Muslims fast during the month of Ramadan with exceptions for certain subpopulations such as those who are breastfeeding or pregnant. But is it safe for those with PCOS to fast during ramadan? In this article we discuss the impact of ramadan fasting on PCOS. Objective: To determine the effects of Ramadan fasting on serum levels of stress neurohormones in Iranian women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Materials and methods: This study was a clinical trial and was performed during July 2011 (month of Ramadan) in Royan institute, Tehran. This study showed that Ramadan fasting is a pattern well known to reduce stress hormones in PCOS women. Future studies, specifically in PCOS women, with a larger sample size, and with evaluation of parameters, such as sleep and nutrition, are recommended, just before and after Ramadan. 3.2.1. Ramadan Fasting. One small study was identified which looked at 40 women with PCOS, 20 of whom completed Ramadan fasting for a mean of 26 days and were compared to a nonfasting control group. A 2022 review suggests that fasting during Ramadan may have beneficial effects on PCOS symptoms, such as improving insulin resistance and reducing oxidative stress. However, the authors highlight the need for personalized approaches and monitoring by healthcare professionals. The Impact of Ramadhan Fasting in Women with PCOS: an Association Between FPG and Lipid Profiles Ramadan intermittent fasting (RIF), is another type of IF regimen. During Ramadan, adult Muslims are mandated to refrain from food and drink for 12–22 h during the day, depending on the season and geographical location. This fasting pattern is followed consistently for 29–30 days. The current study was designed to evaluate the effects of Ramadan fasting on metabolic status among women with PCOS. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on twenty seven PCOS patients who had fasted for a mean period of 16.5 hours a day during the 29 days of the month of Ramadan in Kashan, Iran. Results: In patients with PCOS, mean of cortisol in subjects with and without fasting were 8.2 ± 4.4 and 11.2 ± 4.7, respectively (P = 0.049). Also the respective median of nor-adrenaline in In the study group after Ramadan serum cortisol and nor-adrenaline levels were significantly lower than the initial levels obtained at beginning of Ramadan (p < 0.05) as compared to control group. A 2022 systematic review found that people with PCOS undertaking Ramadan fasting had no significant changes in their insulin levels during this fasting period. Of course, more studies are needed to understand the effect of time-restricted feeding on PCOS but these results are not promising. A study published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism examined the effects of Ramadan fasting on women with anovulatory PCOS. The researchers found that Ramadan fasting increased ovulation rates among women with anovulatory PCOS. RESULTS: Plasma nitric oxide (NO) levels in PCOS women after Ramadan fasting were significantly higher compared to the baseline values (70.63 ± 15.78 vs. 59.94 ± 13.87 μmol/L, P = 0.003). Post Results of several studies suggest that Ramadan fasting reduces insulin resistance and glucose levels and improves lipid profile, reducing risks for chronic diseases [44,45]. However, it is not clear whether Ramadan-like fasting could have a significant effect on these parameters in PCOS—especially if patients fail to lose weight . SUMMARY: DOES FASTING HELP PCOS. In this trial, daily intermittent fasting (4pm to 8am) among overweight women with PCOS, for a period of 5 weeks significantly reduced mean body fat mass (35.28 to 32.89 kg), insulin levels (15.60 to 12.30 μU/mL) and total testosterone (-0.09 ng/mL) leading to improved menstrual cycles (11/15). Furthermore, PCOS patients will be asked to consume a small handful of nuts consisting of 200 kilocalories of mixed nuts (18 g of fat, 5 g of protein, and 4 g of carbohydrates) during fasting if they experience drops in energy or severe headache . Hello, I’m not sure if anyone else on here takes part in Ramadan so to explain, due to religious reasons we don’t eat anything from dusk till dawn (including water). This is my 2nd Ramadan fasting after my PCOS diagnosis and last Ramadan I was still in the phase where I got no periods whatsoever. I’ve always been fairly good with my fasts. Q: How long should someone with PCOS fast during intermittent fasting? A: The duration of fasting periods can vary depending on the individual and the chosen intermittent fasting method. Popular methods include the 16/8 method (fasting for 16 hours and eating within an 8-hour window) and the 5:2 method (eating normally for five days and There were no significant differences in levels of beta-endorphin (p = 0.543), insulin (p = 0.818), FSH, LH, testosterone, or adrenaline after undergoing Ramadan fasting. Significant effects of Ramadan fasting on reducing cortisol (p = 0.049) and noradrenaline levels (p = 0.047) were shown. Overall there was no benefit of Ramadan fasting shown So let us have a talk about observing Ramadan and living with a chronic illness, be it PCOS, depression, Chron’s, cancer etc and the hidden problems many women face. All Muslims upon reaching puberty are obliged to fast giving the exemption to those that are ill, frail, women who are pregnant, lactating or even menstruating as well as travellers.
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