Diet

Nutritional therapy offers adequate support of medical treatment strategies in the field of gynecology. In premenstrual syndrome, reduction of fat, sa lt, alcohol, and caffeine intake as well as supplementation of vitamins A, Bt, and calcium are recommended. Low-fat and carbohydrate-rich diets may re duce swelling, tension, and other symptoms in up to 60% of the patients suf fering from mastodynia. Omega-3-fatty acids,which are found in fish, olives , peanuts, corn, and sunflower seeds, have therapeutic effects in endometri osis. Menstrual dysfunctions are often associated with nutritional habits ( e.g., vegetarian diet). In addition to hormone replacement therapy, a suffi cient supply of calcium and adequate physical exercise are important with r espect to the prophylaxis and therapy of osteoporosis. Reduction in body we ight (recommended body mass index of 20-25 kg/m2) is one of the most import ant objectives in the treatment of infertility. Recent data suggest that a meat-reduced, fiber-rich diet (average of 30% fat) containing unsaturated f atty acids and plenty of fresh vegetables could play an important role in p reventing cancer.