Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and the Effects of a Ketogenic Diet: A Scoping Review.

Background/

Objectives

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrinopathy experienced by females. Diagnosis of PCOS is established when at least two of the following are present: hyperandrogenism, oligo-anovulation, and/or polycystic ovaries. Conservative treatment for PCOS includes dietary modifications and physical activity. The purpose of this scoping review was to evaluate the efficacy of a ketogenic diet in improving biochemical measures and reducing the severity of PCOS symptoms.

Methods

CINAHL, PubMed, and Google Scholar databases were searched to find research published in peer-reviewed journals between 2019 and 2025. An article was included in this scoping review if the study assessed the effectiveness of a ketogenic diet on improving the signs and symptoms in patients with PCOS.

Results

Eight studies met the inclusion criteria. Weight loss was achieved by subjects who adopted a very low-calorie ketogenic diet (VLCKD), low-calorie ketogenic diet (LCKD), classic ketogenic diet (CKD), or a Mediterranean eucaloric ketogenic diet (KEMEPHY). Patients with PCOS who consumed a ketogenic diet experienced improved biochemical measures, including androgen levels, lipid levels, HOMA-IR, blood glucose, insulin, LH/FSH ratio, DHEAS, SHBG, AFC, and AMH. A ketogenic diet was also associated with improvements in menstruation, fertility, and OHSS.

Conclusions

Adopting a short-term ketogenic diet may have positive health benefits for patients with PCOS.