Fasting Mimicking Diet: How It Offers Support for Menopausal Health and Why I Recommend It To My Patients
Guest Author: Dr. Sharon Stills, Naturopathic Doctor
As a naturopathic physician with over two decades of experience supporting women through menopause, I’ve seen how challenging this transition can be. It’s a time when your body is calling for more care and attention, and traditional approaches don’t always offer the lasting relief you need. That’s why I’m always on the lookout for evidence-based strategies that go beyond symptom relief to promote overall health, vitality, and longevity.
One of the most exciting approaches I’ve come across is the Fasting Mimicking Diet (FMD). What makes it so powerful is that it’s not just another trend—this diet is backed by solid scientific research, showing incredible benefits for women in midlife, especially during menopause. From managing hot flashes and mood swings to supporting metabolic health and bone density, the FMD offers a comprehensive way to address the root causes of menopause symptoms while supporting your long-term wellness.
How Does FMD Support Menopause?
Let’s dive into how the FMD helps to balance hormones, boost metabolic health, protect your bones, and even improve cognitive function—all crucial elements for thriving during menopause and beyond.
1. Hormonal Balance and Reduced Hot Flashes
We’ve all heard about those pesky hot flashes, right? Well, they’re not just random—it’s your body’s way of letting you know that your hormones are shifting. Fluctuations in estrogen and progesterone can cause these "power surges" (as I like to call them), along with night sweats and mood swings. And it doesn’t help that insulin resistance, which often increases during menopause, can make these symptoms even worse. Here’s where FMD steps in: by improving insulin sensitivity, the FMD may help reduce the frequency and severity of hot flashes. It’s all about getting your body back in balance!
2. Weight Management and Metabolic Health
Let’s talk about that stubborn weight gain that seems to sneak up on us during menopause—especially around the midsection. This often happens because of lower estrogen levels and a slower metabolism. But the FMD helps activate your body’s fat-burning pathways, like ketosis, which means it can help you burn fat more efficiently while preserving lean muscle mass (which is super important during menopause). And maintaining muscle doesn’t just help you feel strong—it’s crucial for keeping your metabolism going and supporting bone health.
3. Bone Health
As we hit menopause, bone health becomes a bigger concern. With the drop in estrogen, we lose some of the protective effects it had on our bones, which can lead to osteoporosis if we’re not proactive. The FMD supports lean body mass, which includes muscle, and is also shown to be bone-protective without impacting bone density. It's important to note that while FMD doesn’t increase bone density directly, it helps protect the bones by preserving lean muscle mass, which plays a critical role in maintaining bone health.
4. Cognitive Function and Mood Stability
Menopause isn’t just about physical symptoms. Many women also experience what we call “brain fog”—those moments when your memory lapses or you can’t seem to concentrate. Mood swings are also common. These changes are linked to fluctuating hormones. Hormones play a critical role in regulating metabolism, which is the process your body uses to convert food into energy. When hormones like insulin, cortisol, and thyroid hormones fluctuate, they can disrupt this energy balance, leading to changes in how efficiently your body burns calories or stores fat. These hormonal shifts can also affect your brain function, mood, and even stress response, creating a close link between metabolism, cognitive function, and emotional well-being. The FMD promotes metabolic balance by helping regulate these hormone levels, which may not only improve your energy usage but also support better brain function and mood stability. It’s all connected!
5. Improved Sleep and Energy Levels
If you’ve been tossing and turning at night, plagued by night sweats or disrupted sleep, I know how frustrating that can be. Poor sleep not only leaves you exhausted but can also make it harder to manage other menopause symptoms. The great news is that many women report feeling more rested and energized after completing the FMD. By helping your body reset, the FMD may potentially support deeper, more restful sleep, which could mean brighter, more energized days ahead.
6. Healthy Aging and Skin Health
Let’s be real—menopause can make it feel like the aging process is speeding up. Your skin might start to feel drier or less vibrant, and wrinkles seem to show up overnight. But studies show that completing three monthly Prolon cycles can actually reduce your biological age by up to 2.5 years! Not only that, but it has also been shown to improve skin hydration and texture, helping you maintain that youthful glow. Who doesn’t want to age gracefully, right?
Why I Recommend FMD to My Patients
In my practice, I’ve seen firsthand how transformative the FMD can be for women going through menopause. It’s not just about symptom relief—it’s about empowering you to take control of your health. Whether it’s reducing hot flashes, helping with weight management, or simply giving you more energy and vitality, the FMD provides real, sustainable results.
If you’re looking for a natural, holistic way to manage your menopause symptoms and support your overall health, I highly recommend giving the FMD a try. It’s an easy, effective way to tap into the benefits of fasting without feeling deprived, and the positive effects reach far beyond menopause. You’re not just managing symptoms—you’re supporting your body for the long haul, helping to boost your metabolism, protect your bones, improve your mental clarity, and more.
Remember, this is your sacRED second act, and with the right tools like the FMD, you can navigate menopause with grace, confidence, and strength!
To learn more about how FMD may positively impact menopause health, read Dr. Stills’ eBook Mastering Menopause with Fasting: The Complete Guide to Safe and Effective Fasting.
 Dr. Sharon Stills is a Naturopathic Medical Doctor offering holistic healthcare and advanced diagnostic services to patients globally. She integrates her conventional medical expertise, data-driven science, state-of-the-art diagnostic tools, and extensive knowledge of natural healing to accurately diagnose and treat a wide range of health conditions, from allergies to late-stage cancer, and everything in between. |
