Intermittent fasting is everywhere—your best friend swears by it, your favorite influencer does it and even your doctor might hint at giving it a try. But is this trendy habit right for your menopausal body?
The Hormonal Catch
Fasting can lower insulin levels and support weight loss. Sounds great, right? But here’s the catch: during menopause, your body is already under stress. Skip meals and you might spike cortisol—the stress hormone—which throws your entire hormonal system into chaos.
High cortisol = poor sleep, stubborn belly fat, anxiety and irregular cycles (yes, even during perimenopause!).
Women Aren’t Small Men
Most intermittent fasting research has been done on men. But women’s bodies—especially during menopause—are biologically different. Our hormones are sensitive and restrictive eating windows can sometimes do the exact opposite of what we want: slow metabolism, tank energy and worsen mood.
- Forget the clock—eat when you’re hungry, not when the internet tells you to. Your metabolism needs steady fuel, not long gaps.
- Support your hormones by focusing on sleep and reducing stress, not starving.
- Prioritize nourishing, regular meals over restrictive trends. Your body deserves consistent energy, not fasting experiments.
Bottom Line
If fasting makes you feel amazing—great. But if it’s leaving you drained, anxious or moody… it’s your hormones talking. Trust them.
Nourish with Plants
Load up on fiber-rich lentils, leafy greens and flaxseeds—they balance blood sugar, support hormones and keep energy steady. Your body thrives on real food, not rules.
I started out several years ago watching Forks Over Knives, decided to “try out” the plant-based meal plan and had shockingly incredible results. I’ve never turned back. I have lost nearly 50 pounds, and that is just one side effect that me, my family, friends and clients have experienced after making the change.
Having been an incredible cook my entire adult life, I started my own personal chef service, NuYu Nourish, to extend my help to others. I interned under a celebrity chef, became a celebrity chef myself and have been expanding my reach and goals ever since! My plan follows strictly and simply those of Dr. Mcdougall, Dr. T. Colin Campbell and Dr. Esselstyn.
