Could low-carbing be the cause of my overly frequent periods?

[Rollergirl1]

Since the beginning of January I have had 3 periods as well as a bout of spotting. And when I haven't been bleeding I have still experienced a lot of the symptoms that I have when i'm pre-menstrual or have my period, like stomach cramps, a dull ache down there, hot sweats at night. Today I feel like I'm about to get my period again.

I have been a bit worried that there is something wrong and have had a smear (which came back fine) and was thinking about making a doctors appointment.

But I've just had the realisation that this has happened since i've been fairly strict low-carbing, which I started around the same time. I had been semi low-carbing before christmas but stepped it up (followed Bootcamp) since Jan. I read somewhere that fat stores estrogen so if you shed lots of fat then it also releases these stores. Could this be what is happening to me? If so should it sort itself out at some point or is par for the course?

I think I do want to see my doctor to rule out anything else that might be more worrying. If I see my GP, should I mention that I am low-carbing or will they just automatically assume that that is the reason?

[teaandthorazine]

I remember my periods (and my skin) went a bit haywire when I first started low-carbing this time last year. Settled down within a couple of months though - in fact it seemed to improve things with clearer skin and less PMT. I need to google to find references but I think it is indeed something to do with oestrogen 'storage' in fat.

If you feel you want to see your Dr then you definitely should. If s/he's thorough then they will probably ask about recent changes in eg diet; they may automatically assume that low-carb is the culprit (which it may well be!) but best to get checked out.

[Spamspamspam]

I remember when I first started low carbing two years ago and I definately had more frequent periods, I thought it was my age but maybe it was the low carb? Personally I loved it as I went from being a person who never knew when it was going to arrive to one who could guarantee every 28 days. I also noticed I didn't get any of the bloating, feeling bleurgh a few days before hand - they were much much easier. I haven't properly low carbed for about 6 months and I noticed a lot more bloating and bleurgh ness at period time...

I have recently started proper low carb bootcamp and funny you should mention it but for the last 4-5 nights I have been CONVINCED I was going to come on in the morning but haven't. I am sure it will all settle down once I have properly low carbed for a few more weeks.

[GinAndSlimlinePlease]

low carbing makes mine more regular, and I think I'm more likely to ovulate. But that's following a low, not no carb diet. I've found that the first cycle on a low carb diet I tend to have an early AF, then it settles into a regular (hoorah!) cycle.

[snoworneahva]

I think low carbing might have caused my periods to become quite irregular - did think they had stopped at one point but started eating carbs again and they returned. Could have been weight loss in general and my body adjusting or peri menopausal.