Should I do intermittent fasting during my period?

Benefits of Intermittent Fasting During Menstruation

Contrary to popular perception, fasting during your periods can have many advantages.

Hormonal Stability:

Intermittent fasting can stabilize hormones, potentially reducing hunger by regulating ghrelin and leptin production, which are hunger-triggering hormones.

Improved Gut Health:

Fasting may promote better gut health and nutrient absorption.

Pain Relief:

It can help alleviate general body pain associated with menstruation.

Considerations for Intermittent Fasting During Menstruation

However, it should be noted that the week before your period, you may need to do shorter fasts. During this time, estrogen levels dip and you develop sensitivity to cortisol, the stress hormone, which can make it more challenging to do longer fasts like 16 hours or more. And you can try shorter fasts around 12 hours.