Why I Intermittent Fast (And Why It Might Not Work for You)

Let’s get one thing straight: I don’t intermittent fast (IF) because it’s trendy. I do it because it works ridiculously well for me. But that doesn’t mean it’s for everyone. In fact, for some women, it could be a nightmare.

Here’s why it’s my secret weapon—and why it might not be yours.

Why IF Works for Me

I’m not a morning eater. I’ve always felt more energized when I skip breakfast, and IF fits perfectly into that rhythm. But there’s more to it than just skipping a meal. Here’s why IF works so well for my body and mind:

1. Hormone Harmony Without the Drama

I’ve got a unique hormonal cocktail: cortisol ups and downs, a touch of estrogen dominance, and relatively high androgens (hello, strong muscles and laser focus).

Eating first thing in the morning spikes my blood sugar and sends cortisol on a rollercoaster, leading to midday crashes and restless evenings. But when I delay my first meal, my energy stays steady, my mood stays balanced, and I get more done.

For me, IF is a hormonal “reset” button. I feel grounded, energized, and in control.

2. Craving Control & Mental Clarity

I have a sensitive brain. Dopamine spikes from hyper-palatable foods used to set off cravings and emotional eating. IF gives my brain a break from the constant reward cycle, stabilizing dopamine levels.

The result? Fewer cravings, more focus, and a balanced mood. I’m more productive, less anxious, and feel grounded. Who doesn’t want that?

3. Digestive Reset & Gut Health

I’ve had my share of digestive issues—bloating, sluggishness, the works. IF activates my Migrating Motor Complex (MMC), the housekeeper of my digestive system. It sweeps out leftover food and bacteria, reducing bloating and keeping everything moving smoothly.

It also helps with histamine overload, which means less bloating, better skin, and no more “food hangovers.

4. Matches My Metabolism & Lifestyle

I don’t like feeling weighed down by food. I want to train, move, and live without feeling sluggish. IF keeps my energy consistent and my metabolism flexible.

I also get mental clarity in a fasted state. It’s like my brain switches to high-performance mode, helping me get more done in less time.

But Here’s Why It Might Not Work for You

I love IF, but it’s not for everyone. In fact, it could be disastrous for some women. Here’s why:

1. Hormonal Sensitivities

If you have low progesterone or estrogen imbalances, IF could throw your hormones into chaos. It might mess with ovulation and even cause you to lose your period.

Some women are more sensitive to caloric restriction due to their hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian (HPO) axis, leading to disrupted cycles. If you’re feeling anxious, tired, or moody, IF could be the culprit.

2. High Stress or Chronic Fatigue

IF can be stressful, especially if you’re already maxed out on cortisol or dealing with chronic fatigue. If fasting makes you more anxious, irritable, or disrupts your sleep, it’s not the right fit.

Not all cortisol patterns are created equal. For some, fasting raises cortisol, leading to anxiety, fatigue, and hormonal imbalances.

3. Thyroid or Autoimmune Issues

IF can lower T3 (active thyroid hormone) levels, which can slow metabolism and make you feel sluggish if you have hypothyroidism or Hashimoto’s.

If you’ve got an autoimmune condition, IF could trigger flare-ups due to the added stress. It’s not a one-size-fits-all approach and could make things worse.

4. Too Lean or Extremely Active

If you’re already lean or very active, IF could push your body into low energy availability. Your body is smart—if it senses you’re not getting enough energy, it’ll conserve resources by downregulating reproductive hormones.

This is why some women lose their periods when they fast. It’s your body’s way of protecting itself from what it thinks is starvation.

Should You Try IF?

If you’re curious about IF, start slow and listen to your body. Just because it works for me doesn’t mean it’ll work for you. Pay attention to your energy, mood, digestion, and menstrual cycle. If something feels off, don’t force it.

IF isn’t about starving yourself or fitting into a trendy diet box. It’s about optimizing energy, focus, and health. If it doesn’t feel right, don’t do it—there are plenty of other ways to reach your goals.

Bottom Line:

Listen to your body. Do what works for you, not what’s trending on Instagram. And if IF happens to be your magic bullet, more power to you.

Curious About IF? Let’s Chat.

Thinking about trying IF but unsure if it’s right for you? Drop a comment or shoot me a message. I’m always down to talk hormones, metabolism, and everything in between.

If you’ve tried IF and hated it, I’d love to hear why. Let’s chat and learn from each other. After all, health isn’t one-size-fits-all.