Poly Cystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) and the Ketogenic Diet

Is the Ketogenic Diet Good for PCOS?

​Poly Cystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) affects between 12-18% of women who are of reproductive age. Women with PCOS experience irregular or missed periods due to absence of ovulation. Some women may develop cysts on their ovaries, while many women do not.

Common symptoms include weight gain and obesity that is difficult to manage, fatigue, unwanted hair growth due to a change in androgen hormone, thinning of head hair (more so in middle aged women), infertility, acne or darkened discolouration of the skin, mood swings, depression, painful periods, headaches and sleep problems.

The oral contraceptive pill is the most common type of treatment recommended for women who suffer from PCOS. Herbs and nutritional medicine are popular and effective natural approaches that may also help to regulate the hormonal imbalance.

My experience with PCOS

My own personal experience with PCOS was a huge learning curve. I went undiagnosed for several years as I became increasingly frustrated with my weight and monthly symptoms.
Eventually a blood test revealed I had PCOS and my GP recommended I commence taking the pill immediately. As I was half way through my naturopathic studies, I was reluctant to go on the pill and after several more months of trying various natural approaches without improvement, I gave in and started taking Levlen ED.

My monthly symptoms improved within 8 weeks but my weight was continuing to increase. Desperate to find a solution, I came across some information about low-carb diets and how they can help women suffering from PCOS. I changed my diet immediately and for the first time in a LONG time, I felt I had regained control over my weight and my health again. Within a few weeks my weight began to reduce, my skin cleared up and my mood improved. I eventually came off the pill and to my surprise, the horrific pain I was so used to experiencing every month (since the age of 14) had also reduced to a much more manageable level.

So why is the low-carb/ketogenic diet so effective for women suffering with PCOS?

A few of the complications that can occur in women who suffer from PCOS include inflammation, insulin resistance, excess androgen hormone (due to increased insulin levels), and elevated estrogen and testosterone levels.

By following a low carb diet you can increase your insulin sensitivity which means less insulin is released and less fat is stored. As total insulin levels come down, androgen hormone can also come down too.

A diet low in carbs and moderate in fat and protein can also help to improve energy levels in women suffering from PCOS. Eliminating highly processed, sugary foods from the diet will also allow inflammation levels to reduce which will minimise the pain experienced during menstruation.

The recent rise in coeliac disease has led to several studies proving wheat and gluten to be “endocrine disruptors” meaning both wheat and gluten may play a huge role in the imbalance of hormones experienced by women who suffer from PCOS. By eliminating these products from the diet, the body is given a chance to repair and re-regulate hormone imbalances.

As the hormone balance returns to normal, other troublesome symptoms such as fluid retention, food cravings, mood swings, fatigue and acne will also begin to disappear too.

My personal and extensive clinical experience with PCOS and the ketogenic diet has proven to me that it really is the most effective solution for this common condition. Not only will this way of eating allow you to return to a healthy weight, it will also assist your body in correcting the underlying hormonal imbalance and provide you with a long term solution.

Using the ketogenic diet to heal PCOS does NOT mean you will never be able to eat carbs again! You must simply allow your body to have a much needed rest from these foods so that it has a chance to heal.

Once your health and your weight are at a level you are happy with, you can slowly start to introduce higher carb foods again. With the right guidance you will be able to embrace this process without having to fear the weight coming back on.
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For further advice regarding PCOS and the ketogenic diet as a  keto coach  i always there for you, contact me anytime using the form below.