We are sure that by this point, you have heard of the ketogenic diet before. Probably because it is so popular right now, however, because of the booming growth, everyone is jumping on the keto bandwagon and screaming their own opinion.

The misinformation attacks on the ketogenic diet and scare people away from actually using this nutritional approach.

One of the biggest myths in regards to the ketogenic diet is that a state of ketosis will destroy women’s hormones.

But, does ketosis affect hormones?

Let’s jump into the obvious. Female hormonal problems are not a light subject at all and, yes, they do exist. These problems result in low energy, bone loss, weakness, weight gain, amenorrhea, mood swings, and more. 🥵

Contrary to popular internet opinion, ketosis is not the cause of these hormonal issues.

We are not saying that nutrition cannot cause hormonal problems in women. But, a well-executed ketogenic diet doesn’t have to be the cause of hormonal imbalances in women.

That said, a ketogenic diet can have multiple benefits for women and their hormones. Of course, it is important to mention that some women may benefit from the keto diet more than others.

Keto benefits for women’s hormones

The ketogenic diet has been shown to be beneficial for women with PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome).

By avoiding insulin spikes while following a ketogenic lifestyle, women with PCOS report a reversal of increased androgen hormones, specifically testosterone, which reduces PCOS symptoms and increases fertility. Which also has a positive impact on ovulation and the chances of pregnancy.

PCOS leads to menstrual irregularities.🩸 Luckily, the ketogenic diet helps women deal with irregular menstrual cycles. But not just polycystic ovary syndrome causes menstrual irregularities; obesity can also cause the same. Increased oestrogen in women, due to increased body fat, can cause serious health problems.

The ketogenic diet helps with weight loss, therefore it helps maintain oestrogen levels.

Are there any negative results at all?

Evidence suggests that women’s hormones are sensitive to energy availability, meaning that too few calories or carbs can cause imbalances. However, most evidence suggests these effects are generally seen only in women on a long-term, very low-carb diet (under 20 grams per day).

Everyone is different, and the optimal carb intake varies greatly between individuals. There is no one-size-fits-all solution in nutrition. Some people function best on a very low-carb diet, while others function best on a moderate to a high-carb diet.

To figure out what works best for you, you should experiment and adjust your carb intake depending on how you look, feel, and perform. Nonetheless, you should always consult your doctor before opting for a ketogenic diet. 👩‍⚕️

Take home message

As mentioned above, ketosis isn’t for everyone, either. Different people have different goals, different metabolic backgrounds, different genetics, different situations, and different results from different applications of nutrition. That is totally normal.

So, even the ketogenic diet is not recommended for some women, teenagers, or pregnant women…that doesn’t mean you can’t benefit from it. Why don’t give it a try?