How the Keto Diet Affects Women’s Hormones After 40 (Science-Backed + What Actually Works)
How the Keto Diet Affects Women’s Hormones Over 40 — and How the Keto Zone Creates Both Biological and Psychological Transformation
If you’re over 40 and feeling exhausted, moody, or like your body is no longer your own — you’re not alone. There is real hope. A properly designed ketogenic lifestyle can gently rebalance hormones, calm inflammation, and usher you into what I call the Keto Zone — that beautiful place where your body burns fat for fuel and your mind feels clear, calm, and joyful again.
By Don Colbert, M.D. | Divine Health
The Hormonal Storm After 40 — And Why Keto Helps
After age 40 — especially during perimenopause and menopause — a woman’s body experiences dramatic shifts:
- Estrogen begins to fluctuate wildly
- Progesterone declines steadily
- Insulin resistance often increases, leading to stubborn belly fat
- Cortisol (the stress hormone) can stay chronically elevated
- Thyroid function may slow
- Sleep becomes fragmented, hot flashes appear, and mood can feel like a roller coaster
The good news? A well-formulated ketogenic diet addresses nearly every one of these issues at the root — not by adding more hormones, but by lowering insulin, reducing inflammation, and stabilizing blood sugar.
“The Keto Zone is far more than ketosis alone. It is the powerful combination of burning fat for fuel and experiencing crystal-clear thinking, steady mood, vanished cravings, boundless energy, and deep, restorative sleep.”
— Dr. Don Colbert, M.D.
What Exactly Is the Keto Zone?
The Keto Zone is my term for the sweet spot where two transformations happen at once:
- Biological: Your body enters ketosis — the natural state where you burn fat (instead of sugar) for fuel.
- Psychological & Spiritual: Your brain runs on clean-burning ketones, delivering mental clarity, elevated mood, dramatically reduced carb cravings, stable all-day energy, and better sleep.
When both happen together — that’s the Keto Zone. And for women over 40, it can feel like getting your life back.
How Ketosis Rebalances Key Hormones
1. Insulin — The Master Hormone of Fat Storage
High-carb diets keep insulin elevated. Chronically high insulin blocks fat-burning and worsens estrogen dominance. Ketosis lowers insulin dramatically, allowing fat to be released and hormones to find balance again.
2. Cortisol & Stress
Stable blood sugar from keto removes the “blood sugar roller coaster” that triggers cortisol spikes. Lower cortisol = fewer hot flashes, better sleep, and calmer moods.
3. Thyroid Function
Many women notice sluggish thyroid after 40. Research shows that a ketogenic diet can improve T3 (active thyroid hormone) levels and increase energy expenditure.
4. Inflammation & Estrogen Metabolism
Ketones are powerfully anti-inflammatory. Less inflammation means better estrogen detoxification in the liver — reducing symptoms of estrogen dominance like breast tenderness and heavy periods.
Two Landmark Studies Every Woman Over 40 Should Know
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- Dr. Sara Gottfried, M.D. & Dr. David Perlmutter, M.D.
Research published in Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease (2019) showed that ketones provide an alternative fuel for the brain, dramatically improving cognitive function and mood stability — especially valuable as estrogen declines.
Read the study →
- Dr. Sara Gottfried, M.D. & Dr. David Perlmutter, M.D.
- Dr. Eric Verdin & Buck Institute
A 2021 study in Nature Metabolism demonstrated that β-hydroxybutyrate (the main ketone body) acts as a signaling molecule that reduces systemic inflammation and improves insulin sensitivity — two foundational issues in perimenopause.
Read the study → - Dr. Sara Gottfried, M.D. & Dr. David Perlmutter, M.D.
Research published in Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease (2019) showed that ketones provide an alternative fuel for the brain, dramatically improving cognitive function and mood stability — especially valuable as estrogen declines.
Read the study →
Watch: Unlocking the Power of Hormones for Longevity (Ep. 1)
In this episode, Mary and I explore the vital roles of estrogen and progesterone in your health after 40 — and how natural strategies like the Keto Zone can support balance, reduce inflammation, and promote graceful aging without synthetic hormones.
“God designed your body to heal. The Keto Zone is one of the most powerful tools He’s given us.”
What You’ll Learn
- The three essential estrogens and their impact on aging and weight
- Why bioidentical hormones beat synthetics — and natural alternatives like keto
- How progesterone supports sleep, mood, and hair growth in perimenopause
- Practical steps for hormone testing and detox starting at 40
Timestamps:
0:00 – Introduction to hormone longevity
5:15 – Estrogen types and belly fat risks
12:30 – Progesterone benefits for women over 40
20:45 – Natural supports and the Keto Zone connection
28:00 – Q&A and prayer
Dr. Colbert’s Recommended Supplements & Books for Supporting Hormones Over 40
MCT Oil Powder (Chocolate, Vanilla, Hazelnut, Coconut)
Fastest way to raise ketones, curb cravings, and give all-day energy without jitters.
Fiber Zone (with prebiotics)
Feeds healthy gut bacteria that produce butyrate — a ketone-like molecule that calms inflammation and balances estrogen.
Nano-Glutathione
Master antioxidant that supports liver detox of excess estrogen and reduces oxidative stress.
NAD+ Powder
Boosts cellular energy, supports mitochondrial health, and helps combat age-related hormone decline.
Collagen Powder (Types I, II, III)
Supports skin elasticity, joint health, and gut lining — all affected by declining estrogen.
Zone Biotics Probiotic + Enhanced Multivitamin
Restores gut microbiome and supplies key nutrients often depleted in perimenopause.
Get the Full Plan
The Keto Zone Diet book + Dr. Colbert’s Hormone Health Zone — my two bestselling guides for women over 40.
People Also Ask
What are the best supplements for women over 40?
MCT oil powder, collagen peptides, NAD+, glutathione, a high-quality probiotic, and fermented greens are my top recommendations.
How to support hormones naturally during perimenopause?
Lower insulin with keto, reduce inflammation with ketones and glutathione, support detox pathways, and stabilize blood sugar.
Is MCT oil powder good for weight loss and energy?
Absolutely — it raises ketones quickly, suppresses appetite, and provides smooth, sustained energy.
What does NAD+ do for aging and metabolism?
NAD+ is essential for cellular energy production and DNA repair — both decline dramatically after 40.
Scripture for the Journey
“For I will restore health to you, and your wounds I will heal, declares the Lord.” — Jeremiah 30:17
A Prayer for You
Heavenly Father, thank You for creating my body with the ability to heal and renew. Guide me into the Keto Zone — body, mind, and spirit — so I can walk in the energy and joy You intended. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
dsdaMedical Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult your physician before starting any new diet or supplement program, especially if you have a medical condition or take medications.
