I have the same problem and can relate. But ive come to the conclusion that i doubt it has to do with the food. Seems your over training, especially if you feel run down ,i know i was. I take 2 days off per week. I feel muuuch better and my performance has improved. Cortisol and adrenals have alot to do with menstrual cycles, we must try to relax more and listen to our bodies. Im still working on it. Good luck my dear, stay strong :-)

I definitely eat a wide-variety of protein, tubers, fruit, veg, but will go a little heavier on the red meat a few days before and during my cycle. My preferred eating path is to let my body decide when it's hungry - eat when hungry stop when full. Non-lady days I pretty much just have two meals a day. Lady-days I tend to eat more and usually bacon is involved. It's not the sweet I want.. it's the savory. Chomping and tearing!

Do you eat sweet potatoes at all? They do wonders for the bod when roasted, very satisfying. I would never say no to tasty delicious dark chocolate but it's worth a shot. Guacamole with crispy veg to scoop it up with, or the bacon :) is a nice thing to add in as well. Also staying super hydrated, its easy when you're not feeling awesome to let some usual habits slide. If I'm not feeling well, like something is just truly off, I don't workout as there is the possibility of injury. Injury means I'm out for more time - non! I've done that enough so no more.

Note: I lift heavy things and move fast 4 days a week and do an active recovery stretch feel good session 1 day.

Menstruation is rough on the body. In the days preceding your period, carb up if you feel the need (although try not to overdo it with the sugars!) and when you're cramping and feeling icky, just take it easy. In my case, my body temp lowers and I get cold easily. So cuddling up in my robe, with a book or ipad in my lap and heat pack on my tummy or back is the way I prefer to spend that first day.

I also take extra magnesium to alleviate the bloating and cramping.

I've had similar bouts of not having a period for years at a time due to similar bc methods. Every few years it'll come back and either I suck it up for a few months, or I go off it for a while.

In any case, the first two or three cycles can be killer and hormonally very intense, just because I think you're body's not used to it and is probably overproducing hormones. But then it usually settles back to about 75% the intensity of whatever you're cycle is like when you're not taking birth control. Or at least, that's my experience.

I also find that eating even just a little bit of liver during those days helps with random hormonal cravings.

I suggest eating liver, braunschweiger, or liverwurst and loads of spinach for IRON on your "lady-days".

Also, rest as necessary.

Finally, I agree with Krisha C., your body is likely overproducing for a little while before it settles back into a rhythm. :)

You've been able to avoid having one for 6 years. that's your problem. periods are normal and you should have one monthly except when pregnant or in menopause.

I can time my ovulation based on "I don't really feel like eating days", and my PMS is easily identified by the number of cans of smoked oysters I destroy in one sitting. Also, getting teary eyes if there are no smoked oysters in the house.

when eating very healthy SAD i had extremely heavy bleeding and bloating. my Dr's response was "that must be aweful; lucky its only 2 days a month". eating LC has helped. my hormones seem to fluxuate a lot less and the only days i skip workouts is when i am experiencing gushing, which happens less frequently.

the only thing i change in my diet is adding an extra serving of liver, more water and an iron suppliment.

Well, this is just me and what sense I make of it: depending on how heavy your cycles are, think about how losing blood might affect your energy levels. That may be overly simplistic but to me it's not a big mystery that I might feel a tad more tired during my cycle. Given my own personal situation with health, I usually take the first 2 days of my cycle off from exercise (I have endometriosis - haven't quite solved all the symptoms yet).

I wouldn't discount eating nutrient-rich foods leading up to and during your cycle (or even just regularly).

Well I can happily answer this question because I JUST got my period back today after about 5 months of not having it * relieved*

During my menstral cycle I to gravitate towards more fruit and high fat things such as coconut milk/cream and eggs Also dark chocolate :P

I have issues with cramps so for me I take the next day or two as " rest days" and just do some errands or go for a nice long medium/fast paced walk