Fasting for Women Over 50: A Transformational Approach to Health and Longevity

Learn safe intermittent fasting for women 50+, covering health benefits, risks, and patient care.

This one-hour CE course explores the science, safety, and application of intermittent fasting as a powerful health intervention for women over 50. Nurses will learn how age-related hormonal changes contribute to weight gain, insulin resistance, inflammation, and increased chronic disease risk—and how fasting can help reverse these trends. Grounded in current research and clinical insights, the course covers key physiological benefits, safe and sustainable fasting protocols, patient education strategies, and important clinical cautions. Participants will also explore the emotional and spiritual aspects of fasting as part of a holistic health approach. Whether supporting patients or pursuing personal wellness, nurses will leave this course equipped to apply and advocate for fasting as a tool for restoring health and vitality in midlife and beyond.

Author:  NIHE Faculty

CE Hours:  1

Course Created on:  06/26/25   Course Expires on:  06/25/27

Target Audience:  

• Registered Nurses (RN)
• Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRN)
• Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN/LVN)

Completion Requirements:

1. Enrollment in the course by the learner
2. Read and learn all course materials
3. Complete the course evaluation
4. Attest and testify learning of the course materials

Disclosure of Conflicts of Interest and Relevant Financial Relationships

Neither National Institute for Healthcare Education nor any authors, planners, content experts, or contributors have any relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies to disclose.

Accreditation Statement:  

National Institute for Healthcare Education, the parent company of TopNurseCE.com, is a CA Board of Registered Nursing CE Provider #13886. It will take the average learner 1 hour to complete.

Disclaimer:

The information provided in this course is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for the independent medical judgment of a healthcare provider in considering diagnosis and treatment options for a particular patient’s medical condition. Copyright © 2024: All rights reserved. No part of the materials may be reproduced without the express written consent of TopNurseCE.com Professional Educational Institution. The content of this course is intended to provide general information on the topics covered. This information has been prepared by experts with practical experience in the subject matter. This should not be considered medical, legal or professional advice. TopNurseCE.com recommends that individuals contact a licensed medical, legal or professional provider in their respective state. While TopNurseCE.com uses reasonable efforts to ensure that all content provided in this course is accurate and current at the time of publication, TopNurseCE.com makes no representations as to its applicability to your particular situation. No guarantees are given and reliance on them does not constitute liability. Testimonials are collected from feedback surveys submitted by customers. The model presented is for representation purposes and is not intended for actual customers.

Course Outline

1. Introduction to Fasting in the Over-50 Female Population

Definition of fasting and overview of popular approaches (intermittent, time-restricted, periodic)

• Demographic relevance: rising health concerns in postmenopausal women
• Why standard diet and exercise often fail after 50
• Encouragement: the body is still capable of healing and change

1. Hormonal and Metabolic Changes After 50

• Decline in estrogen and progesterone: effects on glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity¹
• Increased visceral fat and slowed metabolism²
• Common symptoms: weight gain, fatigue, brain fog
• How fasting interacts with insulin, cortisol, and leptin levels

III. Physiological Benefits of Fasting for Women Over 50

• Enhanced insulin sensitivity and blood sugar control³
• Reduction in systemic inflammation⁴
• Cellular autophagy and its role in preventing age-related diseases⁵
• Fasting’s effects on cardiovascular health, cognition, and cancer prevention
• The connection between fasting and mitochondrial renewal⁶

1. Safe and Effective Fasting Protocols for Older Women

• 12:12, 14:10, 16:8—What works and why
• How to ease into fasting: starting slow and listening to the body
• What to eat between fasts: nutrient-dense, anti-inflammatory foods
• Importance of hydration, sleep, and stress reduction during fasting
• Monitoring for side effects: fatigue, headaches, hormonal shifts

1. Contraindications, Cautions, and Clinical Considerations

• When not to fast: history of eating disorders, adrenal fatigue, type 1 diabetes, pregnancy
• Special precautions for women on medications (insulin, antihypertensives, thyroid hormones)
• Monitoring labs: blood glucose, electrolytes, thyroid function
• Addressing emotional, social, and cultural dynamics of food and fasting
• Role of nurses in education, advocacy, and health coaching

1. Fasting as a Holistic and Faith-Based Practice

• Biblical and spiritual roots of fasting
• Fasting as a tool for mental clarity, emotional healing, and spiritual renewal
• Reframing fasting as self-care, not self-denial
• Encouraging whole-person wellness—body, mind, and spirit

VII. Conclusion and Motivational Encouragement

• Recap of key concepts: fasting as a tool, not a punishment
• You are not too old. You are not too late.
• Nurses as role models and guides in the health transformation journey
• Next steps: personal experimentation, professional education, and patient empowerment

Learning Objectives

At the completion of this course, participants will be able to:

1. Explain how menopause-related hormonal changes affect metabolism, insulin resistance, and fat storage.
2. Identify the physiological benefits of fasting for women over 50, including its effects on inflammation, blood sugar, and longevity.
3. Compare different fasting protocols and recommend safe, gradual strategies for implementation in this population.
4. Recognize contraindications and precautions for fasting in older adult women.

Educate patients and peers on the spiritual, emotional, and physical benefits of intentional fasting as part of a holistic health approach