Intermittent Fasting and I Just Don’t Jive

I've learned that some things are super beneficial but there not for me

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I’ve always been open-minded about health and wellness trends. Over the years, I’ve tried random supplements, yoga, meditation, and probiotics. I even make my own kefir and kombucha. For a while, I actually attempted to start my mornings with a shot of apple cider vinegar—never again.

Menopause has been difficult for me; I have written about it a lot, so I’ve tried a lot of ways to alleviate my symptoms. Still, the weight gain, the mood disorders and the brain fog are hard to keep in check. So when my friend Sara started raving about intermittent fasting and how it had transformed her menopause experience, I paused. Was this the answer?

Sara and I have been friends for years. Together, we’ve weathered all sorts of changes— careers, relationships, the slow but steady downward trajectory of certain body parts and the arrival of fine lines on our faces. So I listened when she told me how intermittent fasting (IF) was helping with her energy levels, mood swings, and even her bulging belly problem. I mean, what menopausal woman wouldn’t be intrigued by anything that promises more energy and fewer mood swings?

Sara isn’t alone. IF is discussed everywhere, and it seems like it’s the solution for every ailment, from toe fungus to metabolic resistance. So, how could you go wrong with it?

But what most people fail to consider is that no matter how popular and healthy something is, it still isn’t for everyone. And IF definitely isn’t for me.

What is Intermittent Fasting, Anyway?

For those unfamiliar, intermittent fasting is an eating pattern where you cycle between periods of eating and fasting. It’s not about what you eat, but rather when you eat.

Some people follow the 16:8 method, fasting for 16 hours and eating within an 8-hour window. Others opt for a 5:2 approach, eating normally for five days and significantly cutting calories for two days. There’s even the OMAD (one meal a day) method, which, honestly, sounds like medieval punishment to me.

The science behind IF is compelling. Studies suggest that intermittent fasting can help with insulin sensitivity, reduce inflammation, and even support brain health. Some research even indicates that it could ease menopause symptoms like night sweats, fatigue, and brain fog.

A study published in The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism found that intermittent fasting may improve insulin resistance in postmenopausal women, reducing their risk of type 2 diabetes. Another study in Cell Metabolism highlighted that time-restricted eating might support better metabolic function in women over 50.

So, for many women, it might be worth giving this a shot, right?

Research vs. Reality

There’s no shortage of research touting the benefits of intermittent fasting, but there’s also a catch. Many of these studies focus on younger participants, often men.

For women, the situation might very well be different.

Especially Menopause is a whole different ball game. Our hormones—specifically estrogen and progesterone—fluctuate in ways that affect metabolism, appetite, and even how our bodies handle stress.

Not surprisingly, there is some conflicting research. In 2022, the Menopause Review wrote that IF may lead to increased cortisol levels, exacerbating stress and sleep disturbances—issues that menopause already brings in abundance.

Some studies do suggest that IF can improve metabolic health in menopausal women. For example, a 2018 study in Obesity found that intermittent fasting helped postmenopausal women lose weight and improve insulin resistance. But, another study in Nutrients highlighted that fasting could actually increase cortisol levels in some women, leading to more stress and disrupted sleep. And if there’s one thing I don’t need in menopause, it’s more stress and worse sleep.

Intermittent Fasting Doesn’t Fit My Schedule

I’m a night person, so mornings are already stressful. Some days, I don’t even get to eat breakfast, making my schedule feel like involuntary intermittent fasting—just without the supposed benefits.

Then, I dive into my full-time tech job. My schedule is unpredictable. Some days, I have back-to-back customer meetings; other days, I handle escalations or troubleshoot urgent issues. Because my work is so variable, I never really know when I’ll have time to eat, making it impossible to stick to a rigid fasting schedule.

If I were to start intermittent fasting, my eating window wouldn’t open until mid-morning or even lunchtime. That means I’d be running on nothing but willpower for hours. Not a good combination for my mood, which is already volatile, or my ability to focus. Is it brain fog, or are my sugar levels low? A fun new assessment to make every day, not.

Then there’s the evening. My husband and I try to eat dinner together, and I’m not about to stop sharing a meal with him because my eating window has closed. Food is more than just fuel—it’s social, comforting, and part of our relationship.

Like Bob, I’m Angry When I’m Hungry

Over the years, I’ve learned that hunger makes me feel bad. I get dizzy, irritable, and lose focus. Some people can power through hunger like it’s a minor inconvenience, but that’s not me. I can do it, but it really doesn’t bring out the best in me.

I try to eat something when I feel hungry to keep focusing—otherwise, my productivity tanks. And let’s be honest, Bob already told us that a hungry (wo)man is an angry (wo)man. Just ask anyone who's tried to have a conversation with me when I'm running on empty.

Menopause already comes with its fair share of discomfort—I don’t think I can cope with much more without turning into one of the furies. No, not the movie version, but the original ones.

Some women find that IF helps them feel more in control of their eating habits, but for me, it feels limiting. If there’s one thing I don’t want to do at this stage in my life, it’s impose more rules on myself. I’m finally learning to listen to my body instead of fighting it.

The Mental and Emotional Toll of the Change

One of the biggest revelations of menopause for me has been that I can’t power through but need to be kinder to myself. The days of mind over matter and making things happen by the pure force of my will arr over.

Instead, I’m trying to focus on balance—eating whole foods, getting enough protein, prioritizing sleep, and moving my body in ways that make me feel good. Just trying to uphold the status quo feels like a full-time job; I don’t need an eating schedule that makes me feel like I’m failing whenever I have a snack outside my designated testing window.

Instead of fasting, I’m finding that listening to my body, allowing myself to eat when I’m hungry, and meals with plenty of protein and fiber work best for my menopausal body. I focus on stabilizing my blood sugar instead of letting myself crash.

I make sure to get enough sleep (as much as my anti-cylic night owl rhythm allows), drink lots of water, and find ways to manage stress that don’t involve food rules.

I also remind myself that every woman’s journey through menopause is unique. What works for Sara doesn’t have to work for me. And what works for me might not be the best choice for someone else.

Intermittent fasting might be a game-changer for some women, but I’ve made peace with the fact that it’s not for me. And that’s okay.

I’ve reached a point in my life where I trust my instincts. When my body asks for food, I try to listen. I’m focusing on what makes me feel good rather than trying the latest hype.

So, while I’m really happy for Sara and all the women who’ve found relief through intermittent fasting, I’ll be over here enjoying my morning eggs and toast at whichever time I get up and feel like it - far from the tyranny of the clock. Because if menopause has taught me anything, it’s that I deserve to do what works for me.

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