Recent research indicates that ketogenic diets may significantly affect menstrual cycles in pre-menopausal women, with participants reporting heightened frequency and intensity of menstruation. This suggests that the metabolic state of ketosis might influence female physiological processes beyond mere weight loss.
Study: Self-reported menses physiology is positively modulated by a well-formulated, energy-controlled ketogenic diet vs. low fat diet in women of reproductive age with overweight/obesity. Image Credit: voloshin311/Shutterstock.com
A recent study published in PLOS ONE critically examined the link between dietary patterns and variations in menstrual cycles among women suffering from obesity and being overweight.
The research findings reveal that ketogenic diets (KD) have the potential to elevate both the frequency and intensity of menstruation, effects not observable in those adhering to low-fat diets (LFD).
Background
Carrying excess body fat carries multiple health risks, especially visceral fat which can disrupt glucose metabolism. This phenomenon often leads to elevated triglycerides, spikes in fasting blood sugar, and an early sign of insulin resistance, indicating potential metabolic disorders.
Adopting a ketogenic diet typically requires individuals to consume nutrient-dense foods particularly rich in fats, moderate in protein, and low in carbohydrates for a span of three to five days, prompting the body to enter a state of ketosis—where it burns fat due to the scarcity of carbohydrates.
The ketogenic diet can lead to improved markers of health during both the weight-loss phase and the subsequent maintenance phase. Additionally, blood sugar levels may see enhancements with the incorporation of ketone supplements.
In post-menopausal women dealing with insulin resistance, low-fat dietary regimens have shown to yield beneficial effects on metabolic health over the long term, albeit with inconsistent outcomes across individuals.
Although ketogenic diets are gaining traction as a possible intervention for enhancing insulin sensitivity, hormonal balance, and lipid profiles among women, empirical evidence supporting these claims remains limited.
About the study
The research involved pre-menopausal women, predominantly around the age of 31.6 years, who were sourced from Ohio. Among the 19 participants, 13 women were allocated to the ketogenic diet group, while six served in the LFD category as a control group.
Participants facing gastrointestinal challenges, having specific medical conditions, regular high alcohol consumption, or those who had recently lost weight were excluded from the study. It’s worth noting that two women were using oral contraceptives during the investigation.
This research constituted a segment of a broader study analyzing the effects of both LFD and KD in adults grappling with obesity and excess weight.
The six-week research design included three distinct groups: one that adhered to the KD while incorporating ketone salts twice daily, another following KD with a placebo, and a control group that practiced LFD mirroring nitrogen and caloric intake akin to the KD regimen. All meals were meticulously prepared in a controlled kitchen environment.
Participants were required to fast and stay hydrated prior to each bi-weekly face-to-face visit, during which their weight, height, and body composition were measured to assess health outcomes.
Data was meticulously gathered regarding self-reported menstrual alterations, inflammation levels, blood lipid profiles, indices of insulin resistance, and shifts in weight and body composition.
As part of the menstrual survey, participants documented any variations in cycle frequency or intensity on days 14, 28, and 42. Responses were classified into categories such as “no change,” “change in frequency,” “change in intensity,” or “period regained.”
Findings
Shortly after initiating the study, the levels of a ketosis marker were comparatively similar across all three dietary groups. However, subsequent to that point, the participants in both KD groups exhibited elevated levels of ketosis markers compared to those following the LFD, successfully maintaining nutritional ketosis throughout the course of the study.
Notably, 85% of women in the KD groups reported changes in their menstrual cycles pertaining to either frequency or intensity, marking a stark contrast to zero reports of such changes from LFD participants. Women with a higher body mass index observed a greater frequency of reported menstrual changes within the KD group.
Remarkably, six participants following KD experienced the return of menstruation after prolonged absence, particularly noticeable among those who were not on birth control.
The study also revealed significant weight loss, averaging around 7.1 kg, alongside a reduction in BMI of approximately 2.6 kg/m² over the study duration. Notably, a substantial 73% of the total weight loss represented fat mass, as opposed to fat-free mass.
Although no significant shifts in plasma glucose were found, there was a noteworthy decrease in fasting insulin levels across the study duration. Lower insulin levels were observed in the LFD group compared to the KD group that received ketone supplementation.
As weight loss progressed, improvements in insulin sensitivity were evident. Despite fluctuations in cholesterol metrics over time, dietary variations did not significantly impact cholesterol levels. Additionally, weight loss did not correlate to changes in inflammation markers.
Conclusions
Your study highlights that women adhering to the KD experienced notable menstrual changes, differentiating them from their counterparts on the LFD, thus implying a unique interaction between KD and menstrual physiology potentially mediated by ketone bodies. The findings suggest that the ketogenic diet may influence menstrual patterns independent of weight loss.
Across both dietary approaches, significant advancements were recorded in terms of weight loss, decreases in BMI, body fat, insulin levels, and various cardiovascular risk factors. The meticulous measurement of dietary intake accounted for reliable results concerning health metrics.
There exists a pressing need for more extensive research to delineate the effects of dietary patterns on women’s hormonal profiles and metabolic processes, particularly in insulin-resistant states like PCOS. Through these investigations, we can better understand the potential implications of diet and ketones on ovarian function and reproductive health.
Can your period kick you out of ketosis
**Interview with Dr. Lena Pasca, Lead Researcher of the Recent Study on Ketogenic Diets and Menstrual Cycles**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Pasca. Your recent research sheds light on the effects of ketogenic diets on menstrual cycles in pre-menopausal women. Can you start by summarizing the main findings of your study?
**Dr. Pasca:** Absolutely! Our study found that women on a well-formulated ketogenic diet experienced significant changes in their menstrual cycles, specifically increased frequency and intensity of menstruation compared to those on a low-fat diet. Remarkably, 85% of the women following the ketogenic diet reported such changes. We also noted that some participants experienced the return of menstruation after long absences, particularly among those not on birth control.
**Interviewer:** That’s fascinating! What do you think is behind this connection between a ketogenic diet and menstrual cycle changes?
**Dr. Pasca:** The ketogenic diet places the body in a state of ketosis, where fats are predominantly burned for energy instead of carbohydrates. This metabolic shift may impact hormonal balances that regulate the menstrual cycle. Our findings suggest that improvements in insulin sensitivity and body composition could play a role in this modulation, especially for women with obesity, where hormonal balance is often disrupted.
**Interviewer:** You focused on women with obesity in your study. How important is it to consider body composition when assessing the impact of diet on menstruation?
**Dr. Pasca:** It’s very important. We found that women with higher body mass indices reported even greater changes in their menstrual cycles while on the ketogenic diet. This indicates that the ketogenic diet might be more beneficial for this population in terms of hormonal regulation and metabolic health.
**Interviewer:** Were there any limitations to your study that you think are important to mention?
**Dr. Pasca:** Yes, definitely. Our sample size was relatively small, with 19 participants total, and most were from a specific location in Ohio. Additionally, we had a few participants on oral contraceptives, which can also influence menstrual cycles. Future studies with larger, more diverse groups are needed to solidify our findings.
**Interviewer:** What are the implications of your research for women considering a ketogenic diet?
**Dr. Pasca:** Women considering a ketogenic diet should be aware of its potential effects on menstrual cycles. While many may benefit from improved metabolic markers and possibly restored menstruation, it’s always advisable to consult with a healthcare provider—especially for those with underlying reproductive health concerns.
**Interviewer:** Thank you for sharing these insights, Dr. Pasca. It seems your study opens the door for further research into dietary impacts on women’s health.
**Dr. Pasca:** Thank you for having me! Yes, I believe there is much more to explore in this area. Understanding how dietary choices intersect with female physiology can lead to better health strategies for women.
