Fasting Fights PCOS: New Hope for Women

Intermittent fasting shows promise in managing symptoms associated with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), a hormonal condition affecting nearly one in five women. Recent clinical trial results, published on March 27, 2026, indicate that weight loss achieved through intermittent fasting can help lower testosterone levels in women with PCOS. These findings suggest that over time, reduced testosterone could lead to improved PCOS symptoms.

Researchers at the University of Illinois-Chicago observed that intermittent fasting, which involves restricting food intake to a daily six-to-eight-hour window, led to significant weight loss, averaging 10 pounds over six months. This dietary approach, along with traditional calorie counting, reduced daily intake by approximately 200 calories. Both methods decreased testosterone levels, but intermittent fasting uniquely reduced the free androgen index, a marker indicating how much active testosterone reaches bodily tissues.

While intermittent fasting did not immediately resolve symptoms like irregular periods in the trial, researchers believe longer adherence may yield further improvements. Notably, about 80% of women in the study who practiced intermittent fasting expressed their intention to continue the eating pattern, highlighting its perceived benefit and sustainability.