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June 6, 2026NutrientsOpen Access

Effects of Intermittent Fasting on Male and Female Reproductive Hormones, Fertility, and Sexual Function: A Comprehensive Review with Emphasis on the Existing Evidence Gap in Women

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Authors

SVSandro La VigneraRCRosita A. Condorelli

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Overview

Comprehensive review examines intermittent fasting effects on reproductive health and hormonal function across genders, indicating potential benefits and gaps in female research.

Key Points

  • This review evaluates the impact of intermittent fasting on reproductive hormones, fertility, and sexual function, highlighting the evidence gap in women.
  • Comprehensive review of clinical trials and animal studies on intermittent fasting protocols such as time-restricted eating, alternate-day fasting, and Ramadan fasting.
  • Analysis of effects on male and female sexual function, reproductive hormones, and fertility outcomes, particularly in context of PCOS.
  • Focus on physiological mechanisms such as the hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal axis and insulin–adipokine signaling.
  • In males, Ramadan fasting shows preserved erectile function but reduced sexual desire; testosterone levels remain neutral during time-restricted eating in obese adults.
  • In females, intermittent fasting may improve conditions like hyperandrogenism and menstrual regularity, particularly in PCOS, via enhanced insulin sensitivity.
  • Lack of direct measures on female sexual function domains like libido and arousal suggests a significant knowledge gap in existing research.

Cite This Study

Vignera et al. (2026) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/6a23bad471a5da9775e7672dhttps://doi.org/10.3390/nu18111817
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Also Consider

Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context:

  1. 1Sex-Specific Responses to Intermittent Fasting: A Narrative Review Across Physiological, Clinical, and Psychosocial Contexts2026
  2. 2Sexual Dimorphism and Menopausal Transition: A Narrative Review of the Metabolic and Physical Effects of Intermittent Fasting2026
  3. 3PENGARUH PUASA INTERMITEN TERHADAP KESEHATAN HORMONAL DAN REPRODUKSI WANITA: TINJAUAN LITERATUR2025
  4. 4Intermittent fasting - its benefits and risks2025
  5. 5Health effects of intermittent fasting: A brief overview2025