Does fasting for a long time aggravate endometriosis pain?

Fasting can be a friend or foe towards endometriosis pain.  

Fasting has been shown to help conserve energy levels, giving the body a chance to rest and recover¹. If done strategically it may also help regulate hormonal balance, reduce inflammation, and help with better stress management, all of which can help alleviate chronic pain. Strategic fasting can sometimes help reduce symptom flare-ups.   

Eating light meals or fasting can be beneficial for some woman before their menstrual cycles to ease discomfort in the gastrointestinal tract, which is often affected by endometriosis.  

Long term fasting has been shown to not to alter female hormones during an extended period of time³, and therapeutic fasting may be considered a safe and effective option in the management of primary dysmenorrhea⁴.  

However, fasting isn’t necessarily a one-size-fits-all solution, so its effectiveness and overall impact can vary and it can depend on the period of time and the manner in which one fasts.   

To ensure that you get the most out of this dietary approach without negatively impacting your hormones, a gradual approach is key. This includes implementing short-term and controlled fasting periods — such as intermittent fasting — that are generally considered safe for most people.  These methods allow you to get the benefits of fasting without pushing your body to extremes. 

REFERENCES: 

1. Chiofalo B, Laganà AS, Palmara V, et al.. Fasting as possible complementary approach for polycystic ovary syndrome: hope or hype? Med Hypotheses 2017; 105: 1-3.  DOI: 10.1016/j.mehy.2017.06.013. 

2. Habib N, Buzzaccarini G, Centini G et al. Impact of lifestyle and diet on endometriosis: a fresh look to a busy corner. Prz Menopauzalny. 2022 Jun; 21(2): 124–132.  DOI: 10.5114/pm.2022.116437 

3. Effects of long-term fasting on female hormone levels: Ramadan model E.K. Çağlayan E K, Göçmen A Y, Delibas N. Clin Exp Obstet Gynecol. 2014;41(1):17-9. 

4. Tewani S, Sharma H, Tewani G R, et al.  The Long-Term Impact of Therapeutic Fasting on Primary Dysmenorrhea in Young Female Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial.  Cureus. 2023 Jul; 15(7): e41437.  DOI: 10.7759/cureus.41437