Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a metabolic and hormonal disorder driven primarily by insulin resistance, inflammation, and disrupted ovarian signaling. High-carbohydrate diets and repeated insulin spikes cause chronic insulin resistance, forcing the pancreas to produce excessive insulin. Elevated insulin stimulates the ovaries and adrenal glands to overproduce androgens (testosterone, DHEA), which disrupts ovulation, halts normal menstrual cycles, and leads to the formation of multiple immature follicles ('polycysts'). Insulin resistance also reduces Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG), increasing free testosterone and worsening symptoms such as acne, hair loss, hirsutism, and mood instability.

PCOS is strongly influenced by systemic inflammation. High insulin, leaky gut, endotoxin exposure (LPS), and poor metabolic health trigger chronic low-grade inflammation (IL-6, TNF-α), which interferes with ovarian hormone signaling and blocks normal follicle maturation. This inflammatory environment also contributes to anovulation, infertility, weight gain, cravings, fatigue, and emotional dysregulation. Mitochondrial dysfunction in the ovaries further impairs energy production, making ovulation metabolically difficult or impossible.

Carbohydrates, leaky gut, and inflammation: Ultra-processed carbohydrates and sugars destabilize blood sugar, elevate cortisol, and increase androgen production. Leaky gut allows inflammatory molecules to enter the bloodstream, disrupting reproductive hormones and worsening insulin resistance. This creates a self-perpetuating cycle of inflammation → insulin resistance → androgen excess → anovulation.

Fasting, ketogenic diets, and carnivore diets directly target the biological root causes of PCOS. Ketosis dramatically improves insulin sensitivity, lowers fasting insulin, and reduces ovarian androgen production. Stable blood sugar eliminates cortisol spikes and prevents the hormonal chaos that disrupts menstrual cycles. Ketones lower inflammation, improve mitochondrial efficiency in ovarian tissue, and restore normal hormone signaling. Carnivore and ketogenic diets provide high levels of zinc, iron, B-vitamins, omega-3s, and complete amino acids—nutrients crucial for reproductive hormone balance and egg quality. Fasting activates autophagy, reduces inflammatory load, and enhances ovarian responsiveness. Together, these interventions often lead to the return of regular menstrual cycles, normalized hormones, improved fertility, weight loss, reduced acne and hirsutism, and improved overall metabolic function.