Keto and PCOS: An Established Therapy

The ketogenic diet has shown promise in managing polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a condition affecting up to 10% of women in the UK. By reducing carbohydrate intake to typically 20-50 g per day, the body shifts to burning fat for fuel, producing ketones. This metabolic state appears particularly relevant for PCOS, where insulin resistance is a core feature.

How Keto Addresses PCOS Mechanisms

Studies suggest that carbohydrate restriction improves insulin sensitivity within weeks. A 2005 pilot study by Mavropoulos et al. found women with PCOS following a ketogenic diet saw significant reductions in fasting insulin levels (-54%) and testosterone (-31%) over 24 weeks. These changes correlate with restored ovulation in some cases.

insulin resistance in PCOS involves cells becoming less responsive to insulin’s signals. When carbohydrates are restricted, the body produces less insulin, which may help rebalance reproductive hormones like luteinising hormone (LH) and sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG).

Weight Loss vs Metabolic Benefits

While many women with PCOS seek weight loss, the ketogenic diet’s effects extend beyond the scale. Research indicates improvements in:

Menstrual regularity
Androgen levels (testosterone, DHEA-S)
Inflammatory markers
Lipid profiles

These changes occurred independent of weight loss in some trials, suggesting direct metabolic effects.

What This Means in Practice

A typical UK keto approach for PCOS might include:

Full-fat dairy (Tesco sells 500 g of mature cheddar for £3.20)
Above-ground vegetables
Fatty fish like salmon (fresh or frozen at Sainsbury’s)
Eggs and quality meats

Seasonal adjustments help: winter calls for more slow-cooked stews with marrow bones (£2.50/kg at Morrisons), while summer suits salads with avocado oil dressings.

Safety Considerations

Women with PCOS considering keto should:

1. Monitor menstrual cycle changes 2. Ensure adequate electrolyte intake 3. Gradually reduce carbs if transitioning from high-carb diet 4. Consult a GP if on metformin or other medications

managing electrolytes on keto becomes particularly important when addressing hormone imbalances.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does keto help with PCOS hair growth?

Reducing insulin levels may decrease androgen production, potentially improving hirsutism. Results vary, but some women report slower hair growth after 3-6 months of nutritional ketosis.

Can I do keto with PCOS if not overweight?

Yes. Even lean women with PCOS often benefit from keto’s effects on insulin sensitivity and hormone regulation, independent of weight loss.

How long before seeing results?

Hormone changes may begin within weeks, but full benefits often take 3-6 months. Tracking symptoms and cycle regularity helps gauge progress.

The Bottom Line

The ketogenic diet offers a dietary approach to PCOS management backed by clinical observations of improved insulin sensitivity and hormone profiles. While not a cure, it provides women with PCOS a tool to potentially regain metabolic control. If you’d rather not do the macro maths yourself, the Keto Dieting app does it for you on Google Play and the App Store.

Educational only — not medical advice. This article is for general information. Speak to your GP before changing your diet, especially if you have type 1 or type 2 diabetes, kidney or liver disease, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or take medication for blood pressure, cholesterol, or blood glucose.

References

Mavropoulos JC, Yancy WS, Hepburn J, Westman EC (2005). The effects of a low-carbohydrate, ketogenic diet on the polycystic ovary syndrome: a pilot study. Nutrition & Metabolism. https://doi.org/10.1186/1743-7075-2-35
Paoli A, Rubini A, Volek JS, Grimaldi KA (2013). Beyond weight loss: a review of the therapeutic uses of very-low-carbohydrate (ketogenic) diets. European Journal of Clinical Nutrition. https://doi.org/10.1038/ejcn.2013.116