Testing Higher Protein Diets for PCOS Health

Plain-English translation of NCT07158723 on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗ · Source last updated September 2025 · Translation generated June 2026 · How we translate trials

This study doesn't follow the usual testing phases — it may be an observational study or a different type of research.

What is this trial?

This study is testing whether a diet higher in protein can help improve heart and metabolic health in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Researchers believe that eating more protein may help your body better manage blood sugar, maintain muscle, and reduce inflammation — all common problems for people with PCOS. This study will compare how women do on a higher-protein diet versus a standard diet.

Many women with PCOS struggle with insulin resistance, which increases their risk of developing diabetes, heart disease, and other serious health problems — especially if they are overweight. While doctors know that diet changes can help, there's not enough research on whether eating more protein specifically can improve these health risks in PCOS.

Do you qualify?

You likely qualify if…

you are a woman between ages 18 and 50
you have been diagnosed with PCOS
your body mass index (BMI) is between 18.5 and 35
your weight has been stable for at least 3 months (within 5 pounds)
you are willing to eat both plant-based and animal-based protein foods

You likely don't qualify if…

you currently smoke, vape, or use nicotine or marijuana products
you drink more than 4 alcoholic beverages per week
you have food allergies or dietary restrictions that would prevent you from eating the study meals
you have been diagnosed with type 1 or type 2 diabetes or other chronic diseases
you are currently taking medications like metformin or GLP-1 agonists that could interfere with the study results

What participation looks like

You would be assigned to one of four groups: a control group eating a standard calorie-restricted diet, a control group eating a higher-protein calorie-restricted diet, or two similar groups specifically designed for PCOS. Over the study period, you'll eat meals provided by the researchers, attend study visits where your health markers are measured, and have blood work done to track changes in your heart health and metabolism. The exact duration and number of visits will be determined by the research team.

Testing Higher Protein Diets for PCOS Health

What is this trial?

Do you qualify?

What participation looks like

Trial locations(2 sites)