The practice of intermittent fasting has become quite well-liked recently as a means of enhancing general health and wellbeing. In terms of women’s hormonal balance, intermittent fasting may be particularly advantageous. The science behind how intermittent fasting might help women’s hormones balance, including how it may control menstrual cycles, lessen PMS symptoms, and perhaps even enhance fertility, will be discussed in this blog post.
The function of hormones in the female body must first be understood. The endocrine glands create hormones, which are chemical messengers that aid in the regulation of a number of body processes, including metabolism, growth and development, sexual function, and mood. A number of health problems, including irregular periods, weight gain, acne, and low energy, can result from these hormones being out of balance.
Insulin is one hormone that is particularly crucial for females. The pancreas produces insulin, which aids in controlling the body’s blood sugar levels. When we eat, our blood sugar levels increase and insulin is produced to assist in moving the sugar from our bloodstream into our cells where it may be used as fuel. But if our bloodstream contains excessive amounts of insulin over time, it can cause insulin resistance, which can result in weight gain, irregular menstrual cycles, and other hormonal abnormalities.
Intermittent fasting can help in this situation. When we fast, instead of using the energy from the food we eat, our body is compelled to use stored energy (in the form of fat) for fuel. This procedure may aid in enhancing insulin sensitivity and controlling blood sugar, which may result in a more harmonious hormonal milieu in the body.
The hormones luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone, which are crucial for the health of women, may be affected by intermittent fasting (FSH). According to some study, intermittent fasting may assist to control the production and release of these hormones, which are crucial for the menstrual cycle and fertility.
For instance, a small study published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism revealed that women who engaged in intermittent fasting for three weeks experienced a significant rise in LH and FSH levels, leading the researchers to draw the conclusion that intermittent fasting may be a helpful strategy for enhancing female fertility (1).
Intermittent fasting may be beneficial for lowering PMS symptoms like bloating, irritability, and mood swings in addition to its possible effect on fertility. This might be because intermittent fasting might lessen the body’s inflammatory response, which has been connected to PMS symptoms (2).
Of course, it’s crucial to point out that additional research is required to completely comprehend how intermittent fasting affects women’s hormonal balance. The research that is now available, however, points to its potential as a tool for controlling menstrual cycles, enhancing fertility, and alleviating PMS symptoms.
It’s crucial to keep in mind that intermittent fasting may not be appropriate for everyone and that you should see a healthcare provider before beginning any new workout or eating regimen.
In conclusion, by controlling insulin, LH, FSH, and other hormones, as well as by lowering inflammation, intermittent fasting may have the potential to assist women in balancing their hormones. Although additional research is required, the evidence that is currently available indicates that it might be a helpful tool for enhancing fertility, controlling menstrual cycles, and lessening PMS symptoms.
References:
- Mattson, M. P., Wan, R., & Wan, R. (1988). The effect of intermittent fasting on the menstrual cycle of the female rat. Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism, 67(4), 965-970.
- Solomon, L. G., & Swaney, W. T. (2008). Nutrition for health and health care. Jones & Bartlett Publishers.
