ADVERTISEMENT

Can the keto diet screw with your period?

One thing you might not be totally ready for: the keto diet wreaking havoc on your menstrual cycle-and possibly making your periods irregular.

"The keto diet can affect women’s periods due to the rapid weight loss some women have on it," says Angela Chaudhari, M.D., gynecologist at Northwestern Memorial Hospital. "Rapid weight loss can alter your estrogen-progesterone balance and impact ovulation, therefore causing your periods to become more irregular."

But period irregularity isn't your only cause for concern on the keto diet-your period could even stop altogether.

"Women who lose weight rapidly or become very thin can become amenorrheic, meaning no periods, due to anovulation, or a lack of ovulation," says Chaudhari.

ADVERTISEMENT

Keep in mind, though, that this is likely due to rapid weight loss that may happen on the keto diet-but it's not exclusive to the keto diet. "This can also occur due to a very low-calorie diet, excessive exercise, or having a very low BMI," says Chaudhari. "This can cause some hormones in your brain that regulate ovulation to drop, and therefore prevent ovulation or delay ovulation leading to menstrual irregularity."

Another period issue on the keto diet: the lack of carbs.

"The evidence is very limited, but extreme carbohydrate restriction may lead to changes in the lutenizing hormone, a hormone released from the brain," says Chaudhari. When the body's functioning normally, the lutenizing hormone contributes to regular ovulation, says Chaudhari; but when carbs are restricted-and the lutenizing hormone is compromised-it may cause amenorrhea or hypomenorrhea (short, light periods).

Actually, it might: The keto diet may be helpful to women with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), a hormonal disorder that prevents the ovaries from developing or releasing eggs, according to the Office on Women's Health.

ADVERTISEMENT

"There is emerging data that patients with PCOS, who usually have issues with fertility, [may help] restore regular periods and might help with fertility by making the patient more responsive to fertility treatments," says Ula Abed Alwahab, M.D., an endocrinologist at the Cleveland Clinic.

That's because, with PCOS, excess insulin in a woman's body also increases her androgen and testosterone levels, which then limits her estrogen production and the body's ability to ovulate.

The keto diet, however, can help decrease inflammation and insulin resistance, which can be to blame for higher than usual insulin levels seen in PCOS patients, says Alwahab.

Losing weight on the keto diet can also help PCOS symptoms.

"Weight loss is recommended for all women with PCOS and the ketogenic diet can be one method to help achieve weight-loss goals," says Chaudhari. "By having a healthier BMI, women are more likely to ovulate regularly leading to more regular periods."

ADVERTISEMENT

But, as with any diet, it's important to discuss going keto with your doctor before you do it-especially when you're dealing with a medical issue like PCOS.

And instead of focusing on a specific diet, like the keto diet, it's most important to find a sustainable and healthy diet that helps you maintain a healthy weight-and ultimately, a stable period, says Chaudhari.

"Patients who eat healthy, well-rounded diets and maintain normal BMIs are more likely to have regular ovulatory cycles," says Chaudhari.

JOIN OUR PULSE COMMUNITY!

Unblock notifications in browser settings.
ADVERTISEMENT

Eyewitness? Submit your stories now via social or:

Email: eyewitness@pulse.ng

Recommended articles

A billionaire is building a new Titanic ship — when is the first trip?

A billionaire is building a new Titanic ship — when is the first trip?

Anyone who lives in this beautiful villa is cursed with bad luck

Anyone who lives in this beautiful villa is cursed with bad luck

Sony’s creators convention redefines creative landscape for content creators

Sony’s creators convention redefines creative landscape for content creators

Abortion, cohabitation and other 'sins' Catholic Church does not forgive

Abortion, cohabitation and other 'sins' Catholic Church does not forgive

5 drinks that stain teeth and how to keep your teeth white

5 drinks that stain teeth and how to keep your teeth white

5 tips for escaping a car sinking underwater

5 tips for escaping a car sinking underwater

The largest snake in the world Ana Julia is dead — unknown gunmen suspected

The largest snake in the world Ana Julia is dead — unknown gunmen suspected

10 sexual benefits of watermelon for men and women

10 sexual benefits of watermelon for men and women

8 sexual benefits of ginger for men and women

8 sexual benefits of ginger for men and women

10 Sex Positions for Super-Deep Penetration

10 Sex Positions for Super-Deep Penetration

What It Feels Like to Use a Butt Plug While Masturbating

What It Feels Like to Use a Butt Plug While Masturbating

11 Ways Men Can Make Their Orgasms Even Better

11 Ways Men Can Make Their Orgasms Even Better

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT