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In a groundbreaking study published in PLOS ONE, researchers from The Ohio State University have found that adopting a ketogenic diet or using ketone supplements may help regulate menstrual cycles in pre-menopausal women experiencing irregular periods. The study indicates that increasing ketones in the blood can potentially restart stalled menstrual cycles and enhance overall menstrual health.
The research, led by Madison Kackley, a human sciences lecturer and research scientist, involved 19 women who were either on a ketogenic diet alone, a ketogenic diet with added ketone salt supplements, or a low-fat diet. Over the course of the six-week study, 11 out of the 13 women on ketogenic diets reported noticeable changes in menstrual frequency and intensity. In stark contrast, women adhering to low-fat diets reported no alterations in their menstrual cycles, despite similar weight loss percentages across all groups.
Remarkably, some participants who had not menstruated for over a year experienced the return of their periods while on the ketogenic diet. Kackley emphasized the significance of these findings, stating, “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.”
Participants in the ketogenic groups also exhibited clinical benefits, including significant weight loss, reduced body fat, improved cholesterol levels, and enhanced insulin sensitivity. Notably, one participant, who had never menstruated at the age of 33, reported her first period just five days after entering nutritional ketosis.
The research team found that the self-reported menstrual history of participants was particularly enlightening. Kackley noted, “Even for women who had normal menstrual cycles, their frequency changed.” The only participants who reported no changes were those using oral contraceptives, indicating that the hormonal contraceptives likely masked any potential effects of the diet.
Moving forward, Kackley aims to investigate the specific mechanisms behind the observed menstrual changes linked to ketone supplementation. Her research will focus on the role of ketones as signaling molecules, which may influence hormonal regulation beyond mere weight loss. As part of her ongoing research, Kackley has established a new lab at Ohio State dedicated to exploring the connections between nutrition, exercise, and women’s health.
In a notable shift towards a more comprehensive understanding of menstrual health, Kackley’s lab is currently monitoring a pilot group of women to assess various physiological changes associated with menstrual cycles, including muscle strength, fat composition, energy expenditure, and hormone levels. This data collection aims to address the long-standing mystery surrounding irregular menstruation and its myriad causes.
Kackley underscored the importance of this research for women’s health, stating, “There are so many unanswered questions for women. We’re trying to change things for women and give them some control over their reproductive status.” With an estimated 5 to 7% of women of reproductive age in the United States experiencing irregular periods annually, the implications of this study could be far-reaching.
The Department of Human Sciences at Ohio State’s College of Education and Human Ecology supported Kackley’s lab with seed funding, while Metagenics Inc. provided the study supplements.
As researchers continue to delve into the intricate relationships between diet and menstrual health, findings like these may pave the way for new dietary recommendations and interventions aimed at improving women’s reproductive health.
Journal Reference:
Kackley, M. L., et al. (2024). Self-reported menses physiology is positively modulated by a well-formulated, energy-controlled ketogenic diet vs. low-fat diet in women of reproductive age with overweight/obesity. PLOS ONE. doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0293670.
