Therapeutic
My OBGYN deals with gestational diabetes. She was the one who tested my reproductive hormones, suggested the CGM, and gave me tips to balance my blood sugar. No one else was able to help me: not a psychology nurse, my general practitioner, my neurologist, or even an endocrinologist. They seemed unimpressed by my symptoms, and they certainly had never heard of using ketosis therapy. I use MCT oil whenever I struggle to stay in ketosis, especially when I'm menstruating. There is a great need for more awareness of metabolic therapy.
Integration
We tested my thyroid, reproductive hormones, most vitamins and minerals, cytokines, cortisol, and fasting glucose. Everything came back normal except testosterone and estrogen were low. I check my ketones with a breath monitor two to three times a day. I had a CGM for a few months but don't anymore. I'm pretty sure I have insulin resistance, so I also test my weight and waist size every morning. I take MCT oil whenever I have trouble staying in ketosis. Getting out of ketosis brings my depression back within a day or two, so it's easy for me to maintain consistency! It also helps that my husband is going on the diet with me...and that he bought a smoker to cook delicious meat!
Nutritional
For events and holidays, I bring my own carb-free food and desserts. I take tiny nibbles of all the other foods so I don't feel deprived. I might not be able to fast when I go to get togethers. I do my best to only eat two large meals a day (no snacks) with a 16-hour break. I test my ketones two to three times a day, which has given me a rhythm and a feel for what I can get away with. I don't track my macronutrients at all. My goal used to be to be in ketosis every morning, but I've gotten good enough at it that I can usually stay in full ketosis most of the time.
Ketosis
I use a breath test at least twice a day, sometimes three to four times. I'm also tracking progress with a scale and measuring my waist size. (I've lost 20 pounds and reached a 34 inch waist.) I need to be above 10 to feel normal. Between 4 and 9 will typically bring the depression back. Anything below four will almost inevitably send me into a deep, week-long depression.
