Really long cycle

(38fb1c0389682ab09eb9) #1

I’m 28 years old and 36 days into ketosis.
I haven’t gotten a period since about a week before I began. I usually have longer cycles (about 35 days) but it’s now been 43 and still nothing. Is this Normal? (I am definitely not pregnant)

#2

It’s not unusual for your cycle to get a bit messed up at first - keto has some pretty powerful (positive :slightly_smiling_face:) hormonal impacts. It usually settles in a few months so long as you’re not restricting calories too much.

(Katie the Quiche Scoffing Stick Ninja ) #3

When you initially burn through a bunch of fat, the estrogen stored in your fat is released. When it is released in conjunction with the estrogen normally released from your monthly ovulation, it can cause a surge greater than your uterus is used to, causing abnormal bleeding. Or none at all.

My period stopped for 2 months but then regulated again, it has been normal since then. It’s to be expected. Keto On :slight_smile:

(Alex ) #4

saw this thread title on the forum summary, and really thought this would be a discussion about cycling and long bikerides!! :slight_smile:

no disrespect/sexism meant!

(Mike W.) #5

A bicycle built for 2 or 3 even!

(38fb1c0389682ab09eb9) #6

:joy:

(Candy Lind) #7

Another young lady came on & posted because she had basically been bleeding for nearly a month! It can definitely mess with you. KCKO - it should normalize with time.

(38fb1c0389682ab09eb9) #8

Wow! Maybe I should be grateful hah :sweat_smile:

(38fb1c0389682ab09eb9) #9

Update: still haven’t gotten my period.50 days now

#10

Are you doing keto to lose weight or for other reasons?

(38fb1c0389682ab09eb9) #11

Im doing keto for mental clarity, energy, and hoping for the appetite suppresant although results after 6 weeks haven’t been what I hoped for. I haven’t lost any weight (I’m 5’2” and 130lb.) probably because i haven’t had a consistent caloric deficiency and I eat too much Erythritol, and not a very active/athletic person) I was mostly just curious if keto alone would cause me to lose the extra fat I have but obviously not unless I’m at a caloric deficiency- this however, doesn’t surprise me. I was planning on taking coming weeks to the next level with OMAD and then, expecting to see results in my body fat percentage.
However, the lack of period has taken me by surprise

#12

Ok then. You clearly don’t have a lot of weight to lose so your body might just be panicking a wee bit.
If the lack of period is really bothering you it might be worth adding just a few carbs (say 1/2 a sweet potato) to your dinner tonight - this seems to work for some women in getting things going again. It really shouldn’t set back your adaption to any great degree unless you feel you might fall into a carb spiral. I’d say as a one off it’s worth a shot. For some women though it can take 3 or 4 months before their hormones settle so you could also try riding it out. You’ll probably find that once you have your period your weight will drop too :slightly_smiling_face:

EDIT: Also make sure you are getting enough protein!

(38fb1c0389682ab09eb9) #13

Thank you! This is a really helpful/hopeful response

(38fb1c0389682ab09eb9) #14

Update: 75 days now. Still nothing. Should I Be worried, should I go to a doctor?

#15

That’s a tricky/personal one. I would be worried but I’ve always been pretty regular.

If you’re eating sufficient calories & are usually pretty regular then it might be worth it. Are you feeling unwell or uncomfortable?

(38fb1c0389682ab09eb9) #16

I’m usually pretty regular, with 35 day cycles or so, and short 5 day periods. I feel fine though. Nothing seems off other than this.
I’m wondering if there are any other natural ways to balance my hormones first, get things going. I drink a lot of coffee so I may try cutting that out, maybe living less of a sedentary lifestyle.

(38fb1c0389682ab09eb9) #17

Oh! I have had a crazy rash on my scalp for about 3 weeks but as of a couple days ago it is finally starting to settle down and heal

#18

The right amount of exercise (not too much/too little) is certainly good for the hormones - particularly stress hormones which can mess with your cycle quite a bit.

So you’ve basically missed two periods which isn’t hugely concerning if you’re feeling well & is certainly not rare when making a huge change in diet. If you’re comfortable waiting it out for another month or so then it probably won’t do you any harm but if you get worried or suffer any symptoms then I’d see a doctor.

Meanwhile if you do a search of the forum you’ll find loads of similar stories from other members :slightly_smiling_face:

Lots of people get rashes too - good that yours is clearing up :slightly_smiling_face:

(38fb1c0389682ab09eb9) #19

Thanks so much for your quick response. This is reassuring. I feel a bit better. I’ll update with any significant changes

#20

Cheers - It’s great when people update :slightly_smiling_face: