Is your period necessary for health even if you’re not trying to conceive?
Hello, 36F mother of two healthy boys and I’ve been doing intermittent fasting on and off since about 2016 (16 hours fasting, 8 hours of eating). I conceived and had two healthy children since then but was not able to intermittent fast while I was trying to conceive. Now I’m done breastfeeding and want to increase my fasting window to 18 or 20 hours to lose a bit more baby weight (I weigh 126 down from 175 when I gave birth, I’m 5’3 and my goal is to get to 115/120). I’ve noticed that I don’t really have a cycle when I’m doing intermittent fasting though….and if I do it’s really really far apart like 45-60 days. My question is whether I’m doing serious damage here….am I supposed to have a consistent period? Thanks for your insights!
Losing your period is a possible side effect of fasting. It’s often recommended to go easier the week or so before you expect your period. Since you’re having this issue, try going to a milder 14:10 (try not to do more than 16:8 at least) from day 21 of your cycle, add in an extra meal as your body might need more food in that part if your cycle. You can also check what foods are good for getting more progesterone.
Have you been checked for PCOS? Typically that syndrome has period markers like you’re describing. I would check with your gyno just to make sure. I missed my period for 2 years due to extreme stress and was told it was fine, but you also just have to make sure