Keto Diet May Improve Fertility in Women With PCOS

The ketogenic (keto) diet may lead to weight loss and improved fertility outcomes in those suffering from polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), according to a recent analysis.

The analysis, published in the Journal of the Endocrine Society, found that the keto diet may help balance reproductive hormone levels in women with PCOS, a condition that can contribute to infertility, increased risk of diabetes, obesity, and other metabolic health problems, according to a recent analysis.

The most common hormone disorder among women, PCOS affects seven to ten percent of women of childbearing age. According to the paper, the condition is associated with elevated levels of testosterone and other androgen hormones, irregular periods, and large ovaries with many small follicles. Previous research has shown that the keto diet may help women lose weight, improve their fertility, optimize their cholesterol levels, and normalize their menstrual cycles.

For this investigation, researchers sought to explore whether the keto diet could improve fertility in women with PCOS. To do so, they conducted a meta-analysis of clinical trials in women with PCOS on the keto diet, focusing on how the diet impacted the participants' weight and reproductive hormone levels, including the follicle-stimulating hormone, testosterone, and progesterone.

The analysis found that women with PCOS who were on the keto diet for at least 45 days experienced significant weight loss and improvements in their reproductive hormone levels. According to the researchers, the women had lower follicle-stimulating hormone ratios, which is associated with a better chance of ovulating. In addition, their testosterone levels decreased, which could reduce symptoms of excess male sex hormones such as unwanted hair growth.

According to the study’s authors, these results indicate that the keto diet may be a good option for women with PCOS looking to improve their fertility outcomes.

“These findings have important clinical implications, especially for endocrinologists, gynecologists, and dieticians who, in addition to medical treatment, should carefully plan and customize individual diet recommendations for women with PCOS,” said study author Karniza Khalid, MBBS., MMedSc, of the Ministry of Health Malaysia in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.