Women with PCOS on keto diet may see improvements in fertility!
A recent article in the scientific journal Journal of the Endocrine Society suggests that a ketogenic diet may lower testosterone levels in women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS).
PCOS is the most prevalent hormonal disorder among women, affecting 7-10% of women in their reproductive years. It can lead to infertility and increase the risk of developing diabetes, obesity, and other metabolic health issues.
Women with PCOS typically exhibit at least two of the following symptoms:
- Elevated levels of testosterone and other androgen hormones associated with male reproduction.
- Irregular menstrual cycles.
- Enlarged ovaries with numerous small follicles.
The ketogenic diet is a high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet that has shown promise in improving the health of women with PCOS. Research indicates that it may aid in weight loss and weight maintenance, enhance fertility, optimize cholesterol levels, and regulate menstrual cycles.
Researchers who identified a connection between the ketogenic diet and improved reproductive hormone levels in women with PCOS believe that these findings hold significant clinical significance and can be put into practice.
These researchers conducted a meta-analysis of clinical trials involving women with PCOS who followed the ketogenic diet. They analyzed the diet’s impact on reproductive hormones, including follicle-stimulating hormone, testosterone, and progesterone, as well as its effects on weight.
Their results demonstrated that women with PCOS who adhered to the ketogenic diet for a minimum of 45 days experienced substantial weight loss and improvements in their reproductive hormone levels. The lower follicle-stimulating hormone ratio suggests an enhanced likelihood of ovulation. Additionally, these women exhibited reduced testosterone levels, which can help manage issues such as excess hair growth and other symptoms related to excess male sex hormones.
Source: Journal of the Endocrine Society
