Can fasting affect fertility?

Fasting can indeed affect fertility, and the effects can vary between males and females.

Females

For women, regular menstrual cycles are an important indicator of whether intermittent fasting or time-restricted feeding might affect fertility. If a woman's menstrual cycle remains regular, there's a good chance that intermittent fasting is not disrupting fertility. However, excessive caloric restriction or caloric deficits from excessive physical activity can lead to ceased menstruation, which would likely stop regular ovulations and impact fertility 1.

Males

In males, the connection between fasting and fertility revolves primarily around total caloric intake rather than the timing of meals. If a man is ingesting sufficient calories to offset physical activities and maintain or reduce weight (as necessary), it's likely beneficial for sperm health and testosterone levels. However, skipping meals or extreme calorie reduction could lead to a drop in testosterone levels, which can affect sperm quality and overall fertility 2.

General Advice

• It's crucial during pregnancy to avoid intermittent fasting and consult a healthcare provider to ensure the diet supports both the mother and developing fetus.
• Regular consultations with healthcare professionals are recommended to assess the impact of dietary habits on reproductive health, whether trying to conceive or not.

Overall, while fasting can be part of a healthy lifestyle, those considering pregnancy or actively trying to conceive should very carefully consider their diet's impact on fertility and consult healthcare experts 1 2.