A Fasted Workout is Screwing With Your Hormones

This is the #1 PCOS mistake I see Women making ~ Fasted Workouts 🚨

We’ve all heard of that girl who wakes up at 4am and goes for a 5 mile run and drinks only water for the rest of the day.

And somehow, you feel like our own humble exercise routine is inferior…

Well, I’m here to tell you why you SHOULD NOT be doing fasted workouts (or intense cardio for that matter) & the impact on hormone health.

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🏃🏻‍♀️💨Fasted Workouts and Cortisol Levels  

Fasted workouts, which are performed without eating beforehand, have gained popularity for their potential “benefits” in fat burning and metabolic health.

🚩It’s important to note, however, that these studies are usually short term studies that don’t take menstrual cycles into consideration & are studied on men.

For women, especially women with PCOS, fasted workouts cause significant elevations in cortisol (stress hormone) levels.

When the body is in a fasted state, cortisol levels naturally rise to provide the necessary energy by breaking down stored fat and glucose.

This sounds great…BUT 👇

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🧬Hormonal Imbalances and PCOS  

For women with PCOS, who often already have elevated cortisol levels, this additional increase can lead to hormonal imbalances.

👉 More cortisol = less healthy reproductive hormones.

Plus, elevated cortisol can exacerbate insulin resistance, a common issue in PCOS, and further disrupt other hormone levels such as androgens, which are often already elevated in PCOS.

⚠️These imbalances can contribute to a range of symptoms, from acne and hair loss to weight gain and fertility issues.

This can create a cycle where managing PCOS symptoms becomes even more challenging.

🥀Plus, high cortisol levels can negatively impact mood and energy levels, making it harder to maintain a consistent exercise routine and overall lifestyle.

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🌻Finding Balance in Exercise  

For women with PCOS, it's essential to find a balanced approach to exercise that supports hormonal health.

Here are some tips:

1️⃣ Eat Before You Exercise: Having a small, balanced meal or snack before working out can help stabilize blood sugar levels and prevent excessive cortisol spikes.

2️⃣ Opt for Strength-Building Activities: Incorporate activities like bodyweight strength work or weight lifting which can be less stressful than cardio on the body and help maintain hormonal balance.

3️⃣ Listen to Your Body: Pay attention to how your body responds to different types of exercise and adjust accordingly. It's important to find a routine that feels sustainable and supportive of your health goals.

By understanding the effects of fasted workouts on cortisol and hormonal balance, women with PCOS can make more informed choices about their fitness routines.

Prioritizing overall well-being and hormone health is key to managing PCOS symptoms effectively.

✨ Blog Post: Cycle Syncing Workouts with PCOS