Hormonal balance is central to women’s health, mood, fertility, and wellbeing. The ketogenic diet influences all major female sex hormones — mostly positively, with some nuances to understand.
Visceral fat produces oestrogen via aromatase. By reducing visceral fat, keto reduces oestrogen in women with excess (PCOS, obesity). For women with low oestrogen (post-menopausal), keto does not further reduce it.
Progesterone requires adequate fat intake. Very low-fat diets reduce progesterone production. Keto’s high fat content ensures the cholesterol precursors needed for progesterone synthesis are plentiful.
In women with PCOS (excess testosterone): keto reduces testosterone through insulin lowering. In women with low testosterone: keto’s weight loss and improved insulin sensitivity can modestly increase testosterone to healthy levels.
Severe caloric restriction on keto (eating too little fat) can raise cortisol, which suppresses reproductive hormones. Eat sufficient fat.
Our keto breakfast ideas featuring eggs, avocado, and healthy fats support hormone production, and our keto main dishes provide the protein and fat foundation for hormonal health.