The Effects of Ramadan Fasting on the Levels of Gonadotrophins

Abstract

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5915/24-1-15469 FSH and LH levels were measured al 9:00 a.m., 4:00 p.m., 9:00 p.m. and 4:00 a.m. in eleven healthy subjects observing the dawn to sunset fast of the Muslim Holy Month of Ramadan. Similar measurements were undertaken in an ordinary non-fasting day for comparison. Significant diurnal fluctuations of these hormones were noted. In a non-fasting day FSH levels peaked at 9:00 a.m., while the lowest level was at 9:00 p.m. During Ramadan, levels of FSH were highest at 4:00 a.m. (3.29 ± 2.72 IU/L) and lowest at 9:00 a.m. (1.28 ± 0.27 IU/L). The LH levels in an ordinary non-fasting day were highest at 9:00 a.m., while during Ramadan peak levels were noted at 4:00 a.m. The significantly high gonadotrophin levels at 4:00 a.m. suggest that hypothalamic pituitary axis for gonadotrophin release exhibits peak activation in the early morning hours, more so in a Ramadan day than in a non-fasting day.