October 19, 2010

Somebody call the waaaaaaaaaaahmbulance!

Just kidding.

But seriously, I am also not feeling well. Today is Day 31 and we only have 8 days left of the challenge. After reading J-Po's last post, I would like to address some questions that I have about the Paleo diet in regards to women (menstrual problems) and also depression. So dudes, now is the time to stop reading.

How is Paleo supposed to affect the menstrual cycle? I have been reading about it and everything that I have come across has said that it makes it lighter, less frequent, and reduces symptoms of PCOS. Since we started this challenge - the EXACT opposite has happened to me. I have gotten my period two times, been crampy as hell, felt anemic, crabby, mood swings, and severly depressed. I have had problems with depression before (in and out for 5-6 years, but completely fine all summer and before the paleo challenge), but it is quite apparent that it is back at the moment and I really hate this feeling. I don't even want to workout. All I want to do is sleep and eat 85% chocolate. I am taking magnesium, fish oil, and VitD3, eating 100% paleo and I feel so much worse than I did before. When reading his book, Robb Wolf assured me that the exact opposite would happen. What is going on? Did this happen to any of you? Are there any females doing research on this topic? Perhaps it will just take time and patience. Both of which I have a hard time with....

Any comments, answers, feedback would be greatly appreciated.

Again, I apologize for the dudes that had to read that!

7 comments:

  1. You know... I really have never had this much trouble with Paleo. Though, I would have to admit that menstrual cycles were way less frequent and short, I think it had to do with the insane amount of activity. The truth is that I just don't handle moving very well and I have done it 4 times this year.

    Joel posted back a comment to my post last night. Having to do with fish oil that I think is very interesting. It talks to the immune response and mentions anemia with overuse. It may be something to look into. I still want to read more but I think I will stick with a good quality fish oil just in lower doses.

    I feel way better today... Combo of lots of water, sleep and getting into the box yesterday I think.

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  2. Hmmmmmm....I'm kinda at a loss (though the fish oil info could be of use. J-Po I do in fact look forward to your opinions/summary of same!). I have kind of been my regular self cycle wise and no more or less crabby than usual. You are pretty good at tracking your diet (right?) so not sure if it is related to not getting enough of something....I don't really have much to offer other than I haven't had the same effects.

    It's been interesting doing this with all of you. For me, this small group sample has shown that strict paleo is NOT for everyone. Cori - if you feel bad on this diet after a month, perhaps it isn't the right mix of fuels for your body. Or perhaps your symptoms and diet are unrelated... Who knows....only time and trial and error will tell. Either way, if you are not feeling well and think it is related to your food intake I would suggest mixing it up once this challenge is over (or even before if you feel really bad). Sending good happy thoughts your way!

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  3. Cori, I have not had problems either...but I'm wondering if it's because you've also added red meat back into your diet? About 5 years ago, I was vegetarian for like two months one summer. I lived in Manhattan at the time and was super poor, so eating vegetarian was way cheaper. Anyways, when I switched back to eating meat, my periods were off for three months and I went to the doctor and she told me it could be related.

    Do we have any ob/gyn's in the WCCF house? Maybe someone with more experience could answer you.

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  4. Cori...I feel your pain. I think we talked about this, but I went through the exact same thing last year when I started paleo as well. I lost my cycle for 9 months exactly (don't worry no baby surprise at the end). I actually felt worse on paleo...and I gained weight. No idea what went wrong or what triggered the change.

    I sent a message to Mat Lalonde and he responded that its actually pretty common for women to lose their cycles when going low carb. He also says that the "paleolithic woman" wouldn't have been regular at all...in fact missed cycles could be a sign of longevity. I dunno....its interesting.
    He also recommends including root tubers, bulbs and veggies in our diets in place or fruit (toxic fructose) and nuts/seeds. This means white potatoes, sweet potatoes, tapioca, rice are all ok in his eyes (in moderation of course). He'll be presenting at our nutrition cert in april...it should be beyond interesting...

    Maybe you can try playing around with some starchy carbs when your challenge is over? Could help with some underlying cortisol issues? I've been searching the internet forever trying to find some answers. I think its time we emailed Robb:)

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  5. Cori: I had the same EXACT issues last year when I went paleo. I'm so glad you mentioned it! I thought I was crazy and no one, not the folks at Whole 9, not Keith Norris, not Dr. Kurt Harris (paleonu.com) not my doc- no one - had an answer for me. Lab tests were all normal too. We are all an experiment of one and will respond in our own unique ways. This is the part Crossfit and Paleo folks don't write about. As if bleeding twice a month doesn't suck, the cramps are bad too. With this challenge I've been getting some nasty cramps day 1-2 of my menses, so the doubling part is not far off. So far I'm on a 24-28 day cycle still. Never been irregular. But I've not been the best paleo challenge girl out there.

    I do not take birth control pills and was celibate at the time so I wasn't pregnant, etc If you are on BCPs you may want to speak with your doc about it. Usually when one is off their cycle many docs just put you on bcps. Sucks. I hate them, they make me not want to have sex.

    I got my period every 10 days, every 15, etc for months and months (Jan thru June). I went to my OB who at first blush harped on my weight loss (10 lbs in the last year is not big!) then questioned my body fat percentage. It was around 15% which was stellar to me but CF says they have chicks with 8% and a menses - so that was my goal. Stupid.

    A uterine biopsy and sonohistogram later (both negative), I still got my period frequently. I added some grains and dairy, guiltily, to my diet in small doses (sandwich and/or a latte a few times a week, or a taco with a corn tortilla - nothing crazy) and that Helped! Believe it or not. Some grains. I stayed away from beans but added edamame, peas, stuff like that.

    I never SKIPPED a period.

    I hate to say it but go get a meatball sandwich once a week and call me in the morning.

    Hang in there girl. Give me your phone number and I will help keep you on track at the box. I could use it too. Break the cycle NOW. Just go...If you're ass is too tired GO. Be a bitch to us, complain, turn on YOUR music. Just show up. I'm in this phase now. I just showed up yesterday and feel great! Broke a 3 week cycle.

    Enough from me. Hang in there! We're here for you. Use us. 773.620.1936

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  6. Oh, I forgot to mention that the uterine biopsy is what made my cycle reset. They were looking for pathology but my doc mentioned that the biopsy, for reasons unknown, usually reset the menses. FYI

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  7. Go to ITunes and download the two episodes from Underground Wellness by Bryan Walsh "fat is not your fault" and his wife Something Walsh on PCOS. They are more into metabolic typing which is more individualized but still quite Paleo-ish. He said some really interesting things about anemia, depression, etc. I haven't listened to her podcast yet- next on my list. Paleo isn't effecting my cycle, but last year when it went wacko on me it was ovarian cysts. Make sure you have your annual visit. Your hormones may be off too.

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