“Is there a risk of bleeding on keto?”

Is it possible to start bleeding even if you’re in menopause if you start a ketogenic diet? What could a sudden heavy bleeding be about? And what is the ultimate protein to fat ratio?

Get the answer to these questions in this week’s Q&A with fertility specialist Dr. Fox:

Bleeding

I have noticed women talking about bleeding on this diet, is this something I should be concerned about will or can this happen to me even though I no longer have periods?

Margaret

 
Dr. Fox:

Good question: Theoretically, what will happen with cycling is that people who are irregular will become more regular and hormone levels may rise closer to normal in those who are suppressed from bad metabolism. Some may notice more painful cycles as a result of increased estrogen, but the estrogen is again moving toward normal, not becoming excessive. Remember low estrogen results in worse metabolic function. There is no explanation for “random bleeding” with the diet.” Every indication is that menstrual function would be approaching normal for a female. Bleeding can happen for many reasons, I would never “blame” ketotic nutrition for this.
 

Sudden heavy menstrual bleeding

Hi Dr. Fox

Colleen

 
Dr. Fox:

Impossible to say exactly. Could be hormonal change or could just be a sporadic abnormality in your cycle. People with 40-45 day cycles often will have such aberrations.

Help with the Protein to Fat ratio?

I am 65 yrs old and my doctor recommended a Low carb high Fat diet. How much protein, Fat, Carb and Sugar should I ingest each day? every time I look for the answer I get a different one. Thank you

Sandy

 
Dr. Fox:

Great Question: protein should be 1.2-1.7 g/kg of ideal body weight. For 150 lbs it is about 70 – 100 gms protein per day. Not as much as you might think. No sugar, that one is easy. Shoot for about 20 grams per day exclusively from vegetables. As long as you are not severely insulin resistant (BMI >35 or so), you can tolerate unlimited non-starchy vegetables. Fat should be about 70-90% of calories, again depending on the severity of your problem. The caution I give everyone is to not pick “processed foods” and count carbs. Eat fresh fats, protein sources and vegetables and you don’t have to think about it much at all. The stress of counting these things is difficult. Using my fitness pal for a month or so to get %’s for macronutrients is good education, but once learned roughly, forget about the figuring and just eat. You will learn what works and what doesn’t by the way your gut (bloating) responds and your weight. Also weigh once per week or so. not every day.
 

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