Symptoms of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome Ameliorated by Keto-Adaptation Pilot

Summary

The SPARK- Pilot study (Symptoms of PCOS Ameliorated by Responses to Keto-adaptation) is a 12-week clinical trial at The Ohio State University designed to explore how different ways of achieving ketosis may improve reproductive and metabolic health in women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups: * A ketogenic diet group, following a low-carbohydrate, nutrient-dense meal plan. * A mixed diet plus ketone supplement group, following general dietary guidelines while taking an exogenous ketone supplement. The study will measure whether these approaches help restore regular ovulation and improve hormone balance, metabolism, and overall well-being. Optional imaging using MRI will also examine heart and ovarian health. This pilot study will help researchers understand if ketogenic nutrition strategies are a safe, effective way to support menstrual regularity and reduce PCOS-related symptoms, providing groundwork for larger clinical trials.

Detailed Description

The SPARK study (Symptoms of PCOS Ameliorated by Responses to Keto-adaptation) is a 12-week randomized, two-arm intervention examining how nutritional ketosis influences ovulatory and metabolic outcomes in women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). PCOS is a common endocrine disorder that affects hormone balance, menstrual function, and metabolism. Current treatments often address single symptoms but rarely provide comprehensive improvement. Ketogenic dietary interventions have shown promise for improving insulin sensitivity, hormone profiles, and body composition; however, few studies have evaluated their direct impact on ovulation. In this pilot trial, 40 women aged 18-40 years with diagnosed PCOS will be randomized to one of two groups: Ketogenic Diet (KD): Participants will follow a low-carbohydrate, high-fat, moderate-protein diet designed to achieve and maintain nutritional ketosis (β-hydroxybutyrate ≥0.5 mmol/L). Mixed Diet + Exogenous Ketone Supplement: Participants will consume a balanced diet aligned with USDA macronutrient recommendations and receive a ketone ester supplement. Primary outcomes include changes in ovulatory status, assessed through hormonal markers, ovulation prediction tests, and continuous basal body temperature monitoring (OvuSense). Secondary outcomes include changes in reproductive hormones (progesterone, estrogen, LH, FSH), metabolic and lipid markers, and exploratory imaging of cardiovascular function and ovarian morphology via MRI. This study will provide feasibility and preliminary efficacy data to inform a future large-scale clinical trial evaluating ketogenic strategies for improving menstrual regularity and overall health in women with PCOS.

Eligibility Criteria

Interventions