Hello everyone,

Was wondering if anyone has had spotting when they went low carb? For the past two months now, Ive had some spotting in between periods, and wonder if its normal. Also, Ive been doing induction (or trying) for allmost two weeks, but Im so tired! Is it normal to stay tired for the hole two weeks? Any thoughts would be appreciated. THanks

Stephanie
Houston

Hi Stephanie: Apparently spotting does occur but will subside eventually. I didn't spot, but had 2 periods in 1 month twice, that was a couple of months ago, and so far, everything is back to normal. The first two weeks of induction I was exhausted, your body is really adjusting to a dramatic change, by week 3 you should start feeling energized and good, I find two weeks of hell was worth it.

The spotting is not unusual in the first 2 months. If it happens in the 3rd month, get it checked out with your Dr.

For the fatigue: eat 5-10 MORE veggie carbs for a day or so. You might need them. And use some "No Salt" on your food. It's in the grocery store with the salt, but it's potassium. Since the diet is diuretic (makes you lose water), you could be a bit low on potassium. I hope you'll soon feel better - and be lighter.

I guess I'm more conservative but I think if your spotting between periods then you should get yourself checked by a doctor regardless of what your eating. Some people spot easily and have since they were teens but if your not one of them, see your doctor becasue it could be something more scary than a diet related happening. And it would be good to have the peace of mind.

I had one day of full fledged bleeding, I'm not going to call it spotting, it was more than that. I had been feeling some twinges on my left side. This was 2 weeks into Induction. The doctor concluded that I must have ruptured a cyst on my ovary and he is currently keeping his eye on me. It hasn't happened since, and I've had a normal cycle since then. I didn't think to mention to him that I was on this diet, should I have? How common is this?

I have never had this issue personally, but as a nurse I can offer a bit of insight.
I doubt your spotting is caused by change in diet, although it is not uncommon. Spotting usually is caused by hormonal imbalance of some sort. Your best bet is to call your doctor or GYN.
Good luck and keep the LC faith!

Nan

Actually, there have been threads on this board & others previously about this symptom. Insulin is a master hormone in the body. By eating LC, we have drastically altered its production and switched to glucagon production for producing energy from food.

As insulin affects ALL the hormones in the body, it stands to reason that women whose estrogen & progesterone will be affected, might show some of the more obvious symptoms of this change. Low carbing is a recognized and recommended treatment for PolyCystic Ovarian Syndrome or PCOS- a condition in females which involves infertility, irregular or non-existent periods and other physical manifestations. It is believed to be another manifestation of insulin resistance & may result from an over-abundance of carbs in the diet. (Do a Net search for "PCOS" to read up on this condition and the effects of LC.) Some people have reported having their first regular period after a couple of months of LC. A number of women, previously unable to conceive, are now called Mummy. There is a forum here just for PCOS.

So I still say (non-medical person here) just relax for the first 2 months, then call your Dr. if it happens a 3rd time. If you are really nervous, go ahead and get checked out.

geesh, I wish I just had spotting. I have two periods this month, and I am on the pill, which I thought would play a bigger role in normalizing my hormones. Well at least I know that something inside of me is changing, I just hope it is healthy. One period a month is quite enough for me.