Have you tried Intermittent Fasting? I’m a big fan, but have noticed that many of my new patients aren’t doing it correctly and have big hormone challenges.

I’ll give you my favorite Fasting Tricks for Women below, along with the Best Supplement for fasting with a Discount Code.

Do you have any of these:

  • PMS
  • Cravings right before your cycle starts
  • Bloating and water retention
  • Acne right before your period
  • Breast tenderness

If you aren’t doing any intermittent fasting, then I want to empower you to begin.

And, if you’ve been doing some version of Intermittent Fasting (IF), then you may be causing even more hormone imbalances. Most research done on IF has been performed on men. Women need something different.

Hormone balance is important for a woman at all ages, not only when they want to have children. A healthy cycle is regular, without many symptoms, and lasts approximately 5-7 days. (I will address Peri and Menopausal women down below.)

Many hormones are important for a woman’s health, but Progesterone stands out and merits a bit more attention. Levels of progesterone should rise around ovulation and then peak at the end of your cycle. Progesterone as well as Estrogen need to be in balance or you may have symptoms like bloating, moodiness, low libido, irregular moon cycles (your menstrual period), weight gain, sleep challenges, cellulite, and breast tenderness.

How Does Fasting Impact Your Hormones?

I love intermittent fasting as a tool for releasing excess weight, slowing the aging process, supporting cellular regeneration, reversing insulin resistance, and decreasing systemic inflammation.

However, fasting is a stress on your body and can cause uncomfortable and unhealthy hormone imbalances. It can actually increase cortisol levels (stress hormone) and decrease progesterone levels. Clearly, not healthy.

I’ve learned that it’s more beneficial to synchronize your fasting with your moon cycle.
Here’s How:

Days 1-14 The Follicular Phase

The beginning of your cycle is the best time to do a stronger fast because your hormones are at their lowest and most stable. You can safely play with fasting for 14-24 hours during this time. If you do a 24 hour fast, consider taking a dose of electrolytes mid-way through the fast. When I do a 24 hour fast, I prefer to fast more when I sleep so I eat an early dinner and then don’t eat until the following evening.

Days 15-28 The Luteal Phase

Ovulation through the first day of your moon cycle is when your body is building progesterone and therefore it’s best to fast less. It’s important to stabilize your blood sugar, so avoid skipping meals, and eat plenty of healthy protein and fats. If you’re craving carbohydrates, then turn to healthier options like sweet potatoes topped with ghee, or an organic apple with almond butter. You can consider fasting 12-14 hours a day during this time. Don’t push yourself during this time.

One of my favorite Fasting Hacks is a product called Fasting Days by Innotech. I take a scoop of this in about 8-12 oz of water and sip on it when I’m feeling hungry. It gives me essential nutrients without eating. You can find it on my website with an accompanying Discount Code: Click here. Take note of the discount code and then click on the “Innotech” image to be able to search for the product “Fasting Days.” Enter discount code at checkout.

Breaking your fast properly is just as important as the fast itself!

A great way to gently move back into eating is to stimulate your digestive juices and support your liver and gall bladder. Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) does the job. I add a splash (1-2 tsp) to 4 oz of water before my meals. ACV helps cut cravings and supports healthy hormones through its effect on the Liver. Your liver conjugates excess estrogens and moves them out, which is important.

I also love breaking a fast with bone broth or a simple drink with Whole Body Collagen.

Following your own moon rhythm is certainly the best way for a woman to fast.

Peri and Menopausal women, I haven’t forgotten about you. Fasting is great for you too. If you’re Perimenopausal then you are likely still having hormone fluctuations. Do your best to feel into those days you feel most stable and fast longer. When you are having 12 Power Surges (my name for Hot Flashes) a day, focus on avoiding stimulants, sugar, spicy and processed foods and test intermittent fasting with your system to see how it helps you balance. You may fast for 14 hours and then eat for 10.  Menopausal sisters, intermittent fasting is excellent for you too. Decreasing the window of eating time greatly helps your digestion, metabolism, and brain function. Let me hear how you do!

Good Luck Ladies. Please keep me posted on how things unfold for you during your fasting journey.

Blessings of Vibrant Health,
Kristin Grayce McGary
Health and Lifestyle Alchemist
LAc, MAc, CFMP©, CST-T, CLP