Volume 29, Issue 158, April 2025

The role of the ketogenic diet in managing polycystic ovary syndrome: A comprehensive review

Bartosz Górecki¹, Paweł Godlewski², Anna Gwóźdź- Broczkowska³, Aisha Hassan⁴

¹Cardinal Stefan Wyszyński University in Warsaw, Wóycickiego 1/3, 01- 938 Warsaw, Poland
²Cardinal Stefan Wyszyński University in Warsaw, Wóycickiego 1/3, 01- 938 Warsaw, Poland
³Cardinal Stefan Wyszyński University in Warsaw, Wóycickiego 1/3, 01- 938 Warsaw, Poland
⁴Cardinal Stefan Wyszyński University in Warsaw, Wóycickiego 1/3, 01- 938 Warsaw, Poland

ABSTRACT

PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) is one of the most common endocrine-related disorders among reproductive-aged women. Due to its close association with insulin dysregulation, it is essential to take dietary measures to mitigate symptoms and support overall health. The ketogenic diet (KD), a lowcarbohydrate (less than 10% of total daily energy intake), high-fat dietary approach (70–80%), has been increasingly studied for its potential benefits in improving insulin sensitivity, reducing hyperandrogenism, and promoting weight loss. This review studies current clinical studies to get a better view of the role of KD for women with PCOS. Early studies suggest that the ketogenic diet may be an effective dietary treatment for PCOS, especially for women with insulin resistance and metabolic derangements. Caution regarding its long-term safety and sustainability, particularly in relation to hormonal balance, underscores the need for more high-quality, long-term clinical studies.

Keywords: Polycystic ovary syndrome, PCOS, ketogenic diet, insulin resistance, hyperandrogenism, reproductive health, fertility, metabolic health.

Medical Science, 2025, 29, e56ms3547

PDF

DOI: https://doi.org/10.54905/disssi.v29i158.e56ms3547

Published: 12 April 2025