Hey everyone,
I’m fairly new to fasting and am wondering what other peoples experience with menstrual cycles and fasting are.
I just completed my first 40hr fast this morning and the last 4 hours were horrible due to getting my period. I’m just wondering if this is common. Does fasting reduce pain tolerance?
For example I woke up with my period - my cramps felt worse than I’ve ever had and had a bout of cold sweats as soon as I woke up. I broke my fast a few hours later and had some ibuprofen. I’m feeling fine now.
Thanks in advance for any input.
I personally found that regular fasting lessened my overall menstrual experience, lightened flow and I had fewer symptoms, plus I have a copper IUD. But everyone is different, and maybe if your electrolytes are out of whack (aaaa sorry to give the age-old “it’s your electrolytes”) you could be cramping more? Maybe your body is still freaking out since you’re new to it. Of course, it the pain is disruptively intense then absolutely eat and do what you have to around your period, and maybe fasting just has to be relegated to other times in your cycle. Good to hear it came on time though, so maybe the increased pain is a result of you doing something new. I also think fasting tunes me in to my body more, so maybe it’s not that your pain tolerance is reduced, you’re just noticing it more? Menstruation is such a chore!
There’s a podcast called “The fasting method”. It’s by two women with lots of fasting experience, and they discuss this. But I’m a guy and don’t remember any of it because it doesn’t effect me. So I can’t tell you anything, only point you in a direction to find the answers. (I do remember that there are times for women when fasting is easier and some times when its harder, but I don’t remember much)
maybe its the hyperfocus.
no food no hunger no planning (allowed)
the moment pain hits you it kicks HARD..?
also, heat packs help with menstrual cramps right? (I’m 37m) when i hit 3 or 4 days fasting, i find i lack heat - toes and fingers feel cold. i found drinking two three cups of hot ish water helped restore my circulation to toes/fingers, they felt warm again.
maybe you could try that and report back?