Menopause and extended fasting

science
fasting
(Carole) #1

52 years young, been Keto since December 2016. Started Keto for my teenage son. I ended up realizing some great health benefits myself and now keto for life. In summary, finally landed in the valley of true menopause with no cycles for a year as of this month. The 20lbs I lost at the beginning of Keto that surprisingly slimmed down my periomenopause hormone belly has returned on the hips and midsection within the past few months and added about 15lbs back on of what visually looks like cottage cheese fat, literally. I have been in ‘Keto maintenance,’ so to speak, since March of last year. I eat when hungry, but typically my eating window ratio is 16:8 and there are days where I’m not hungry much and days I eat a bear. When I noticed the hips and belly expanding I figured something was up with the hormones again. Got on a scale and yep.

I have read Fung and stay connected there as well as listening to 2KetoDude podcasts. Great insights and information on Keto and fasting. Still-not finding any decent science on menopause and extended fasting. Will it reverse the added hormone pounds, or does genetics kick in and the middle gains stay after the hormones are done with you? If not, does EF work? And, if it does, is there a recommendation? For example, once a month until the middle is in a healthy weight range again? Are 4 day fasts enough for this type of hormone weight gain or does it require a longer fast period to be effective?

I am now 48 hours into a fast and feel great. Felt a need to shake up the body a bit and see if there would be any results that I could note personally. Figured it can’t hurt as the fasting seems to have many positives even if it doesn’t help menopause hormone dumps or the genetics that ensue. Science, experience…all welcome and thank you!

(Roy D) #2

There is some mention of menopause on the Heal-Clinic website that may be helpful;

(Renee Slaughter) #3

Hi Carole,
I am 57 years young and firmly in menopause. Here’s what I have found. While on a vegan then vegetarian diet my hot flashes and night sweats were ridiculous. Now after 2 months on keto I haven’t had a night sweat and my hot flashes have lowered to just occasionally. Belly fat. I was 42 inches last year when I first started keto. After 2 months I had lost 2 inches
Left keto for several months came back 12/17. After my second extended 3 day fast I lost another 1.5 inches. I am proud to say I am now 39 inches around my belly button. I am also diabetic. So fighting on 2 fronts. My weight loss is slow but steady. And my pants size is now a 14. Extended fasting does work for us. But keto is not quick fix. I recommend Dr Jason Fung’s book The Complete Guide to Fasting. There he says anyone can fast even if you’re 80.

(Carole) #4

Thank you. I have been Keto over a year. I have read Fung’s book, clinic forums and subscribe to 2KetoDudes. My son has lost 40lbs and in the best shape of his life physically and mentaly. I supported him and lost 20lbs all periomenopause related. All good on the Keto front. My questions are more related to extended fasting as it relates to the final menopause hormone dump. This final stage of menopause added back fat on the hips and belly despite keto that I am looking to get back in a healthy range.

(Carole) #5

Thanks Roy. Yep, keto has been awesome during my premenopause and menopause with the exception of the weight gain back into the midsection these last few months which is why I am looking for studies or knowledge on extended fasting with the final stages of menopause hormone dump to get the midsection back into a healthy range if possible.