Should Women Fast Around Their Cycle?

You may ask, “Should women fast around their cycle?” This is a question that comes up a lot in the fasting communities. 

Some of the popular fasting “experts” say yes, women who have a cycle should plan their fasts around it. 

Dr. Mindy Pelz is probably the biggest proponent of this way of fasting. 

But is that really necessary? And if so, why? 

The theory

The theory is based around hormonal fluctuations that occur throughout the month. 

The idea is that by aligning your fasting schedule around these fluctuations, you can get better benefits and potentially make fasting much easier. 

Estrogen and Progesterone 

Estrogen and progesterone are the primary female sex hormones. 

They regulate the menstrual cycle. 

In a nutshell, estrogen gets the uterine lining ready for a potential pregnancy, and progesterone maintains the pregnancy. 

These hormones rise and fall on certain days of the cycle:

Days 1-10 or so of the cycle are when estrogen is rising. 

According to the theory, women can fast any way they want during this time.

Around days 15-28 are when progesterone levels rise, which can increase insulin and hunger, making fasting harder and maybe less effective. 

So the advice is that during the time that estrogen peaks, and the time that progesterone is rising, women should not fast, or they should stick to shorter fasts. 

Obviously, that is for menstruating women. 

If you no longer have a cycle, according to Dr. Mindy, you shouldn’t do any extended fasting. 

Fasting seems easier for men

It’s true. 

If you’ve been around the fasting groups, or if you have a man in your life who fasts, it’s hard to deny. 

Men seem to have it easier. 

Many men seem to coast right through an extended fast with barely any issues, and lose fat quicker than women. 

Not fair, I know. 

So it makes sense that female hormones can play a significant role in our fasting. 

But that doesn’t mean you can’t practice extended fasting if you are a woman, or that you have to time it around your cycle. 

And it certainly doesn’t mean that you won’t experience all the life-changing benefits of fasting. 

Think about it 

We haven’t always known about a woman’s cycle. 

Do you think our hunter-gatherer ancestors timed their fasting and feasting days according to the cycle of their women? 

Even beyond that, women have been fasting successfully for hundreds of years, despite estrogen and progesterone levels. 

Should you or shouldn’t you?

Should women fast around their cycle or not? 

Let’s get one thing straight. 

There are no controlled, scientific studies (that we know of) that indicate any danger in fasting right through your cycle. 

And it doesn’t matter what time of the month it is, fasting is always going to be beneficial. 

As long as you’re doing it safely. 

A safe fast will always be better than eating around the clock. 

But if you’re finding it difficult to fast, it might be worth aligning your fast with your cycle and see if it makes it easier for you. 

What about pregnancy?

If you are trying to conceive, please speak to your OB/GYN about whether you should be fasting or not. 

And obviously, if you are currently pregnant or breastfeeding, you should not be fasting. 

Menopause

If you no longer have a cycle, you can and should still practice some form of fasting. 

In fact, many women find that fasting is the only thing that helps them to lose stubborn, menopausal fat. 

And again, fasting is still good for your metabolic health, no matter how old you are. 

Bottom line 

It’s mostly a matter of ease and comfort. 

Can fasting around your cycle make it easier for you? Maybe. Try it and see.