oops.

It's normal for hormones to go haywire when you diet. Oestrogen is stored in fat cells, which is why hormonal problems tend to be worse when you're overweight. When you burn the fat, the oestrogen is released and has a little party on its way out. My periods have been pretty strange since I started dieting too. My luteal phase has shortened (I do FAM tracking so I know when I ovulate) which means that my overall cycle length has been less, the first two cycles I got really bad premenstrual anxiety, the next two cycles the killer migraines kicked in, and until I started taking more essential fatty acids (already on echium oil which is a veggie alternative to fish oil, added in starflower oil), I got a lot of spotting as well.

I always gain massive weight during my periods, bloating all over, stomach distension and all. My cramps are unbearable, my flow is HEAVY! But I notice that when i cut down on sugar, my flow is not as heavy. But if I eat anything sugary- sodas, chocolates, even some types of fruit, I gush! Plus i have way more cramps with the sxcess sugar consumption. So i've learned to cut down before and after my period, and for my health in general. I think everyone is different and reacts to changes differently too. So study your body and find out what works best for you to minimize discomfort. Good luck!

I wouldn't stress about it, your hormones are changing. As far as the weight loss before TOM, that happens to me sometimes. My body stalls for a few weeks then right before TOM...whoosh. Not sure why because I still feel bloaty, etc. I usually retain the weight loss too so TOM can sometimes be a welcomed buddy on the weight loss side.