee a day were 72% less likely to develop the anovulatory phenotype of polycystic ovarian syndrome. In this type of PCOS, a woman has an irregular menstrual cycle (anovulation).

The authors of the study concluded that drinking at least one cup of coffee may reduce the likelihood of developing polycystic ovarian syndrome. This beneficial effect is most likely due to the anti-inflammatory effects of caffeine and its ability to increase insulin sensitivity and regulate sex hormones.

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