Fasting for Women 101

Could you last 12 hours without eating?

There’s no denying that fasting has become one of the latest health trends. However, with so much contradictory information out there, it can be challenging to determine if it’s the right approach for you, especially as a woman.

In this episode of The Health Made Simple Show, we delve into the positive and negative realities of fasting, particularly how it can affect female hormone health. Our goal is to provide you with the knowledge to support your body’s healing state.

Watch the live show below:

How to Fast According to Your Menstrual Cycle

Fasting not only induces a fasting state but also promotes healing within your body. When you fast, your body can:

• Repair your gut and microbiome
• Stabilize hormone health
• Maintain healthy skin

And more! In fact, some studies have shown that fasting can assist your body in eliminating cancer cells.

Assuming a 28-day menstrual cycle, during days 1 through 14, a woman’s body experiences increasing estrogen levels. This phase brings feelings of being more social and energized, making it an ideal time for more intense physical activity and maximizing intermittent fasting efforts.

However, around day 13/14 of the menstrual cycle, ovulation occurs, leading to a surge in testosterone. As a result, estrogen levels start to decrease while progesterone levels begin to rise. Since high stress and cortisol levels can impact progesterone levels, fasting during this phase can contribute to hormone imbalances. Therefore, it’s advisable to avoid fasting during this time.

How to Determine if Intermittent Fasting is Right for You

Blood sugar disorders serve as precursors to various serious medical conditions, including autoimmune diseases, mental disorders, and even cancer.

Could intermittent fasting benefit you? The answer is YES if any of the following resonate with you:

• You frequently experience noticeable mood swings leading up to your period.
• You struggle to go even 12 hours without food.
• You constantly crave sugar and sweets.
• You frequently suffer from anxiety and depression.

Ready to Start Intermittent Fasting?

If you’re ready to give fasting a try, start with a 12-hour fasting window. This duration allows your body to fully process sugar and begin burning fat for fuel. Feeling up for a challenge? Test your limits by attempting a 24-hour fast once a month, providing a complete reset for your microbiome.

For those who can work up to a 72-hour fast, the potential for healing autoimmune diseases becomes evident. Remember, sleeping hours count toward your fasting time, so take advantage of this and accumulate fasting hours while you sleep.

Hormone health is a complex and unique situation for everyone, susceptible to influences such as dietary changes and fasting. If you’re considering intermittent fasting, it’s crucial to partner with a functional medicine practitioner to develop a strategy that suits your specific needs.

Have more questions about fasting you wish were answered on this week’s episode? Don’t forget to tune in on Tuesdays at 6PM central for your chance to get the info you need LIVE!

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Medically reviewed and written by:

Dr. Bart Precourt

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