Keto diet may improve fertility in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: Study

Malaysia: Short-term ketogenic (keto) diet may improve hormonal imbalances commonly associated with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a recent study has revealed. The findings were published in the Journal of the Endocrine Society on 07 September 2023. 

The researchers possible association between the ketogenic diet and improvement in reproductive hormone levels in women with PCOS via meta-analysis of the available and usable studies.

PCOS is the most common hormone disorder in women, affecting 7-10% of women of childbearing age. It can cause infertility and raise the risk of developing diabetes, obesity and other metabolic health problems. Women with PCOS have at least two of these signs:

• Elevated levels of testosterone and other androgen hormones associated with male reproduction,
• Irregular periods, and
• Large ovaries with many small follicles.

The keto diet is a high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet that has shown promising effects in women with PCOS. Research has found it may help women lose weight and maintain weight loss, improve their fertility, optimize their cholesterol levels and normalize their menstrual cycles.“We found an association between the ketogenic diet and an improvement in reproductive hormone levels, which influence fertility, in women with PCOS,” said study author Karniza Khalid, M.B.B.S., M.Med.Sc., of the Ministry of Health Malaysia in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. “These findings have important clinical implications, especially for endocrinologists, gynaecologists and dieticians who, in addition to medical treatment, should carefully plan and customize individual diet recommendations for women with PCOS.

"The researchers conducted a meta-analysis of clinical trials in women with PCOS on the keto diet and examined the diet’s effects on their reproductive hormones (follicle stimulating hormone, testosterone and progesterone) and weight change.They found women with PCOS who were on the keto diet for at least 45 days saw significant weight loss and an improvement in their reproductive hormone levels. Their follicle-stimulating hormone ratio was lower, which means they may have a better chance of ovulating. The women also had lower testosterone levels, which could help with excess hair growth and other symptoms of excess male sex hormones.

Reference:

Karniza Khalid, Saraswathy Apparow, Irma Liyana Mushaddik, Amalina Anuar, Syed A A Rizvi, Anasufiza Habib, Effects of Ketogenic Diet on Reproductive Hormones in Women With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, Journal of the Endocrine Society, Volume 7, Issue 10, October 2023, bvad112, https://doi.org/10.1210/jendso/bvad112.