Yes, many women fast through perimenopause and menopause, and HRT can usually carry on during Ramadan. The Menopause Charity says HRT patches do not break your fast, gels can be applied at suhoor or after iftar, and micronised progesterone can be taken at night once you have broken your fast. The harder part is often hot flushes, night sweats and broken sleep without daytime water, so plan your meals, clothing and sleep around the fast.
Key takeaways
- HRT can usually be continued in Ramadan. Move gels and night-time progesterone to suhoor or after iftar; patches do not break the fast.
- Hot flushes feel worse when you are dehydrated: sip water steadily from iftar to suhoor and go easy on caffeine and fried food.
- Take any supplements with your suhoor or iftar meal, never during fasting hours.
- Speak to your GP before Ramadan if you have diabetes, high blood pressure or take daily medication.
In this guide
Why fasting can feel harder in midlife
The NHS describes hot flushes as when "your face, neck and chest suddenly feel very hot or cold". It also notes that sleep problems "may be worse if you also have night sweats" (NHS: menopause symptoms).
Ramadan adds three pressures on top: no water in daylight, a missed morning coffee, and short nights broken by suhoor and taraweeh. Each one can make flushes, headaches and tiredness feel stronger.
Ramadan 2027 is expected to begin in early February, depending on the moon sighting. UK fasts at that time of year are among the shortest, at roughly 11 to 13 hours, which gives you a good chance to adjust.
HRT during Ramadan: what to move and when
The Menopause Charity's guidance is clear: "If you are on HRT this can be continued during Ramadan." Here is how it breaks down by type (The Menopause Charity: Ramadan and menopause).
| HRT type | During Ramadan |
|---|---|
| Patches | Do not break your fast. Keep your usual change days. |
| Gels (e.g. Oestrogel, Sandrena) | Apply at suhoor or after iftar instead of your usual time. |
| Micronised progesterone (e.g. Utrogestan) | Take at night once you have broken your fast. |
| Vaginal oestrogen | Insert after iftar. The charity says it does not affect your fasting. |
Do not stop HRT for Ramadan without advice. Ask your GP or pharmacist to help you plan new timings, especially for tablets. The NHS has a full guide to HRT types and how to use them.
Managing hot flushes while fasting
- Dress in layers of cool, breathable fabric, including for prayer, so you can remove one quickly.
- Keep the bedroom cool and a glass of water by the bed for after iftar and before suhoor.
- Cut back caffeine before Ramadan, not on day one, to avoid withdrawal headaches on top of flushes.
- Go easy on spicy, fried and very sugary iftar foods, which many women find trigger a flush.
- Use slow breathing when a flush starts. The Menopause Charity suggests breathing techniques for anxiety too.
Your suhoor and iftar plate
The aim is steady energy, enough fluid, and fibre to keep things moving. The Menopause Charity suggests leafy greens, berries, lean meat or oily fish, and protein-rich yoghurt, with less caffeine, fizzy drinks and fried or salty food.
| Meal | Good choices | Easy swaps |
|---|---|---|
| Suhoor | Porridge or overnight oats, eggs, yoghurt, wholemeal roti, fruit, water | Salty parathas and pickles → plain roti with yoghurt |
| Iftar | Dates and water first, then soup, salad, dal or lentils, grilled chicken or fish, rice or roti | Pakoras and samosas every night → a few, then a balanced plate |
| Between | Water, milk, cucumber, watermelon, herbal tea | Strong tea and coffee late at night |
Fewer fluids and less fibre can slow digestion in Ramadan. See constipation in Ramadan for practical fixes.
Sleep around suhoor and taraweeh
Broken sleep plus night sweats is the toughest mix. Protect one longer block of sleep after taraweeh, keep suhoor simple, and add a short nap in the day if you can. Our Ramadan sleep schedule shows sample timings.
Supplements: what and when
Supplements cannot replace HRT or medical care, but some women keep a daily product going through Ramadan. The rule is simple: take it with food at suhoor or iftar.
| If you normally take | Ramadan timing |
|---|---|
| One capsule a day | With iftar, so it is taken with a proper meal |
| Two or three a day | Split between iftar and suhoor |
| Iron, magnesium or fibre | With iftar, away from your HRT tablet if your pharmacist advises |
| Anything with caffeine | Avoid late at night; it can worsen sleep |
For midlife women, the most relevant authorised claim is for vitamin B6: vitamin B6 contributes to the regulation of hormonal activity (GB nutrition and health claims register). Herbs such as red clover, sage and hops are traditionally used in women's formulas; they do not carry authorised health claims. Read more on red clover and the wild yam progesterone myth.
Check with your GP or pharmacist first if you take HRT, blood thinners, thyroid medication or any prescription medicine, if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have a hormone-sensitive condition. Not for under-18s. The NHS advises not taking more than 10mg of vitamin B6 a day from supplements unless a doctor advises it (NHS: vitamin B).
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When fasting may not be right for you
Islam does not ask anyone to fast if it would cause them harm. If your symptoms are severe, you feel faint, or you have a condition such as diabetes or high blood pressure, speak to your GP and a scholar you trust before Ramadan.
More on staying well through the month: supplements in Ramadan and halal perimenopause supplements.
Questions women ask
Does HRT break my fast?
According to The Menopause Charity, HRT patches and gels do not break your fast. Gels can be applied at suhoor or after iftar, and micronised progesterone can be taken at night after you have broken your fast.
Can I take supplements while fasting?
Take them with your suhoor or iftar meal. Swallowing capsules in daylight hours breaks the fast, and most supplements are better absorbed with food anyway.
Why are my hot flushes worse in Ramadan?
Less fluid in the day, missed caffeine and shorter, broken sleep can all make flushes and night sweats feel stronger. Hydrating well between iftar and suhoor helps.
Is BioFem halal?
Yes. BioFem is halal approved and kosher approved, and it is vegan in an HPMC capsule. It contains soya.
Can I take BioFem with HRT?
Speak to your GP or pharmacist first. The label advises checking with your GP before use if you take prescription medication, including HRT.
Sources: NHS: menopause symptoms · NHS: HRT · The Menopause Charity: Ramadan and menopause · NHS: vitamin B · GB NHC register
General information, not medical advice. Food supplements should not replace a varied diet and healthy lifestyle, or any treatment prescribed by your doctor. Not suitable for under-18s. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medication or have a medical condition, speak to your GP or pharmacist before use.
