Role of the Ketogenic Diet in Women With PCOS

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Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common endocrinal abnormalities that affect females within the reproductive age, and are found in about 4% of women. PCOS is commonly associated with symptoms of increased testosterone such as irregular or absent menstrual cycle, increased body hai...

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common endocrinal abnormalities that affect females within the reproductive age, and are found in about 4% of women. PCOS is commonly associated with symptoms of increased testosterone such as irregular or absent menstrual cycle, increased body hair, and infertility. PCOS is also associated with other disorders such as obesity, insulin resistance, hyperinsulinemia, diabetes mellitus type 2, and dyslipidemia. Until now, there is no known curative treatment for PCOS. However, anti-diabetic medications can improve many metabolic disorders such as insulin resistance, and increased levels of serum testosterone and total cholesterol. In addition, regulation of diet with exercise could improve the insulin sensitivity. Therefore, managements that aim to decrease the insulin level, improve the insulin resistance and decrease the body weight may be useful for improving symptoms of PCOS. Ketogenic diets are characterized by a reduction in carbohydrates (usually to less than 50 g/day) and a relative increase in the proportions of protein and fat. People following the keto diet gain 75% of their calories from fat, 20% from protein, and 5% from carbohydrates. Previous studies have revealed that the ketogenic diet of low carbohydrate could decrease the body weight and improve the insulin resistance.

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