Can a diet high in ketones fix irregular menstrual cycles?

A diet high in ketones, such as a ketogenic diet (low carbs, high fat), may indirectly affect the menstrual cycle, but the effect depends largely on the underlying cause of the irregularity.

A ketogenic diet can help with hormonal disorders such as insulin resistance, which often play a role in conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). In PCOS, elevated insulin and testosterone levels can contribute to irregular periods. Improving insulin sensitivity through a ketogenic diet can restore menstruation in some women.

Being overweight can also lead to hormonal imbalances, which can disrupt menstrual cycles. Weight loss, often a result of a ketogenic diet, can help to regularize your cycle.

However, a ketogenic diet that is too strict can lead to calorie, vitamin, or mineral deficiencies, which can disrupt menstruation (amenorrhea). This happens especially when the body experiences stress due to low energy intake. These hormones, which regulate appetite and energy balance, can change due to a ketogenic diet. Low leptin levels, for example during weight loss, can disrupt communication between the brain and the ovaries.

A ketogenic diet can be helpful if the i

Source: https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0293670

Author: Prof. Dr. Dirk Devroey - Latest update: 2024-12-14 - Copyright: Clinifacts 2024