Do you ladies have periods?

[VeryBerry]

Do you ladies have periods?

I just missed one. May be two. I don't normally keep track.
I have been 100% for about 2 months. Now I am not even 100% enymore, may be 80%. I am not pregnant. I don't miss the pms and I read the article about menstruation, but I still feel a little stange about it. I don't know if I should see a doctor just to make sure I am still ovulating. What do you think?

[travelingtoes]

I am not raw yet, but taking the plunge beginning Dec.18th (my b-day) but I would definitely get it checked. I missed some periods and just let it go. I finally went to the doctor and turns out I have a cyst the size of a baby's head on my left ovary. I don't want to scare you because I doubt that's what you have, but get yourself checked for sure.

[trinity082482]

Well Im raw 8 days now and it's not that time of the month yet. I will assume that yes I will get mine. Well see. :p

[VeryBerry]

The funny thing is when I was 14, I went on a diet where I was eating mostly fruit to lose a bit of weigh and because I liked it. I was feeling fantastic and lost a few pounds, but was not too thin. Then I lost my period, my mother and everyone around me started to worry and decided I was anorexic. I started to think I had a problem too. So the problem was "solved", I went to a phycologists was give untidepressants, and started eating "normally" again.

Funny how history repeats itself!

[bittersweet]

I will go for a long time without one, maybe 4-6 months, and then get one. Sometimes I get ones that are almost unnoticible... a couple drops of blood.
I never have cramps or bloating, but there is a .....sensation... that I get sometimes. Not bad, just distinctive, that I only get when I'm bleeding. I do ovulate regularly, monthly bleeding or not, though.

[juliebove]

Yes, I still have them. I am not 100% raw. I can't say that my periods were always normal. I had cortisone shots for various reasons and these always brought on a period, sometimes a very long, seemingly never ending one. I had thyroid problems. This caused problems. Luckily I didn't have cramps or other problems until I was about in my 30's. My periods became much heavier than and erratic. And then they got even crazier after I had a baby.

I am 47 now so menopause could be around the corner, although testing indicates that I haven't entered it yet. I've also been taking herbs to try to make my periods lighter. Sometimes they are, sometimes not. But they are down to 5 days now. For a while they were dragging on for 8 days!

[Rawzula]

My periods are so irregular and erratic. They got even more erratic after I had my son:eek:

[eatyourbroccoli]

my periods were about once every 4 months..and i thought that was ok since i was high raw/100% and have read about people losing their periods on here.

turns out i lost my periods bc my hormone levels had dropped to that of a 70 yr old woman.

im probably an extreme case..but if it happens another time id suggest at least getting your hormone levels checked.

they may still be in the "normal" range (that range is darn darn big), but ask to look at them and if theyre really low given the parameters, maybe consider some sort of natural supplement to help balance you out?

maca is something that could help. didnt help me, but again..im an extreme case.

just be careful..thats all i suggest :)

ETA: my hormones didnt drop from raw.

[thevoyager]

my periods are very light and pain free. my most recent one which just ended was a lot longer than usual. guess i'm getting some nutrients i wasn't. but it was still light and pleasant!

[Alba]

My situation is pretty much like BitterSweet - I rarely have my period (last time was the 7. of October) and when I do, it's only a few drops and a slightly uncomfortable feeling - kind of "magnetic" in my lower back and inner thighs. I do not know if I am ovulating - how do you check it, bittersweet?
I love not having to deal with it - that is very freeing!
Love alba

[janicejourney]

I have totally regular periods. I have been high-100% raw since beginning of summer.

[Morn]

I have only been raw for almost 3 months (in 6 more days it will be exactly 3 months). But what I can tell you is after the first month raw I completely skipped my period altogether for that month. Also I think if you add activity or decrease from your normal activity that can also affect your cycle (ie. if you have added in a lot exercise and you weren't active before). I think the combination of me going raw and then beginning to exercise again caused it. However, the next month I got mine. I wouldn't worry but it still might be worth looking into with your doctor.

[PixieLed]

I haven't had my period for 9 months. (And I'm not pregnant) I started to eat raw right when I quit taking the BC pill. I asked my doctor and he said it was normal that I didn't have a period after stopping the BC pill and it might take a few months before my body is able to create its own hormones again. Also I had a full gyno check up and everything was fine.

So either raw is the reason I don't have my periods, or my body is not used to it yet.

[Cinnamon]

I've been high raw or 100% for about 3 years and my monthly cycle stayed the same. The same awful PMS (worse than anyone I've ever met!), cramping, bloating, migraines, cravings, 5 to 8 day cycles, every 25 or so days. And at 48 no menopause symptoms in sight.

But I had other health issues and I had a hysterectomy on November 15th so I can officially say I will no longer have those awful monthly cycles and after 37 years I am glad to say goodbye to them! Of course I am not advising anyone to have surgery, there were serious circumstances that required this decision to be made and I am very glad to have it over and done.

I know my recovery from surgery has been very smooth and much faster than most gals would experience and I know my lifestyle is responsible for this! Yeah for raw!

That being said I've read a lot about gals losing their periods on raw, wish that had happened for me!

[bittersweet]

My situation is pretty much like BitterSweet - I rarely have my period (last time was the 7. of October) and when I do, it's only a few drops and a slightly uncomfortable feeling - kind of "magnetic" in my lower back and inner thighs. I do not know if I am ovulating - how do you check it, bittersweet?
I love not having to deal with it - that is very freeing!
Love alba


There are several ways. One is temperature, I think that you're supposed to run warmer when you're ovulating. Another is I believe what is called "cervical placement"... where the opening of your cervix seems to be in a different place. And third, the consistincy of lubrication is different.

[swingbolder]

My periods have always been regular, raw or not raw.

The only thing that's different is that on raw, I don't have cramps or PMS.

[VeryBerry]

Sorry to hear you have still have pms Cinammon. My pms was much better as soon as I stopped eating soy, and was pretty much gone when I stopped eating all packaged foods and was high raw. Are you using any raw soy products? I am not sure if liquid aminos are made of soy. (I have never used them)

[VeryBerry]

Now that I don't have my period and know for sure that I am not preganant, my boyfriend seems to be very worried and tells me to go see a doctor because something must be wrong. He does not have a clue that it might be caused by diet, and I don't want to give him this idea.

For those of you who went to doctors when you lost your pedriod can you please tell me what kind of tests do they do and how long does it take.

[travelingtoes]

I had a vaginal ultrasound. She did give me a pap first and then scheduled me for the ultrasound. The ultrasound took about 20 minutes because of course they found something. They are not fun.

[Conscious Midwife]

You can still ovulate without hemohaggining

I think oaing, cramps and bleeding are abnormal things that we've become use to

just look at the eveolution of feminin products in the last 25 years

what did women due before SUPER EXTENDED OVERNIGHT MAXI'S WITH WINGS????

I think all the growth hormones in meat 'cause the problems so when you go raw and/ or vegan your body detoxs and quits been triggered by all the synthetic stuff

[Rawkinlocs]

You can still ovulate without hemohaggining

I think oaing, cramps and bleeding are abnormal things that we've become use to

just look at the eveolution of feminin products in the last 25 years

what did women due before SUPER EXTENDED OVERNIGHT MAXI'S WITH WINGS????

I think all the growth hormones in meat 'cause the problems so when you go raw and/ or vegan your body detoxs and quits been triggered by all the synthetic stuff

Amen to that!

[VeryBerry]

Thanks Travelingtoes.

[Sunshine9]

I have my period

It's usually quite pleasant, though the more stress I undergo and the more of certain foods I eat, I will notice reflected in how I feel during my monthly cycle

I know there are so many opinions about the whole menstruation thing, and I only have my own experience and selected articles/literature that I'm going on... but I think missed periods are a sign of hormonal imbalance... I also think it IS possible to ovulate without bleeding... but that comes after a LONG time of living a very pure life style

[Raw Magwene]

I get my period, raw or not. It always lasts about 5 days. The only difference is with raw, I have MUCH less cramping, etc.

I disagree with the idea that menstruation (including having a period) is "unnatural" for humans, and here's why:

Apparently the great apes (our closest genetic relatives as species) menstruate, just like us. Other animals just go into heat (estrus). So, really, a period is a totally natural, normal thing, although what we consider awful, the bloathing and cramps, seem to be caused by hormonal imbalance. If you have low bodyfat or exercise loads (like olympic gymnasts of ironwomen triatheletes), you can lose your period because your body doesn't have the energetic reserves to support ovulation/possible pregnancy. So it doesn't let you bet pregnant. Our bodies are really very clever.

Some people are "regularly irregular", which sounds like what some folks have described above. That's normal for their bodies.

My feeling is that if you think something is odd, it's worth going to the doc to check it out, if only for your peace of mind.

[Healthygirl]

I started having very strange periods a couple of years ago--spotting for several days before real bleeding began. I thought it was a sign of early menopause (age 36!) and some doctors agreed. But when I did a Candida detox they eventually returned to normal and are healthy and regular now. When I say candida detox I mean serious dietary revolution going on 2 years now (not the 2 week bottled variety). Now I am mostly raw (about 95% for 2 months) and haven't noticed any change in my menstrual cycle. I also found that accupuncture helped quite a bit. My hormones were out of whack. Accupuncture helped fix that. Good luck.

[Nenyath]

I'm 9 months into my journey and I still have my period, I've not been 100% raw all the time though. The cramps seem to have lessened a bit, which is extremely nice! I don't know what to think, wether bleeding is normal or not, but wouldn't it be quite unpractical for wild animals to bleed like we do? It would be so easy for predators to sniff their way to dinner! :p

Fly forever free..

[Gwena]

You can still ovulate without hemohaggining

I think oaing, cramps and bleeding are abnormal things that we've become use to

just look at the eveolution of feminin products in the last 25 years

what did women due before SUPER EXTENDED OVERNIGHT MAXI'S WITH WINGS????

I think all the growth hormones in meat 'cause the problems so when you go raw and/ or vegan your body detoxs and quits been triggered by all the synthetic stuff

I agree. I believe periods are unnatural. We are the only creatures in existence who continuously hemorrage every single month. :(

[chilove]

I've been 100% raw for one and 1/2 years and was very close to 100% raw for a year prior to that and I still get my period. It is much lighter and shorter though. I also don't get painful breasts or cramps anymore, and my PMS is almost completely gone! :-) Gotta love raw!!

All the best,

Audrey
www.rawhealing.com

[Ariannah]

I agree. I believe periods are unnatural. We are the only creatures in existence who continuously hemorrage every single month. :(

Ahh I had posted a completely different thread about this, leading to this website:
http://www.waldorfhomeschoolers.com/menstruation.htm

This convinces me more than ever that bleeding every month is not healthy.

[jujube]

I agree. I believe periods are unnatural. We are the only creatures in existence who continuously hemorrage every single month. :(

Actually, other primates (chimps, gorillas, etc.) also bleed a little, and I believe some canine species do as well. Of course, they don't experience the flood of blood that a lot of women do, just small amounts.

[Kerilyn]

I feel like you were writing out my situation! I am also a little over 2 months raw and missed my period last month. I was worried, I never experienced any of my "normal" symptoms (I have always been VERY grabby/emotional the week before my period, water retention, a few cramps, bloated and would break out with acne pretty bad for about 2 weeks) - took the pregnancy test, it was negative.. :)



I am not complaining one bit!!! :) I think my body is just "regulating" and I'm sure my period will come back after a few months. I'm not too worried about it for the time being. I plan on just sitting back and letting nature take it's course. But like others have said, if you are not comfortable with the situation and if you constantly have pressure from your boyfriend to find out "what's wrong" I would just go in to ease your mind.



Best of luck to you. Just know that there are others out there that are experiencing the exact same thing - and that you're not alone!

[Frecs]

I've been 100% raw for a year and I still have my period. In fact, I've been tracking the pattern because my periods have been messed up for years (too frequent) and I wanted to see if being raw would "correct" the problem. (Oh, and the doctors all said there was nothing "wrong" and their only "solution" was to take the pill but I refused that option--no, I had no other need for the pill as I'm the oldest living virgin outside convents.) :D Anyway, after a year of 100% raw, my periods are pretty consistantly at every 3 weeks...this is a bit better than it had been.

[eve]

ditto what a lot of folks said.

my periods are still there, but NO CRAMPS!!!!!!!!!

yeessssss!!!!!

i'm definitely not pregnant and have never been on birth control so my lack of cramps is unrelated to that. i just notice (and have for years now) that when i'm fasting or on all-raw around the time of my periods, i have no issues with "Aunt Flow" whatsoever.

yet another benefit of being raw ...

[RawSun]

When I first started raw 7.5 months ago... my periods went from irregular (every 45 days) to fairly regular - every 30 days.

I didn't get my last one either. I expected it around December 6th, still no signs. Have taken a pregnancy test, and I'm not pregnant.

I did just read the article:
http://www.waldorfhomeschoolers.com/menstruation.htm

that rawandnatural included above, it was very informative, and I feel much more comfortable with my period or lack thereof.

I've never had cramps, or mood swings, or any of the negative symptoms.... it was only ever the physical signs. Although I was vegetarian before I ever mensturated... Actually come to think of it, when I was 11 I started getting my period only a few times, that same year I became vegetarian, and I didn't start getting my period again for two years after that? Coincidence, maybe, maybe not.

[SmilingRawDancer]

I have to say, I'm a believer in the waldorf thing.
I feel like I'm living proof:
I KNOW that I eat over 1200 calories a day, and I keep track of minerals etc. on Fitday, so I see NO reason why I shouldn't have my period: except raw health.
Once a month I still get a little more stressed than usual, and I break out a tad on my face, but not a drop of blood.
I started my period when I was only 11 (but I'm 5'1, and I've heard that it has to do with height..), and I gained weight steadily after that untill I weighed over 130, and felt AWFUL and had cravings all the time.
Then I went raw about 6 months ago, and I'm down to about 105 lbs, TONS more energy, no cravings at all, and everything is great : )

Yayyy raw :)

<3

[Ariannah]

I must say, one of my incentives to get back on raw and STAY raw, was the difference in my periods.

Also, I am 39 and want to be well-established enough eating an optimal human diet for myself, so that by the time "menopause age" hits, I can bypass the symptoms everyone talks about. Amazing with raw, how I am skipping all kinds of "normal" illnesses.

(I read on one list I was on all the drugs and hormones someone was on to suppress the symptoms of menopause, YUCK! No thanks! Not for me!)