Effect of fasting Ramadan on some blood hormones in healthy Muslim males

Abstract EN

Twelve healthy non-smoking Muslem male volunteers age ranging between 35*55 years (average 38 years) were studied by measuring the effect of fasting Ramadan on their serum level of testosterone growth Hormone, aldosterone, and cortisol.

Venous blood samples were taken on four different days: one day before Ramadan (day zero), then on first, 14th and 28th day at 7 a.m., 1 p.m., 7 p.m.

(shortly before evening meal) and 9 p.m.

(one hour after evening meal).

The assay was done at all samples at the same time by radio- im mu no assay.

There was a significant drop in the testosterone level in 9 p.m.

samples as compared to the morning samples (9 p.m.

vs.

7 a.m.) on all the days which is expected normal diurnal variation.

Comparing values of different days to day zero values, only 7 a.m.

values dropped gradually through Ramadan and reached significant drop on day 28.

Cortisol: Assay showed diurnal variation also.

A significant rise of the 9 p.m.

in fasting days and significant rise of 7 p.m.

values of day 28 occurred.

Other hormones did not show any change.