Welcome to Lesson 1.1 — Female Hormones 101. If you're wondering why fasting feels different for women compared to men, the answer starts with hormones. Our bodies run on a complex symphony of hormones that shift weekly, and understanding them is the first step to safe and successful fasting. Let’s begin with Estrogen. This is the hormone that gives us energy, keeps our skin glowing, supports fat metabolism, and even influences our mood. It peaks around ovulation and helps us feel more confident and energetic. But when it drops — like before your period — it can cause mood swings, low energy, and cravings. Next is Progesterone, which rises after ovulation. It has a calming effect, helps us sleep, and supports the body in case of pregnancy. If it’s too low, it can lead to anxiety, poor sleep, and increased hunger. Insulin is our blood sugar hormone — fasting helps make it more efficient. But fasting too aggressively can crash your blood sugar, especially if your hormones are already imbalanced. And then there’s Cortisol, our stress hormone. It’s essential in small amounts, but too much can cause burnout, fat storage, and hormone disruption. Long fasts can spike cortisol, especially if you're already under stress. In this course, we’ll work with your hormones, not against them. When you understand your cycle, you’ll know exactly when to fast, how long to fast, and how to nourish your body to keep your energy and hormones happy.
