Ketogenic Diet as a Possible Non-pharmacological Therapy in Main Endocrine Diseases of the Female Reproductive System Original paper
Researched by:
-
Divine Aleru
ID
Divine Aleru
I am a biochemist with a deep curiosity for the human microbiome and how it shapes human health, and I enjoy making microbiome science more accessible through research and writing. With 2 years experience in microbiome research, I have curated microbiome studies, analyzed microbial signatures, and now focus on interventions as a Microbiome Signatures and Interventions Research Coordinator.
-
Women’s Health
Women’s Health
Women’s health, a vital aspect of medical science, encompasses various conditions unique to women’s physiological makeup. Historically, women were often excluded from clinical research, leading to a gap in understanding the intricacies of women’s health needs. However, recent advancements have highlighted the significant role that the microbiome plays in these conditions, offering new insights and potential therapies. MicrobiomeSignatures.com is at the forefront of exploring the microbiome signature of each of these conditions to unravel the etiology of these diseases and develop targeted microbiome therapies.
-
Divine Aleru
Researched by:
-
Divine Aleru
ID
Divine Aleru
Microbiome Signatures identifies and validates condition-specific microbiome shifts and interventions to accelerate clinical translation. Our multidisciplinary team supports clinicians, researchers, and innovators in turning microbiome science into actionable medicine.
Divine Aleru
What was studied?
This review explored the role of ketogenic diets (KDs) as a non-pharmacological therapy for major endocrine diseases of the female reproductive system, focusing on conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), infertility, menopause-related metabolic disorders, and hormone-related cancers, including breast cancer and endometrial cancer. It examined how KDs impact body weight, insulin resistance, chronic inflammation, hormone levels, and cancer progression through metabolic modulation, including effects on mitochondrial function and reactive oxygen species (ROS).
Who was studied?
The review synthesized evidence from a broad range of studies involving women of reproductive age, women with obesity, PCOS, and menopausal women, as well as patients diagnosed with hormone-sensitive cancers. It included clinical trials, observational studies, and mechanistic research focusing on diet-induced metabolic changes and endocrine outcomes.
Most important findings
Ketogenic diets promote rapid weight loss and improve metabolic profiles by reducing fat mass, especially visceral adipose tissue, a key driver of inflammation and insulin resistance. KDs lower circulating insulin and glucose levels, which modulate the insulin-mediated synthesis of androgens in PCOS, improving hormonal imbalances and ovulatory function. Furthermore, KDs increase sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) levels, reducing free testosterone and mitigating hyperandrogenism, a hallmark of PCOS.
In menopausal women, KDs counteract weight gain and visceral fat accumulation associated with estrogen decline, thereby lowering cardiovascular and metabolic risks. The diet’s anti-inflammatory effects are mediated partly through ketone bodies like beta-hydroxybutyrate inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome activation, which reduces proinflammatory cytokine production. In hormone-related cancers, KDs reduce glucose availability for tumor cells, suppress inflammatory tumor microenvironments, and promote tumor cell apoptosis. The diet’s modulation of ROS and enhancement of mitochondrial function may contribute to these anticancer effects. Importantly, very low-calorie ketogenic diets (VLCKD) show promise in both weight management and cancer adjunctive therapy, enhancing quality of life and physical function in affected women.
Key implications
This review highlights ketogenic diets as a multifaceted therapeutic approach for managing endocrine disorders in women, from fertility challenges in PCOS to metabolic and oncologic complications postmenopause. By addressing obesity-related inflammation and insulin resistance, KDs offer a metabolic reset that can restore hormonal balance and reduce disease burden. Their anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties also position KDs as valuable adjuncts to conventional therapies. However, personalized protocols and careful nutritional monitoring are crucial for safety and efficacy. Clinicians should consider KDs as part of integrated care for women with complex endocrine and metabolic conditions, tailoring interventions to individual needs and stages of reproductive life.
Breast Cancer
Traditionally linked to genetic predispositions and environmental exposures, emerging evidence highlights the microbiome as a critical and underappreciated factor influencing breast cancer progression, immune response, and treatment outcomes.
Estrogen
Estrogen is a steroid hormone primarily found in women, crucial for reproductive health, secondary sexual characteristics, and various physiological processes. It regulates menstrual cycles, supports pregnancy, and influences bone density and cardiovascular health. Dysregulation of estrogen levels can lead to various disorders and health complications.