Intermittent fasting has not been shown to cause hormonal imbalances or fertility issues in adult women. In fact, subjects participating in Dr. Varady’s studies have reported that losing weight with intermittent fasting has actually helped them become pregnant and improve the regularity of their menstrual cycles. This myth seems to have originated with a study that was published a few years ago, which showed that normal weight teenage female rats developed hormonal imbalances after water fasting every other day. However, it’s important to note that these young lean rats lost almost a quarter of their body weight during a critical developmental stage (puberty). Losing extreme amounts of weight during puberty with intermittent fasting is not recommended as it may impede growth and lead to reproductive issues. That’s why we don’t recommend intermittent fasting for anyone under 18.
Important note: If you have any medical conditions or are taking prescription medication of any kind for any condition at all, we highly recommend speaking with your physician prior to commencing any new diet, eating or exercise regime.
