Ketogenic Diet Restores Menstrual Cycles in Women with PCOS
Author Information
Author(s): Rebecca Rossetti, Vittoria Strinati, Alessandra Caputi, Renata Risi, Maria Letizia Spizzichini, Alessandro Mondo, Lorenzo Spiniello, Carla Lubrano, Antonella Giancotti, Dario Tuccinardi, Lucio Gnessi, Mikiko Watanabe
Primary Institution: Sapienza University of Rome
Hypothesis
Can a ketogenic diet followed by gradual carbohydrate reintroduction improve menstrual cycles in women with PCOS regardless of body weight loss?
Conclusion
The study found that a ketogenic diet followed by gradual carbohydrate reintroduction improved menstrual cycles in women with PCOS, independent of body weight loss.
Supporting Evidence
- Menstrual cycle frequency improved significantly from a median of 45 days to 32 days.
- Ovarian volume significantly reduced, indicating improved morphology.
- FSH, LH, and progesterone levels showed significant changes independent of weight loss.
- Improvements in hirsutism were observed, but were dependent on weight loss.
- Insulin resistance showed a trend towards improvement.
- Participants reported good tolerability and compliance with the diet.
Takeaway
Eating a special low-carb diet can help women with a condition called PCOS have regular periods, even if they don't lose weight.
Methodology
Eighteen patients with PCOS followed a ketogenic diet for 45 days, then gradually reintroduced carbohydrates over another 45 days, with assessments at baseline and after 6 months.
Potential Biases
The study's single-arm design may introduce bias as there was no control group for comparison.
Limitations
The study had a small sample size and lacked a control group, limiting the ability to compare with other treatments.
Participant Demographics
Participants included 28% normal weight, 28% overweight, and 44% with obesity, all diagnosed with PCOS phenotype A.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.012
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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