Paleo Diet and Paleolithic Diet Questions & Answers

Question

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So I started eating Paleo a little over a month ago and have noticed a significant change with my monthly cycle, not necessarily for the better. I've been getting head splitting migranes, incredibly severe cramping (which I've never had) both with the cycle and at ovulation. It's been so bad for the past two cycles that I've had to go home from work. Has anyone else noticed this change? Could I be deficient in a certain vitamin? Anyone know of something to help?

edited Feb 8 2011 at 21:36

gone2croatan
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asked Feb 8 2011 at 21:32

Janice
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	Because of the severe cramping, I wonder if you have an essential fatty acid imbalance or deficiency, which is leading to prostaglandin production and inflammation. – Helen Feb 8 2011 at 22:11
	No advice, just commiseration. My cycles were always terrible on strict paleo, to the point I was starting to investigate endometriosis. Lucky for me I haven't had a cycle in over a year due to pregnancy/breastfeeding - I'm hoping that hit some kind of hormonal reset button and it won't be as bad when it comes back. – Eliz Feb 9 2011 at 0:46

sarah-ann · Answer 1 · 2011-02-08 22:21:05Z UTC

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Are you losing weight? You store hormones in your adipose tissue so when you release weight. This normally results in an increase in circulating estrogen, which can play havoc with your cycle for upto three months.

answered Feb 8 2011 at 22:21

sarah-ann
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Yes, I lost about 10 lbs. in just the first month. So maybe that's it, I just need to stick with it for awhile to see if it mellows out. – Janice Feb 10 2011 at 18:28

Grottenolm · Answer 2 · 2011-02-08 22:29:48Z UTC

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I have found that supplementing with Magnesium, krill oil and evening primrose oil have helped with the ovulation and period havoc. But like you, some months seem terrible and others go by with no discomfort whatsoever! I am also in the process of losing bodyfat, so extra estrogen being released from the fat stores could be the culprit. I also notice that my PMS improved somewhat after quitting all forms of dairy.

I really hate those cycles when you turn into a puffer fish at ovulation. It really gets you down and I have to wear my special "bloat belly" clothes at that time, haha

answered Feb 8 2011 at 22:29

Grottenolm
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	A puffer fish at ovulation. This made me laugh, but only because I know exactly what you mean. – kinetic Feb 9 2011 at 2:39
	A couple of cycles ago, I looked exactly the same as my sister in law, who was 7 months pregnant at the time.....O_O – Grottenolm Feb 9 2011 at 3:00
	GLA also can help. Most people's periods seem to get better on paleo. – Bread-Eating Beelzebub Feb 9 2011 at 6:12
	GLA sure can! found in Evening primrose oil or borage oil. From experience, evening primrose oil also helped with cycle-related acne breakouts. Before I'd always get cystic acne around ovulation, but since taking the capsules for about 4 cycles now, the acne has stopped. Only old scars left, clearing up slowly :) – Grottenolm Feb 9 2011 at 6:47
	I've been taking Magnesium, but I'll look into GLA. It's funny, I always thought I had a good complexion, I rarely got acne, but now my skin is so super smooth, even with my period. It seems like paleo has helped with so many other women's cycles, I was really hoping it would lengthen mine, they're really short 19-25 days, and so far the past two were 28 and 25 days, but the cramps, major migranes, feeling sick, being moody are all relatively new to me. Hopefully a few more months of paleo will help. – Janice Feb 10 2011 at 18:36

Lynn · Answer 3 · 2011-02-08 21:42:19Z UTC

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I'm wondering if it's not due to hormone levels in the meats? All meat contains animal hormones, even if the animal isn't given any extra. I've had changes in my cycle too but the opposite- its almost non existent.

answered Feb 8 2011 at 21:42

Lynn
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	I've had the same experience as Lynn. I hope something works for you, Janice! – Lauren Feb 8 2011 at 21:45
	We just started eating grass fed this past week (got our first 1/4 cow/lamb/pork over a week ago) We had to clean out the freezer first. But that is interesting. – Janice Feb 8 2011 at 21:49
	I doubt it is the hormone levels in meat. Levels are very low, if they're even detectable. Your experience would also suggest that this is the case because more hormones would probably give you heavier periods. Have you lost weight? – mari Feb 9 2011 at 0:17

Egk · Answer 4 · 2011-02-09 01:45:20Z UTC

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Are you eating any dairy?

answered Feb 9 2011 at 1:45

Egk
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Cheryl - Diabetes Bootcamp · Answer 5 · 2011-02-09 01:57:19Z UTC

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Your own hormones may be re-regulating based on your dietary change. One thing that will help are MINERALS. Make some bone broth (chicken or beef) and drink daily.

And go to a yoga or pilates class. Helps TREMENDOUSLY with cramping.

answered Feb 9 2011 at 1:57

Cheryl - Diabetes Bootcamp
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Change in female hormones

5 Answers