Effects of Ramadan fasting on the sexual hormones level in girls 9-13 years age girls: Mashhad, Iran

The present study was designed to evaluate the effects of Ramadan fasting on sex hormones in girls between 9-13years before age of menarche. Method and Materials: The study was carried out on a sample of 58 subjects (aged 9-13 years) into two groups (31 Fasting and 27 Non-fasting). FSH, LH, progesterone and estradiol were measured before and after Ramadan. FSH level increased significantly in non-fasting group (P=0.01). DHEA level had significant decrease during the time of study in both groups (p=0.001, p=0.006). Serum LH level in non-fasting group increased significantly after Ramadan (P=0.006). Moreover, estradiol level had significant increase in both groups (P=0.008, P=0.004). According to the similar changes in DHEA, progesterone and estradiol levels in both groups, it can be concluded that fasting does not affect these parameters as well some other affecting factors were responsible for changes in LH and FSH levels.