#BodyTalkWithCosmo: Fasting might be trendy, but is it secretly sabotaging your cycle?

From gut health to glowing skin, intermittent fasting (IF) has been hailed as a modern miracle—if social media is to be believed. But is it actually good for women? Or are we buying into yet another wellness trend that wasn’t designed with our hormonal systems in mind?

We spoke to Raksha Lulla, nutrition and lifestyle expert and diabetes educator, who approaches health through the lens of feminine energy rather than rigid routines. Her verdict? Fasting might be trendy, but it isn’t universally healthy, especially for women. Here’s what you need to know before skipping your next meal in the name of “wellness”.

Why most intermittent fasting research doesn't apply to women

Intermittent fasting may be dominating the health and wellness world, but its research is largely rooted in male physiology. “A woman’s body is designed for self-preservation,” Lulla explains. “Our hormonal cycle runs for 28 days, mirroring the moon. That means our biological rhythm is not linear like men’s—and can’t be treated the same way in clinical trials.”

This cyclical nature means that when women skip meals, especially breakfast or dinner, the body may slip into survival mode. “That can impact ovulation, reduce fertility, and interfere with our evolutionary process,” she adds. In short, most touted IF benefits are based on how male bodies respond, not female ones.

Fasting can mess with your hormones—and your cycle

Going for long periods without food might seem harmless at first. But the effects on the female hormonal system can be serious. Lulla warns, “It can lead to reduced ovulation, lighter periods, and even kill progesterone production.” These hormones are key to regulating your cycle, sleep, mood, and more.

One of the first signs your body’s not coping with fasting? “Your sleep and your bleed,” she says. “If those change noticeably, it could be your body telling you it’s under stress.”

Is there a way to fast that supports female health?

Yes—but it’s less about strict time windows and more about intention. “Women can fast gently—on days when they want to go inward or practise spiritual stillness. Think light foods like fruits, nuts, or milk, instead of total abstinence,” Lulla suggests. “It’s not about starvation, it’s about feeling less dense and more connected.”

In other words, fasting doesn’t have to mean suffering. When done with purpose and awareness, it can be nourishing, not punishing.

Why fasting might make you feel ‘lighter’—but not always in a good way

Many women say fasting helps them feel more focused or emotionally “lighter”. According to Lulla, that may be true, but not always for the reasons you think. “Yes, you feel lighter—but sometimes it’s just because you’re not eating, not because your body is thriving.”

Instead of cutting out meals altogether, she recommends tuning into your body’s hunger cues and focusing on lighter, more wholesome meals when needed. “It’s not about what a trend tells you—it’s about what your body needs.”

Intentional fasting vs. disordered eating—where’s the line?

Here’s the tricky part: how do you know if your fasting habit is healthy or harmful? “The key difference is whether it comes from devotion or discipline,” Lulla explains. “If you’re bullying yourself into it, forcing your body to obey—then that’s disordered. But if you approach it with love, grace, and flexibility, it’s intentional.”

Translation? If you’re fasting to punish or shrink yourself, it’s time to take a step back.

So, does fasting reinforce toxic beauty standards?

This is where things get real. From a feminine (not necessarily feminist) lens, fasting can reflect deeper insecurities. Lulla says, “It’s often a way to not like yourself. It suggests something is wrong with you, and the only way to fix it is to do something extreme.”

The bottom line: women’s bodies are not projects to be controlled or trends to be tested. They’re powerful, rhythmic, and worthy of nourishment.

Fasting isn’t inherently bad, but it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution, especially for women. Before you jump on the bandwagon, ask yourself: Is this helping me feel more like myself, or making me shrink into someone else’s idea of ‘healthy’?

All images: Pexels, Unsplash 

Also read: Struggling with managing PCOS symptoms? Here’s the perfect nutrition guide for you!

Also read: 5 Tips to Fast the Right Way, According to a Nutritionist