Mumbai doctors highlight how fasting affects men and women differently 

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While most people fast during the festive season due to religious reasons in India, there are others who observe fasting throughout the year. Some are beginners, and others are experienced, but the way every body reacts is different, and that Mumbai-based doctors say differs between men and women. 

The fasting period is easily not for the weak because it tests endurance, and cannot be done on a whim. It is important for people to go into it knowing everything without challenging themselves. While there are tips and tricks all over, one of the most basic aspects of fasting, say Mumbai doctors, is influenced by hormones.

Bhakti Samant, who is the chief dietician at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital in Mumbai explains, “Fasting can affect men and women differently depending on their hormonal health, nutritional needs and overall health. Women may be more susceptible to fatigue during menstruation, particularly if they have low iron levels, while prolonged calorie restriction can affect menstrual regularity. Men may have higher energy requirements due to differences in body size and muscle mass. However, fasting tolerance varies individually, and factors such as hydration, diet, activity levels and existing medical conditions matter more than gender alone.”

Dr Santosh Bangar, who is the senior consultant psychiatrist at Gleneagles Hospital in Parel, further highlights how it differs:

1. Fasting for men
Men generally tolerate longer fasting windows better. Their main hormone, testosterone, is relatively stable day-to-day, so fasting usually doesn’t disturb it much unless the fasting is too extreme or for too many days.

2. Fasting for women
On the other hand, women’s hormones – estrogen and progesterone – fluctuate a lot through the monthly cycle. Very long or very strict fasting, especially under-eating, can be more stressful for the body. It can affect:
– Periods becoming irregular or delayed
– More mood swings, fatigue, sleep issues around fasting days
– Thyroid function if calorie intake is too low for too long

Putting it simply, Dr Bangar says, “Women are often more sensitive to energy shortage. So for many women, a gentler approach works better, like 12 to 14 hours fasting instead of 16 to 18 hours, not fasting every day during the week before periods, and stopping fasting if they feel dizzy, very irritable or their cycle gets disturbed. This does not mean women cannot fast. It just means they may need to listen to the body more closely and keep it flexible.”