Skip to main content

Intermittent Fasting and Hormones: The Latest Findings and What They Mean for Women

 


Hey lovelies! 🌟

So, you know how intermittent fasting (IF) is all the rage for weight loss? Critics have been throwing shade, worrying it might mess with women's reproductive hormones. But guess what? A fresh study from the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) is here to spill the tea, and it's not all bad news. 🍵

The amazing Krista Varady and her team followed a group of pre- and post-menopausal obese women for eight weeks on the “warrior diet.” Picture this: a four-hour window where you can eat guilt-free, followed by a water fast until the next day. Sounds wild, right?

After eight weeks, here’s what they found:

  • Sex-binding globulin hormone: No change. This protein carries reproductive hormones around, and it was steady as a rock.

  • Testosterone and androstenedione: No changes here either. Both are crucial for producing testosterone and estrogen.

Now, the biggie: DHEA. This hormone, which fertility clinics adore for improving ovarian function and egg quality, saw a drop of about 14% in both pre- and post-menopausal women. But wait—it stayed within the normal range. So, don't panic!

Varady explains, “In pre-menopausal women, this small drop in DHEA needs to be balanced against the benefits of a lower body mass.” For post-menopausal women, lower DHEA might be concerning since menopause already reduces estrogen, but there were no reported side effects like sexual dysfunction or skin changes.

Plus, lower DHEA might even help reduce breast cancer risk. Talk about a silver lining! 🌈

The study also looked at estradiol, estrone, and progesterone levels in post-menopausal women (because tracking these hormones in pre-menopausal women is like trying to catch a cloud), and guess what? No changes after eight weeks.

And let’s not forget: Women on the warrior diet shed 3%-4% of their baseline weight, saw drops in insulin resistance, and reduced oxidative stress markers. Meanwhile, the control group didn’t lose much weight at all.

While perimenopausal women weren’t part of this study, Varady’s hopeful. “This is a great first step,” she says. “Intermittent fasting just makes people eat less by shortening the eating window. Most negative info on IF comes from animal studies. We need more human research.”

The study, “Effect of time-restricted eating on sex hormone levels in premenopausal and postmenopausal females” was supported by the National Institutes of Health (R01DK119783). Shoutout to all the co-authors who made this possible: Faiza Kalam, Rand Akasheh, Sofia Cienfuegos, Aparna Ankireddy, Kelsey Gabel, Mark Ezpeleta, Shuhao Lin, Chandra Tamatam, Sekhar Reddy, Bonnie Spring, and Seema Khan.

Till next time, stay curious and fabulous! 💖


✨ If you find value in my content and it helps you on your fasting journey, consider supporting my work by buying me a coffee! ☕️ Your generosity keeps this blog alive and thriving, enabling me to share more insights, research, and tips. Thank you for being a part of this community and for inspiring me to continue this journey. ✨


Disclaimer: The information provided on this blog is for general informational and educational purposes only. Please read our full disclaimer here.

Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

The Benefits of Barley Tea During Fasting

Barley tea, known as "mugicha" in Japan and "boricha" in Korea, is a popular beverage with a rich history in East Asian cultures. It's made by roasting barley grains and steeping them in hot water, resulting in a toasty, nutty flavor that is both refreshing and soothing. Incorporating barley tea into your fasting routine can offer a range of health benefits, making it a great addition to your fasting regimen. Pros of Drinking Barley Tea During a Fast Calorie-Free Hydration: One of the most significant benefits of barley tea is that it is naturally calorie-free. This makes it an excellent choice for those who are fasting, as it helps maintain hydration without breaking the fast. Rich in Antioxidants: Barley tea is loaded with antioxidants, which help protect your body from oxidative stress and free radicals. These antioxidants can support overall health and potentially reduce the risk of chronic diseases. Digestive Health: Barley tea contains compounds that ca...
Post a Comment
Read more

My Go-To Meal When Breaking a Fast: A Savory and Sweet Salad

With over twenty years of fasting experience, I've learned a few things that never change. Fasting, whether for weight loss or health, is a personal journey. People can give you all kinds of advice—and some it might work—but finding what truly works for you is key. I’m here to share my number one meal when breaking a fast. This has been my go-to since my twenties, and now in my forties, it continues to fuel and satisfy me. I like to make a salad that hits all the right notes for me, balancing sweet and savory flavors. Ingredients: Romaine lettuce Mixed greens Thinly sliced white onion Shredded cabbage Shredded carrot Chickpeas Dried blueberries Optional: Rotisserie chicken (for extra protein) Optional: Wrap (for a carby mood) Dressing Options: Italian dressing Lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper Whatever dressing I'm in the mood for Here’s how I put it all together: I start with a base of romaine lettuce and mixed greens for a nice, crisp foundation. I add thinly sliced wh...
Post a Comment
Read more

Exploring Red Light Therapy for Mold Exposure: What You Need to Know

  Red Light Therapy Center's Claims and Considerations At Enlighten Red Light Therapy Center , a variety of claims are made regarding the benefits of red light therapy for alleviating symptoms associated with mold exposure. While these claims are compelling, it's essential to understand that they are largely anecdotal and not yet supported by robust scientific research. The Claims Anti-Inflammatory Effects Red light therapy is said to reduce inflammation by inhibiting the release of inflammatory cytokines and prostaglandins. This can provide relief from symptoms such as redness, soreness, and itching associated with mold exposure. Enhanced Cellular Energy Production The therapy is believed to boost cellular energy by increasing the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the energy currency of cells. This enhancement supports the body's natural healing mechanisms and detoxification processes. Promotes Tissue Repair and Wound Healing Red light therapy is claimed to ac...
Post a Comment
Read more