Sender: |
|
Date: |
Fri, 5 Dec 2003 15:09:18 -0500 |
Reply-To: |
|
Subject: |
|
MIME-Version: |
1.0 |
Content-Transfer-Encoding: |
7bit |
In-Reply-To: |
|
Content-Type: |
text/plain; charset=us-ascii; format=flowed |
From: |
|
Parts/Attachments: |
|
|
Yep. Before I went paleo, my cycles were short (22 days). After I went
paleo, my cycles normalized to 28 days. I am also at perimenopausal age,
but my periods are more regular now than they were 10 years ago.
Menstrual cycles are definitely sensitive to diet. There is a condition
you may have heard about called Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) which
presents as a constellation of symptoms: irregular menstrual cycles
which eventually become amenorrhea (no periods at all), hirsutism
(facial hair), weight gain, acne, ovarian cysts, and infertility. What's
at the very root of PCOS? Hyperinsulinism. Prolonged, elevated insulin
levels cause a surge in the production of androgens (male hormones)
which initiates the cascade of symptoms above.
Individuals who have PCOS find that when they switch to a
low-carbohydrate way of eating, their menstrual cycles return to normal
and other symptoms disappear. Studies have also found that dietary
changes that prevent hyperinsulinism can reverse infertility for many women.
I see a lot of clients with PCOS in my practice as a midwife. I suspect
that there are many more individuals who don't have clinical PCOS, but
may be in a pre-PCOS state. Since I believe the paleolithic way of
eating to be the best low-carb program around, I've been subtly
encouraging my clients to give it a try.
Kathy
Adrienne Smith wrote:
>During the past few months , I have overindulged in lots of non-paleo
>junkfood. Along with some extra pounds of lard on my thighs, I have also
>noticed weird changes in my menstrual cycle -- namely, 2 periods in one
>month. I'm back on paleo track now but am curious if any of you ladies out
>there experienced menstrual changes when you deviate significantly from
>paleo after being paleo for a significant length of time. I'm also at
>that "perimenopausal" age -- so maybe it's just hormonal and not food
>related -- but I just found the timing of these menstrual issues coinciding
>with my gross dietary downfall rather coincidental.
>PS: I have an appt. to see my gyno next week.
>
>
>
|
|
|