PMS & Atkins

[kjspea]

Dr. A was so very thorough but skipped over this one...

And although I tried to sign up for the women's forum, it is not active...

Can anyone share experiences of how the eating plan has affected your cycle, specifically PMS? I usually get strong chocolate cravings & retain water like crazy and this will be the first cycle on Atkins, so I am trying to brace myself....

Have any of your symtoms decreased, increased, changed, etc?


Thanks for sharing!

[bluerain324]

This past cycle was the worst i'd had in a long time. I bloated 5-6 lbs for about a week, so I was miserable. I felt literally 6 months pregnant. I also ate half a carton of the Breyers low carb chocolate ice cream. I didn't gain any weight, but I didn't lose any either. Then all of sudden in a few days I dropped 7 lbs- can anyone say wooshie fairy?

[freckles]

I'm in cranky crazy PMS land right now..... just feeling munchie and ickola.

[citsim]

I have had 1 period since I started Atkins on March 27th 2006, I was 10 days late. I bought like 3 boxes of pregnancy tests...I was suppose to start on the 10th but didnt start till the 25th & then instead of my reg 5 days it lasted 3. The nurse I talked to said I had effected my cycle by the sudden change of eating habbits & weight loss. Will see how the next one goes.

[samndee]

Fortunately for me, my PMS has been absent since starting this WOE in January. I only get mild cramps. And I used to get a laundry list of symptoms. I attribute this to the sugar that I used to eat...I'm so glad that the PMS is gone!

Also, you might want to start taking Evening primrose oil...it makes PMS a non-issue. I hope all goes well for you!

[staziaw]

I'm totally going through a visit from TOM right now! And I've been struggling with cravings, sweet cravings, all day. I purposely packed lots of nibblies for the day, since meals don't feel good in the belly at this time. A little salty (pepperoni and cheddar cheese) and a little sweet (panna cotta-Italian sweet cream-yumminess), along with my usual meals in smaller portions and spread out more.

Since I started Atkins in February, my migraines are fewer and of lower intensity. My PMS is waaaaaaay down (my roommate is grateful that I'm not carrying around a knife every month anymore!). My bloating is down. My crankiness is down. And my energy is better, to which I credit exercise. I've noticed these changes over the past 3 months.

So, lots of good. A little bad. But all controllable! In fact, I just went looking for Induction-friendly (I'm on extended Induction) desserts! I'm planning on making Pumpkin Custard tonight! Something warm and yummy! Yippee!

Good luck!
Stacy

[soliwit]

Ok, I don't want to bring all you people down, but......I am doing this WOE since over a year, at a certain point my TOM started to be waaaay off, I started to get it a week earlier than I was supposed.
I am still VERY emotional, sadly that didn't change a bit, so I am still picking fights and being a cry-baby all over.
Than the last 2 periods I had hardly any bleeding BUT CRAMPS !!!!!!!!!!! (OMG, I don't even want to think back).......but no drop came out !
The moment I start taking the pill again the pain stops, but one week before and the whole week I was supposed to get my period I was having these awfull cramps.
Got my husband all worried too.
Thing is I just had a research at the gynacologist a month ago, I called him again and he said not to worry, so I guess I don't....he says it could also be the change of pill. (thing is though I only changed the pill this last month, so it doesn't explain the cramps of the TOM before this one.)
Now for the good news: most of the time I dropped a pound or 2 after TOM and it would stay off too !!!

[Barbde]

OK girlies.
Evening Primrose Oil for the PMS works wonders.
L-Glutamine for the sugar cravings. (L-Glutamine is talked about in the book, look it up in the index, I have page 136 stuck in my head but that may not be right)
Both are cheap, and have been my lifesavers. You can find them at Walmart, drugstores or GNC.

[kjspea]

Hey Ladies, thank you very much for your responses. It really helps to see what others have gone through and the advice is greatly appreciated.

I am happy to hear about you ladies who have PMS under control while on the Atkins eating plan, it really is quite inspirational. I have always been a chocoholic (pre-Atkins) and seem to have had my cravings under control within about 3 days of ketosis. I still have my choco soy and mini Choco velamints...but I can totally control myself and it doesn't lead to cravings. But just waiting for full PMS mode...

Thanks for also sharing that it has affected your cycles, I am on FAM so this is really of concern to me!!! (Natural BC w/ temps, etc....a subject for a whole other board...)

I am just feeling so bloooooated right now, it is probably b/c I have been drinking so much water.

I am going to get the Primrose Oil - great suggestion, I am sure I will be thanking samnde and barbde . Per Dr. A's research, I have already purchased L-Glutamine, but haven't used it yet. Maybe it's time....

Thanks again ladies, I sincerely appreciate the input & suggestions from all of you.

[msnicksmom]

I'm glad you mentioned you practice FAM, your temps should be OK, and if you check CM that should be unaffected too. I wish I had started temping, I wouldn't be FREAKING OUT because AF is usually like a clock, and this month 3 days late and still no show. Testing tomorrow, but don't feel pg, likely it's just the changes I've put my body through. But your temps and CM will be true, and PMS symptoms do tend to be less for many. YMMV.