I’ve heard that before your period you should take your fasts lightly. But then when it’s the best time? Specially for prolonged fasts. Sometimes when I’m on my period I really don’t want to eat, I think one time I even enter ketosis for some hours, because I felt so sick I just didn’t want to eat. Has this happened to you? I’m very irregular so that’s another thing. Right now I’m waiting for my period to come, but it just doesn’t and I shouldn’t fast I guess.
I go trembly and lightheaded and cold real quick during my period but am ok otherwise. So I just fast at other times! I always just figured that was why religions/traditions that encourage fasting often exempt women on their periods.
I’m fairly regular, and I don’t make significant changes to my fasting schedule because of my periods. I even like it because it eases the period poop. But, if I crave some chocolate I just have it, fasting or not. I don’t usually have sweet cravings and it helps my mood so I just go for it
I only ever schedule an extended fast during the second week of my cycle (right after my period, before ovulation). I usually gain back a pound or two the next couple weeks leading up to my cycle, and then by the time it’s over I have usually lost a few more, and I have minimal hunger/cravings and more energy to get me though an extended fast that week.
I lost 30lbs in 90 days doing ADF through that week, with IF most other days and low carb/ keto, but the vast majority of that weight dropped off in the middle weeks of my cycle. Hope that helps!
Honestly, I love/hate it. After my period I feel back to my normal self, energized and high. In comparison to after cycle while fasting, I’d have to say it’s bitter sweet. The sweetness outweighs the bitter. I wrap up my cycle feeling clear, light, limited or no boating, positive outlook on life etc. Fasting during that time is more then tough. My pain is the same usually, I’m depriving myself of my normal monthly ritual of eating sweets, and it feels as if I’m not behaving righteously towards my body. I think it’s an opportunity to beat the sluggish ways during that time & avoid usual period discomfort. Fasting allows the body time to process the foreign matter consumed.
I’ve had two periods so far since I started extended fasting (3-4 days), and personally I don’t have those symptoms, but my period did get spotty and lasted a few days longer (usually I have a very heavy flow on the first half, and they last 6 days). In terms of energy and other stuff, I wasn’t feeling that much different, so this is definitely a case by case situation.