Rethinking Autophagy: Honoring Women's Cycles for True Health

Autophagy, the body’s natural process of cellular renewal, has gained global attention for its powerful role in longevity and disease prevention. Through fasting and other metabolic stressors, autophagy encourages the body to recycle damaged cells, reducing inflammation and promoting overall health (Mizushima & Komatsu, 2011). However, most of the foundational research on autophagy has been conducted on male animals and men—leaving a dangerous gap in understanding how these practices affect women's unique physiology.

Thousands of women, inspired by early studies and popular fasting protocols, embraced long-term fasting and intense autophagy stimulation believing it would optimize their health. Yet, many began to experience alarming consequences: menstrual irregularities, hormonal imbalances, thyroid dysfunction, and even the complete loss of their periods (hypothalamic amenorrhea). These outcomes are not coincidental.

Dr. Mindy Pelz, a pioneer in women’s health and fasting science, brought critical attention to this issue. In her research and clinical work, Dr. Pelz emphasized that women's bodies are deeply influenced by monthly hormonal fluctuations. Practices that stimulate intense autophagy without considering the menstrual cycle can trigger survival responses, causing the body to shut down reproductive functions to conserve energy (Pelz, 2023).

Recent studies have reinforced this understanding: female bodies respond differently to fasting stress, especially during the luteal phase when progesterone needs to be preserved (Hirschberg, 2020). Chronic caloric restriction or intense metabolic stress can lower estrogen levels, impair ovulation, and disrupt the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis—key systems for a woman’s long-term vitality (Gao et al., 2020).

True health for women requires a cyclical, adaptive approach. Autophagy is not harmful in itself—in fact, when practiced intelligently, it supports hormonal balance, reduces inflammation, and strengthens resilience. However, it must honor the natural rhythms of the female body: allowing deeper fasting during the follicular phase (when estrogen is rising) and practicing nourishment, rest, and gentler metabolic support during the luteal phase (when progesterone must be protected).

At FeelSafeHub, we believe that health is not about pushing harder but listening deeper. We stand for a new model of well-being where women are educated, supported, and empowered to work with their bodies—not against them.

Our vision is to create spaces where women feel safe to honor their biological intelligence, where strategies like fasting, movement, and healing are adapted to their personal rhythms. Being healthy should never come at the cost of losing touch with your body’s natural wisdom.

Autophagy, like all healing processes, must be practiced with self-awareness, compassion, and respect for our unique design. True empowerment comes not from following trends blindly, but from tuning into the profound intelligence that already lives within each woman.

Your cycle is not a problem. It is your power.

References:

• Gao, W., Wang, X., & Zhang, J. (2020). The impact of caloric restriction on female reproductive function: Insights from animal models and human studies. Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology, 18(1), 1–12.

• Hirschberg, A. L. (2020). Exercise, menstrual function and bone health—what is the connection? Nordic Studies on Human Rights, 43(1), 54–59.

• Mizushima, N., & Komatsu, M. (2011). Autophagy: Renovation of cells and tissues. Cell, 147(4), 728–741.

• Pelz, M. (2023). Fast Like a Girl: A Woman's Guide to Using the Healing Power of Fasting to Burn Fat, Boost Energy, and Balance Hormones. Hay House.