Study finds ketogenic diet or supplements may restore menstrual cycles

Recent research suggests increasing ketone levels through a ketogenic diet or supplements may regulate menstrual cycles and return previously missed periods.

The Ohio State University study looked at 19 premenopausal women who followed either a ketogenic diet with ketone salt supplements or a low-fat diet.

Return of periods

The study in Plos One reports that over the course of the six-week study, 11 of the 13 participants who achieved nutritional ketosis reported changes in the frequency or intensity of their periods. 

“There were six women who hadn’t had a period in over a year — who felt like their typical cycles were over. And their periods actually restarted on the diet,” says lead author Madison Kackley, research scientist and lecturer in human sciences at The Ohio State University. 

“Our hypothesis after seeing these results is that the presence of ketones may help regulate women’s health in regard to endocrine, cognitive and metabolic influences.” 

The study found periods returned for six participants who had not had one in more than a year. 

Kackley adds: “One of our participants was 33 years old and had never had a period in her life. She had her period for the first time after being in nutritional ketosis for five days.”

However, women on the low-fat diet reported no changes in their menstrual cycles, despite comparable weight loss among all groups.  

“It’s not a validated survey, but when we were reviewing responses, we realized we were changing the majority of these women’s cycles. Even for women who had normal menstrual cycles, their frequency changed,” says Kackley.

Researchers provided meals and monitored weight, body fat, cholesterol levels and insulin sensitivity, all of which improved across participants.  

Eleven out of 13 women who achieved ketosis reported changes to their menstrual cycles, indicating potential hormonal benefits.Women’s health in focus

The study reports that although the physical health benefits of both diet strategies were “comparable,” the presence of ketones seemed to have a special effect on menstrual cycles. This included those who took ketone salt supplements, even though they had no effect on health indicators or weight loss.  

Kackley says she is particularly interested in how ketones influence hormonal regulation and the potential role of supplementation for those who cannot adopt a ketogenic diet.  

The university reveals the lab is piloting methods to collect data on menstrual-related changes, including hormone levels, body composition and energy expenditure. The lab will also look at links between nutrition, exercise and women’s health.

The study underscores the need for further investigation into how diet and ketone levels can address women’s health issues, particularly for those experiencing irregular or absent menstrual cycles.