One possibility is you are entering the stage called perimenopause. The
symptoms can be different for each woman as can the age of onset. If it is
perimenopause, paleo may very well make the transition easier. I'm 48 and
have noticed a decrease in "power surges" (AKA hot flashes) on the days I
stick to paleo without cheating...if I cheat, I pay the price. I had a
hysterectomy 20 years ago...the ovaries were okay so I still have them...so
my only clues to menopause are the power surges and night sweats. HTH!

Betty Ann
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"In a cat's eyes, all things belong to cats." English Proverb

-----Original Message-----
From:   Paleolithic Eating Support List
[mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Adrienne Smith

Any paleo gals out there notice any hormonal shifts while following a paleo
diet?  I have lost about 20 pounds on a paleo diet (mostly
meat/fish/poultry + veggies, some fruit, tea)and feel terrific.  I would
like to lose about 15 more pounds.  Lately, I have noticed increased breast
tenderness and swelling exactly as if I was premenstrual (and NO, I AM NOT
PREGNANT).  I'm wondering if the diet could cause this.  A friend at work
suggested that women store excess estrogen in their fat, so when one begins
to lose fat, this could release the stored estrogen into the bloodstream
and result in hormonal shifts that could cause my symptoms.  Does this make
sense or is it just nonsense?? Thoughts???  Another theory is that caffein
and/or saturated fat increases estrogen levels.  Thoughts?? P.S. I am 37.