I don't get Metal Mouth but I do have a distinct "flavor" - - along with feeling hot or cold (when everyone is comfortable around me), loss of appetite, abundent (too much) energy, need for less sleep, and no cravings for those "bad foods". I also seem to get more in the "exercise mood" during this time....and I tend to feel skinny. So to me, those symptoms tell me I'm in ketosis.... The stix rarely register for me so I don't bother with them (although I do check once in a while ...just to see if I do show color...and if I do its always the lightest)