Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a disease that causes fertility problems and abnormalities in the menstrual cycle. Its control and treatment is linked to lifestyle, which is why a recent study indicates that keto or ketogenic diet may be helpful for women with polycystic ovary syndrome.
Keto diet and fewer PCOS symptoms
The PCOS is usually associated with the presence of obesityexcess androgens involved in proper ovulation as well as other metabolic problems that may include insulin resistance.
For all this, changes in the lifestyle of diet and physical activity are often used together with drugs to deal with this condition.
Thus, the present study evaluated 17 young women with polycystic ovary syndrome and body mass index greater than 25, that is, overweight or obese.
After following a keto or ketogenic diet for 45 days, reductions in body weight, waist circumference, and body fat were observed, as were better hormone levels and normalization of the menstrual cycle in a large percentage of the women evaluated, after years of amenorrhea.
On the other hand, although this condition usually causes fertility problems, five of the patients evaluated finally got pregnant naturallyafter treatment with a keto or ketogenic diet.
The results of this small study confirm that lifestyle changes that promote a healthy body weight and better metabolic health can be helpful as non-pharmacological therapy (along with drugs) to control polycystic ovary syndrome.
More studies are required to know if specifically the keto or ketogenic dietreduced carbohydrates and based on quality fats and proteins, can be particularly advantageous for this condition.
In Vitónica | Everything you need to know about polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
Image | istock