I started IF doing 20:4 about a month ago. My period ended up coming 2 weeks early (about a week into starting IF). I thought it was just a fluke that it happened to come early, but then it showed up again a few days ago at my normally expected start date and it’s been super painful. I haven’t had such brutal cramping or heavy flow since middle school. What is happening? Is this my body adjusting and will my periods go back to normal?
I’m 28, 5’3” and around 115 pounds. I don’t know the exact number because I don’t weigh myself, just go by how my clothes fit. I’d say my body has gone through more recomp this past month rather than any drastic weight loss. Has anyone else experienced something like this?
It happened to me too and lasted until my extra pounds were gone. I think the estrogen released from the fat cells being emptied out caused it, and I went from 5’3” 123 pounds to 108 lbs (a good BMI for me and I look better too). It took two cycles, and then it returned to normal and I’m still at 108 lbs.
Note: I’m male, obviously never had a period and am relying on observations of women in my life.
Have you talked to your doctor about your level of fat reserves? Per research from NIH, women need a body fat percentage of 17 percent to begin menarche and maintain at least 22 percent for regular periods.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/4053451/
Good luck to you.