Do you still have symptoms of a menstral cycle even without the mc?

[RedFizz]

I am going to try to make this as brief as possible...
I used to have ~5 day, super heavy menstral cycles with debilitating cramps and 3 weeks between the end of one and beginning of another. Then I did a 40-day detox, and I had a 9 day cycle that was super light the whole time (only spotted) only 2 weeks after my last one. Now it's been ~4 1/2 weeks since my last one, and I haven't had any symptoms.

I have read one this site and followed threads' links to articles about how when women's bodies are extremely healthy and being fed raw, they no longer have periods, but they still ovulate and can still have children. From what the literature says, this is the way it should be.

Now for the question: I am suddenly gaining ~.5 pounds a day :eek: and am craving sugar (so I eat raw honey in limited quantities of course). Could this be my menstral cycle, just without the SAD "cycle"?

I have never experienced a cycle without the discharge, so I didn't know if you still bloat. Plus I would hate to think I was gaining weight on the raw diet. I have watched my fat intake.

Thanks for advice! I am really excited about the changes my body is going through! I have never had so much energy, and I haven't had a bought of depression for 4 weeks now!

[eatyourbroccoli]

i havent gotten my cycle in almost 2 months. last week though, before the time i should have gotten it, i cramped up a bit and my chest became tender. yet, no cycle.

so..my latest experience, yes..i think i underwent the symptoms without the actual cycle. what that means? im not sure. just what i experienced.

[akh78749]

Interesting post. I am very much looking forward to what others have to say about this. I am almost 3 weeks 99% raw. I am looking forward to no more periods!

[daisyduke]

I haven't had a period in almost 2 years. Sometimes I get a little crampy as if it's coming. This lasts about 5 minutes (literally). That is all I get. I don't get cravings or moody either (well, at least I don't think I'm moody - my husband may disagree!). I do think we go through the whole monthly cycle though because we still ovulate. So I would just guess that the side effects from it are far more decreased because of our excellent nutrition! Hope this helps a bit!

[NFrawRUNNER]

I have been "raw" since August, 2005 but have not have a MC since July, 2003.....I too get "signs" of ovulation but no bleeding...The only problem I have had is that my estrogen levels are EXTREMELY LOW I am only 39 and due to the low estrogen I also developed osteoporosis!!! :eek: I actually started "raw" to help correct my "issues" such as the low estrogen and digestive issues (IBS/Celiac???) I FEEL great but unfortunately my estrogen levels are still LOW (My level is 8 when post-menopausal levels range 1-45!!!) I am a little down about that right now (levels just checked a few weeks ago) but even more down about my bone mineral density decreasing dramatically as well!!! I REFUSE TO GO ON FOSOMAX/some other drug because they don't work!!!!!

I am interested in how others cope with all this or if anyone else has had blood work done????

<<I also read that BM Density is lower in raw veg. because bones are thinner so turnover rate is faster and BMD tests aren't accurate for us????? I FEEL healthy.....I was shocked at my results! >>

[daisyduke]

Diantha - I'm not sure how much I would worry about the low levels of estrogen. I know that Dr. Doug Graham says that he goes by how he feels. Since you say that you feel great, I would go by that. So called "normal" estrogen levels are established by people eating SAD. I don't know how we would compare ourselves to them. I'm sorry I don't know much, those are just my thoughts.

[NFrawRUNNER]

Thank you Daisy Duke.....You just made me feel much better....I DO feel great and you're right....can't compare to SAD eaters.....I wish my family and friends were as knowledgeable and understanding as ev. on this forum! Thanks DD
Di

[kyrie]

Hello,

If you have tested for low estrogen levels, and are at risk or have developed osteoporoesis, it is very sad that you think that you can ignore it, just because you are raw. Raw or SAD isn't the point.

You need to sit down with a doctor as soon as possible, and find one who is supportive of your diet,and find a way to supplement your estrogen levels.

Why expose yourself at a young age to needless pain and suffering, in the belief that because Doug Graham says to go by how you feel, you are going to do so.

Honestly, you need to take responsibility for your own health.Dr Doug Graham has never examined you, so when you know you have a serious problem and look for the easy way out, instead of fixing it, I am perplexed....why would you do this to yourself?

It is your own life. Raw is meant for you to be in better health, not take a cop-out.

Carla.

[daisyduke]

I said that I wasn't sure about what to do in that situation. I'm certainly not a professional either. If it were me, I would definitely pay for a consult with Dr. Doug Graham. Like you said, we can't guess about your health.

[NFrawRUNNER]

Hello,

If you have tested for low estrogen levels, and are at risk or have developed osteoporoesis, it is very sad that you think that you can ignore it, just because you are raw. Raw or SAD isn't the point.

You need to sit down with a doctor as soon as possible, and find one who is supportive of your diet,and find a way to supplement your estrogen levels.

Why expose yourself at a young age to needless pain and suffering, in the belief that because Doug Graham says to go by how you feel, you are going to do so.

Honestly, you need to take responsibility for your own health.Dr Doug Graham has never examined you, so when you know you have a serious problem and look for the easy way out, instead of fixing it, I am perplexed....why would you do this to yourself?

It is your own life. Raw is meant for you to be in better health, not take a cop-out.

Carla.
Carla-
"OUCH"...
Firstly, I am taking my "levels" very seriously. I have consulted with a clinical nutritionist that has started me on a whole foods supplementation protocol from "Standard Process." I have NO INTENTIONS of ignoring it or I wouldn't have posted here.

Secondly, I never mentioned Douglas Graham in my thread here.???...I do know of him and respect his knowledge as he is an athlete like me....But I never said his word was gospel??? I respect all opinions on the subject of "raw food" and health (even yours ;))

Thirdly, ((and in disagreement with you here)).....You don't even know me. I don't appreciate you attacking my personality. I am not looking for "an easy way out" or justification in my lifestyle choices. Nor do I feel like anything I do or choose not to do is a "cop-out." I am very self motivated and always seeking knowledge in the areas discussed within this forum. Since others had shared their stories about MC's (or lack thereof) I wondered if anyone had a similar experience to mine. All of my "other issues" including other blood tests, IBS, chronic fatigue, and low adrenal functining have improved since being "raw". I was just "putting it out there" my wonderment of the estrogen levels. For all I know low estrogen is normal in raw veg???? I don't know. I am not an expert nor do I claim to be...I have researched the bone mineral density tests and know of at least one study that indicates yes RV have lower than average BMD but their (our) bones are thinner and have a highter turnover rate so they come out just as good if not better on further testing ....I am planning on taking that info. to my follow up appt. witha an endocrinologist to get another opinion....

So, although I respect your opinion(s) I think you were a little off track on my intentions. Please do share any further information you may have on THIS SUBJECT, but hold back on the judgements please...

[daisyduke]

Well said diantha!

[kyrie]

Hello,

You want stronger bones, you need to supplement with Vitamin D, or get enough of it from the sun. Also you need to make sure you are taking a supplement where the calcium to magnesium ratio is 2:1.Also make sure you are getting enough Vitamin C, as I have read that it and Copper and Silica help to build collagen ( which is the mesh that is used to build bones, not just your skin).

Also bones are meant to bear weight.When you start weight bearing excercise, your bones will respond by becoming stronger.

Do so in consultation with your doctor.

What I don't like about raw forums in general is that because they are impersonal, people feel free to give advice that seems to me a lot of times to be highly irresponsible, especially when they don't have to take ownership of the results of that advice.

If I seem harsh, I am trying to be straight forward. I responded to your last post, because I was worried you would go by how you felt, as another poster advised.

I am not judging you personally. I don't even know you.

I also cannot suspend judgement of what I read here, as I am a very rational and logical person.

Carla.