Dairy Consumption and Its Impact on PCOS and the Reproductive System: The Connection

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a prevalent and complex endocrine disorder that affects many women of reproductive age. It is characterized by hyperandrogenism, ovulatory dysfunction, and polycystic ovarian morphology. PCOS is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, obesity, diabetes, and other long-term health conditions, including cancer. Given its widespread impact, it should be recognized as a significant public health concern, highlighting the urgent need to investigate its underlying causes and the behavioral factors contributing to its rising prevalence. The increasing prevalence of PCOS is closely linked to the global and national rise in obesity. Alarmingly, a significant portion of cases remain undiagnosed. Although the etiology of PCOS has yet to be elucidated, the general consensus is that obesity and insulin resistance (IR) are likely strong contributing factors. Although the etiology of IR is multifactorial, some believe that it may be associated with dairy consumption. Dairy, particularly cow's milk, has been a staple in the Western diet for decades; however, over the past 50 years, due to the popularization from marketing campaigns promoting it as beneficial for bone health, its consumption has now skyrocketed. There has been a growing focus on the role of dairy products on disease, especially regarding their impact on ovulation, fertility, and endocrinologic/metabolism disorders. Here, we attempt to review the contemporary evidence examining the possible role and relationship of dairy products to the pathophysiology of PCOS. We hope to clarify to the reader, based on the best available evidence, whether a low-dairy diet may help improve PCOS parameters and its comorbid conditions. This review aims to explore this question with the goal of addressing gaps in the current understanding of the interplay between dairy consumption and hormonal/metabolic dysfunction.