Low Carb Diet and Spotting

skinnyinthedesert · 10-15-2011, 11:34 AM

Hi Ladies!

OK, I know this might be too much information, but I just thought I'd ask in case anyone of you have had the same problem.

I've been on Yasmin to control my pcos for about 5 years now and in the past year, I've carried about 15 pounds over my usual weight, which has sent everything into crazy mode!

I started exercising again about two and a half weeks ago. I have been working out since Jan, but took a break when I was on summer vacation for two months.

I also just started the South Beach Diet last week (today is day 8 yay!) and I've lost 5.5 pounds so far.

The problem is I've noticed very slight spotting every once in a while for the past week or so. Nothing major, but I'm kinda wondering whether or not I should be concerned.

Now, I'm definitely not sexually active in the LEAST bit, so I know it's not that or pregnancy.

My first thought was that this was due to starting the low carb diet and my hormones slowly rebalancing themselves. But I'm not sure if that's a thing or not hehe

Anyway, I was just wondering if any of you have ever experienced this? If it continues, I'll definitely have a check up.

Esofia · 10-15-2011, 12:10 PM

Spotting between periods is normal with any kind of weight loss. Remember that oestrogen is stored in fat cells, so when you burn off the fat, the oestrogen is released and has a little party. My menstrual cycles have been jumping around a bit as well, there are loads of us in this situation. I think it's one of those things which happens more if you lose weight more rapidly, though I could be wrong there.

And I just noticed that this is the PCOS forum. I don't have PCOS, but I can't see why this shouldn't affect women with PCOS just as much as it affects women without it.

skinnyinthedesert · 10-15-2011, 03:36 PM

Oh thank you Esofia!! That does make a lot of sense!! I remember it happening before and it would've been around the time I also lost some weight. It does make sense

Thanks again, I'm so relieved!

Esofia · 10-15-2011, 05:20 PM

I looked it up when I'd recently started dieting and was a) spotting and b) really cold. Both are apparently really common. I'm not sure what's up with the chilliness, I hadn't lost enough weight for it to be having less insulation. Ginger capsules worked a charm on that, thankfully. We're discussing PMS in one of the other threads and someone was saying that hers has really improved now that she's lost a sizable amount of weight, which is a relief as mine has been flaring up somewhat. I'm hoping that it'll settle down once I'm at goal.

nelie · 10-15-2011, 10:36 PM

Your fat stores estrogen so yeah weight loss can mean extra estrogen in your body. I don't low carb and it definitely happens to me.

skinnyinthedesert · 10-16-2011, 05:52 AM

Esofia, you know I haven't had PMS exactly but I've been super moody and kinda mean haha I wonder if it's got anything to do with the hormones. It probably does.

Thanks Nellie. I'm glad to know that it has happened to other women. I guess it's just a sign that things are moving in the right direction!