Fasting during menstruation is a common question for many women, especially during religious fasting periods. While some women feel fine fasting on their period, others experience weakness, dizziness, or worsening menstrual symptoms.
So, is it actually safe to fast during your period? The answer depends on your body, your health status, and how you fast.
Quick Answer
Fasting during your period can be safe for some women, but it is not suitable for everyone. Menstruation already places physical demands on the body, including blood and iron loss.
Fasting without adequate nutrition or hydration during this time may increase fatigue, dizziness, and hormonal imbalance.
Listening to your body and making wise adjustments is important.
What Happens To Your Body During Your Period?
During menstruation, your body is already working hard:
- You lose blood, which can lower iron levels
- Hormones such as oestrogen and progesterone fluctuate
- Energy levels may drop
- Cramping, headaches, or mood changes may occur
Adding fasting to this process can increase physical stress, especially if the fast is long or strict.
How Fasting Can Affect You During Menstruation
1. Increased Fatigue And Weakness
Fasting reduces calorie and nutrient intake. Combined with menstrual blood loss, this can lead to:
- Extreme tiredness
- Light-headedness
- Poor concentration
This is more common in women with low iron levels or anaemia.
2. Risk Of Low Iron Levels
Iron is essential for carrying oxygen in the blood. Many Nigerian women already struggle with low iron due to diet, heavy periods, or frequent pregnancies.
Fasting during your period without proper nourishment can worsen iron deficiency, leading to:
- Paleness
- Shortness of breath
- Heart palpitations
3. Hormonal Stress
Extended or repeated fasting can increase cortisol, the stress hormone. High cortisol levels may:
- Worsen menstrual cramps
- Affect cycle regularity
- Disrupt ovulation over time
4. Dehydration
During fasting periods in Nigeria, heat and physical activity increase fluid loss. Dehydration during menstruation can intensify:
- Headaches
- Cramps
- Dizziness
Is Fasting During Your Period Always Unsafe?
No. Some women can fast during their period without problems, especially if:
- Their periods are light
- They are well-nourished
- They stay hydrated
- The fast is short or modified
However, fasting should never worsen your health.
Who Should Avoid Fasting During Their Period?
You should consider modifying or avoiding fasting during menstruation if you:
- Have heavy or painful periods
- Have anaemia or low iron levels
- Feel faint, dizzy, or extremely weak
- Have irregular cycles or fertility concerns
- Are recovering from illness
Adjusting your fast is not a failure — it is wisdom.
Faith, Health And Menstruation
In Nigeria, religious fasting is widely practised among Christians and Muslims. It is important to remember that:
- Menstruation is a natural biological process
- Caring for your body honours God
- Health-based exemptions are recognised in many faith practices
Fasting should draw you closer to God, not harm your body.
Healthier Ways To Fast During Your Period
If you choose to fast, consider these safer options:
- Modify the fast (shorter hours)
- Drink enough water
- Avoid strenuous physical activity
- Eat iron-rich foods when breaking the fast
- Pay attention to warning signs from your body
Key Takeaway
Fasting during your period is not a one-size-fits-all decision. While some women may fast safely, others may experience negative health effects.
Have You Read:Â Fasting: 4 Great Ways To Break Your Fast And Improve Health
Your body’s signals matter. Protecting your health is an act of wisdom, not weakness.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Question: Can fasting worsen menstrual cramps?
Answer: Yes. Fasting can increase stress hormones and dehydration, which may intensify cramps in some women.
Question: Is it wrong to stop fasting because of my period?
Answer: No. Adjusting or stopping a fast for health reasons is responsible and acceptable.
Question: Can fasting affect my menstrual cycle?
Answer: Prolonged or repeated fasting can disrupt hormonal balance and may cause delayed or missed periods.
Question: Should women with anaemia fast during menstruation?
Answer: Women with anaemia should avoid fasting during their period unless advised otherwise by a healthcare professional.