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PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome)(SPARK-Pilot)NCT07227363

Symptoms of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome Ameliorated by Keto-Adaptation Pilot

A study testing Ketogenic diet and Exogenous Ketone Supplement in people with PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome), run by Ohio State University at 1 site in United States.

Recruiting

Looking for participants now. Contact the study team or a site below to ask about taking part.

Sites and contacts
Official record
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Trial 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). Read more about this study

Who is it for?
Ages 18 to 40 years, women only
Conditions the study is for
PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome)
What is being tested?
Ketogenic diet and Exogenous Ketone Supplement
Could I receive a placebo?
No, everyone receives an active treatment
How many people
40 participants
Where
1 siteUnited States
Study dates
1 Dec 2026to Dec 2026
Phase
Interventional
Are there results?
Not yet: the study is under way

Key requirements

Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.

  • Ages 18 to 40 years
  • Women only
  • No healthy volunteers
  • Adult

Who may be able to join

  • Female participants aged 18-40 years.
  • Clinical diagnosis of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) according to Rotterdam criteria (presence of at least two of the following: oligo- or anovulation, clinical or biochemical signs of hyperandrogenism, and/or polycystic ovaries on ultrasound).
  • Willingness and ability to comply with all study procedures, including fasting (>10 hours; water only), avoidance of alcohol (>24 hours), and abstaining from exercise (>24 hours) prior to each test visit.
  • Willing to maintain current diet, exercise, medication, and supplement habits throughout the study.
  • Body mass index (BMI) ≥18 kg/m².
  • Access to a smartphone, computer, or tablet for digital tracking and study communication.

Who cannot join

  • Current adherence to a low-carbohydrate diet (<30% of total energy from carbohydrates).
  • Non-PCOS etiologies of anovulation (e.g., menopause, oophorectomy, or other reproductive disorders).
  • History of type 1 diabetes or uncontrolled type 2 diabetes.
  • Weight loss ≥10% of body weight within the previous 6 months.
  • Pregnancy or breastfeeding.
  • Use of hormonal contraception or medications known to alter reproductive hormones within 3 months prior to enrollment.
  • Active eating disorder or medical condition that could interfere with dietary intervention.
  • Any condition that, in the opinion of the Investigator, could interfere with participation, data integrity, or safety.

Trial locations and contacts

1 site in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.

Madison Kackley, PhD contact

16142479650

Kackley.19@osu.edu

United States1 site, 1 recruiting
  • The Ohio State University

    Columbus, Ohio, 43210-1442

    Madison Kackley, 6142479650, Kackley.19@osu.edu

    Recruiting

Other trials in United States

About this study

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:

Read more
  • 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.

Read the 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.

Being tested
Ketogenic diet, Exogenous Ketone Supplement
Keywords
Ketogenic Diet, Exogenous Ketones, Nutritional Ketosis, Reproductive Hormones, Ovarian Function, Women's Health, Metabolic Health, PCOS
Medical subject headings
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

What participants receive

What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.

  • Ketogenic dietOther

    A well-formulated ketogenic diet designed to achieve nutritional ketosis (β-hydroxybutyrate ≥0.5 mmol/L). The diet emphasizes non-starchy vegetables as the primary carbohydrate source (20-50 g/day), moderate protein intake (1.2-1.6 g/kg/day), and sufficient dietary fat for energy and satiety. All meals and snacks will be provided during the initial two weeks, followed by a self-guided phase with ongoing dietitian support and education materials. Participants will monitor daily fasting ketones and glucose using a handheld analyzer (KetoMojo).

  • Exogenous Ketone SupplementDietary supplement

    A dietary supplement containing a ketone ester designed to elevate circulating β-hydroxybutyrate concentrations to nutritional ketosis levels without carbohydrate restriction. Participants will consume the supplement throughout the 12-week intervention while following a balanced, mixed diet consistent with USDA dietary guidelines.

Study groups in NCT07227363
Study groupRoleWhat they receive
Ketogenic Diet (KD)ExperimentalParticipants in this arm will follow a well-formulated ketogenic diet designed to achieve and maintain nutritional ketosis (β-hydroxybutyrate ≥0.5 mmol/L). The diet will include non-starchy vegetables as the primary carbohydrate source (20-50 g/day), moderate protein (1.2-1.6 g/kg/day), and sufficient fat for energy and satiety. All meals and snacks will be provided for the first 2 weeks, followed by self-guided adherence with support from the study dietitian and educational resources. Daily fingerstick ketone and glucose levels will be monitored using KetoMojo.
Receives: Other: Ketogenic diet
Mixed Diet + Exogenous Ketone SupplementActive comparatorParticipants in this arm will follow a balanced, mixed diet aligned with USDA macronutrient recommendations while consuming an exogenous ketone supplement throughout the 12-week intervention. The supplement is designed to raise circulating β-hydroxybutyrate to nutritional ketosis levels without carbohydrate restriction. As with the KD arm, all meals and snacks will be provided for the first 2 weeks, followed by self-guided adherence with ongoing dietitian support.
Receives: Dietary Supplement: Exogenous Ketone Supplement

What is being measured

The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.

  1. Change in Ovulatory Status

    To evaluate whether ketogenic dietary intervention or exogenous ketone supplementation restores ovulatory function in women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). Ovulatory status will be assessed using a combination of validated measures, including basal body temperature monitoring via BBT, urinary luteinizing hormone (LH) surge detection using ovulation predictor kits, and serum progesterone levels. Participants will be classified as ovulatory or anovulatory based on hormonal and temperature cycle confirmation.

    Measured: Baseline to 12 weeks

Secondary outcomes (11)
  1. Change in Serum Progesterone Concentration (ng/mL)

    To determine the effects of ketogenic diet and exogenous ketone supplementation on circulating reproductive hormone concentrations. Serum progesterone will be analyzed using standard immunoassay techniques (Quest Diagnostics panels and/or validated ELISA assays). Hormonal changes will be compared between baseline and post-intervention to assess improvements in reproductive axis regulation.

    Measured: Baseline to 12 weeks

  2. Change in Serum Estradiol Concentration (pg/mL)

    To determine the effects of ketogenic diet and exogenous ketone supplementation on circulating reproductive hormone concentrations. Serum estradiol will be analyzed using commercially available immunoassay kits (Quest Diagnostics panels and/or validated ELISA assays). Hormonal changes will be compared between baseline and post-intervention to assess improvements in reproductive axis regulation.

    Measured: Baseline to 12 weeks

  3. Change in Serum Luteinizing Hormone Concentration (mIU/mL)

    To determine the effects of ketogenic diet and exogenous ketone supplementation on circulating reproductive hormone concentrations. Serum luteinizing hormone (LH) will be analyzed using standard immunoassay techniques (Quest Diagnostics panels and/or validated ELISA assays). Hormonal changes will be compared between baseline and post-intervention to assess improvements in reproductive axis regulation.

    Measured: Baseline to 12 weeks

  4. Change in Serum Follicle Stimulating Hormone Concentrations (mIU/mL)

    To determine the effects of ketogenic diet and exogenous ketone supplementation on circulating reproductive hormone concentrations. Serum follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) will be analyzed using standard immunoassay techniques (Quest Diagnostics panels and/or validated ELISA assays). Hormonal changes will be compared between baseline and post-intervention to assess improvements in reproductive axis regulation.

    Measured: Baseline to 12 weeks

  5. Change in Daily Fasting BHB (mmol/L)

    To assess changes in metabolic parameters including fasting β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB). Capillary ketones will be measured daily using KetoMojo handheld monitors.

    Measured: Baseline to 12 weeks (Daily)

  6. Change in Daily Fasting Glucose (mg/dL)

    To assess changes in metabolic parameters including fasting glucose. Capillary glucose will be measured daily using KetoMojo handheld monitors.

    Measured: Baseline to 12 weeks (Daily)

  7. Change in Serum Insulin Concentration (µIU/mL)

    To assess the effect of ketogenic diet and exogenous ketone supplementation on fasting insulin levels. Serum insulin will be measured at laboratory visits via immunoassay (Quest Diagnostics or validated ELISA). Mean change from baseline will be compared across groups.

    Measured: Baseline to 12 weeks

  8. Change in Serum Total Cholesterol Concentration (mg/dL)

    To assess changes in fasting serum total cholesterol in response to ketogenic diet and exogenous ketone supplementation. Blood samples will be collected biweekly and analyzed using standard clinical chemistry methods (Quest Diagnostics). Mean change from baseline to 12 weeks will be reported.

    Measured: Baseline to 12 weeks

  9. Change in Serum Triglyceride Concentration (mg/dL)

    To determine the effect of ketogenic diet and exogenous ketone supplementation on fasting triglyceride concentrations. Serum triglycerides will be measured via standard lipid panel. Mean change from baseline to 12 weeks will be compared across groups.

    Measured: Baseline to 12 weeks

  10. Change in Serum LDL Cholesterol Concentration (mg/dL)

    To assess the effect of ketogenic diet and exogenous ketone supplementation on fasting low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol. Serum LDL will be measured via standard lipid panel (Quest Diagnostics). Mean change from baseline to post-intervention will be reported.

    Measured: Baseline to 12 weeks

  11. Change in Serum HDL Cholesterol Concentration (mg/dL)

    To evaluate changes in fasting high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol following ketogenic diet or exogenous ketone supplementation. Serum HDL will be analyzed by clinical chemistry methods. Mean change from baseline to 12 weeks will be reported.

    Measured: Baseline to 12 weeks

Timeline

From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.

  1. First posted12 Nov 2025
  2. Study start1 Dec 2026 (estimated)
  3. Primary completionDec 2026 (estimated)
  4. Study completionDec 2026 (estimated)

Resources

More details

For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.

Study design
Study type
Interventional
Phase
Phase N/A
Primary purpose
Basic science
Allocation
Randomised
Intervention model
Parallel groups
Masking
None (open label)
Enrolment
40 participants (estimated)
IDs, dates and publications
ClinicalTrials.gov ID
NCT07227363
Sponsor's protocol ID
2023H0368
Acronym
(SPARK-Pilot)
Status last verified
May 2026
First submitted
6 Nov 2025
Last updated
8 May 2026
Results posted
No
Data monitoring committee
Yes
FDA-regulated drug
No
FDA-regulated device
No
Individual data sharing
Undecided: This is an early-stage pilot study focused on feasibility and exploratory outcomes. At this stage, individual participant data (IPD) will not be publicly shared until all analyses are complete and findings are published. De-identified aggregate data may be shared upon reasonable request following publication, in accordance with institutional and IRB policies. If a larger, follow-up trial is initiated, a formal data-sharing plan will be developed to align with NIH and ICMJE requirements.

Questions about this trial

What is this clinical trial studying?

A study testing Ketogenic diet and Exogenous Ketone Supplement in people with PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome), run by Ohio State University at 1 site in United States.

The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.

Who may be eligible to take part?

The sponsor lists 6 inclusion and 8 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.

Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?

The record says: looking for participants now, as of the sponsor's last update on 8 May 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.

Where is the study taking place?

The record lists 1 site in United States. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.

What are the possible benefits and risks?

They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.

Are results available for this study?

This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.

How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?

Contact Madison Kackley, PhD (16142479650, Kackley.19@osu.edu), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.

What does the primary outcome measure?

Change in Ovulatory Status (time frame: Baseline to 12 weeks). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.

Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?

No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.

How often is this information updated?

AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 8 May 2026.

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