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Question for the ladies... major menstrual changes?

Arkie_Ali
Arkie_Ali Posts: 106 Member
edited December 2024 in Social Groups
I switched to a LCHF WOE in January and immediately noticed that my (always) regular 28 day cycles changed to average about 23 day cycle. Also, my periods are much, much heavier. In April and May, I went off plan and noticed my periods were more normal. Now that I'm back to LC, my period started earlier than anticipated and again much, much heavier than normal. Has anyone else noticed this? If so, how long before everything went back to normal?

Replies

  • Katmary71
    Katmary71 Posts: 7,178 Member
    I know this can happen with age along with menstrual disorders. My periods were a lot heavier when I had active endometriosis (really painful periods and migraines too). Fibroids can cause heavy periods. No clue if it's related to diet.

    I started eating low carb in January and a few months ago I started spotting daily along with my periods. It's been 3 months now so it's time to see the doctor. No clue if it's related to diet or doing lots of cardio, I'm hopeful it's nothing to worry about and goes away soon!
  • baconslave
    baconslave Posts: 7,026 Member
    Changes in diet and weight loss cause changes in hormone levels which in turn can disrupt or change your cycle. Happens all the time. It should level off between 3-6 cycles. From my experience and from many I have heard, 3 is the most common. If it doesn't start migrating back to something normal after the 3rd or 4th month, like in Katmary71's case, I'd talk to my doc about it, particullary if it is terrible like spotting constantly. Mine have always been super heavy since I had my 1st child. She's 16 now, and LCHF didn't help that any. But LCHF did temporarily cause my cycle to come more frequently for about 3 cycles. I've been clockwork for over 4 years since then, except when I recently started to have what I call peri-pulses, which seem like temporary bouts of absurd cycle lengths. The joys of turning 40...oh yay. :unamused:
  • Arkie_Ali
    Arkie_Ali Posts: 106 Member
    Thanks ladies. I'll give it another 3 or 4 cycles to see if it will normalize.
  • tcunbeliever
    tcunbeliever Posts: 8,219 Member
    Any kind of fat metabolism can cause hormone swings (surges in estrogen due to estrogen storage in fat), it doesn't mater if you are using LCHF or just calorie restriction - it's the release of stored hormones as fat is metabolized that causes things to be bonkers and it can continue until you get to maintenance and stabilize.
  • mypinkbikini
    mypinkbikini Posts: 341 Member
    I've low carbed on and off for over a decade- had changes in my 20s, and like poor bacon slave above, an entire decade of life didnt change that lol

    Definitely normal for hormonal changes to cause a variety of menstrual imbalances and super frustrating.
  • Emmapatterson1729
    Emmapatterson1729 Posts: 1,295 Member
    I have had a few noticable hormone changes. I don't mind them.

    Yes, my menstruation cycles have been early, heavier, and lasted a little longer than before.

    But, despite being heavier, there's been less odor, less cramping, and way less irritably and mood swings!

    They've resembled my cycles from my 20s. (I'm almost 50). So, I thought of this as a good thing!!! ;)

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