Intermittent Fasting

Intermittent fasting is an eating pattern that alternates between designated eating windows and fasting periods—common approaches include the 16:8 method (eating within an 8-hour window) and the 5:2 method (eating normally five days and significantly reducing calories two days per week). While some women with PCOS report benefits from intermittent fasting including improved insulin sensitivity and weight loss, the research in PCOS specifically is limited, and the practice carries potential risks: fasting can increase cortisol levels, disrupt menstrual cycles in some women, and worsen the relationship with food in those prone to disordered eating. Women with PCOS considering intermittent fasting should discuss it with their healthcare provider, as individual responses vary significantly based on PCOS type, stress levels, and metabolic status.