I have read all the information on the search for problems with one's menstrual cycle but unfortunately non of them apply to my problem. I'm 37 years old and I started the Zone 2 months ago because I thought it was a great way to eat especially if I was going to try to get pregnant soon. Since the first month of Zoning, eating Omega RX bars and taking Dr. Sear's Fish oil, I have developed strange menstrual cycles. I have not been perfect at Zoning but I have tried and have not lost weight yet. Therefore, it was a huge shock when my period came, the first month Zoning, and it was not right. I not mean to be so explicit but I'm a little paniced right now and feel the need to be completely open so I can get to the bottom of this. My mentstrual cycle was very light and dark brown with clots. I have never had that happen before and even when I Zoned 3 years ago this did not happen. 3 years ago I did not take Fish Oil or eat any type of Zone bars. I just got my second period on the Zone and it is just like last month! My husband and I are planning to start to get pregnant in Nov. and now I'm very frightened. If anyone has any advise please feel free to share it because I love the Zone and really hope to continue being on the Zone for the rest of my life!!! Thank you!! Stacey10 (I had to reregister with my middle name because the new site has knocked my old name out for the time being)

Hello Lynn- A lot of us could speculate, but why try? If you are that concerned, make an appoint ment with your gyno. Especially since you are planning a pregnancy. Best of luck! Michelle

Michele, Thank so much for your reply! I completely agree with you and fortunately I have an appointment with my OBGYN on Monday. To be honest I hesitated before making the appointment because I was nervous that my doctor might have negative thoughts about the Zone and tell me not to do it. He is Harvard educated and I'm sure is aware of the Zone, but OBGYN's are very strict when it comes to pregnant women. Fortunately, the Zone is more of a life style and not a diet. Thanks again for your reply! Thank you! Stacey

Dear Stacy, I totally agree that you should discuss this with your doctor. I had trouble with my cycle at first. (I have always been very light without any cramping, and I actually skipped a period after my first month Zoning.) Once I had been doing it for about two months, though, my cycle was quite normal. My guess is that my body needed a little time to get used to reduced calories and less bulk in things like rice and bread. Once it did, everything was fine. You may want to be careful in your discussion of the zone with your doctor. I discussed this recently with my aunt, a nurse, and she had read a lot of bad press about the zone, but had never bothered to find out what it involved. When I told her that I ate lean protein, nuts/olive oil/ olives, and lots of fruits, veggies and whole grains, she was very surprised and became quite interested. You may want to let him know that you've changed your diet for more healthy items, and cut out things like sweets, breads, and starchy foods, but have been eating more fresh veggies, heart-healthy fats and lean proteins. This didn't scare my aunt, but the word "zone" sent her off into a litany of confusion about what the zone isn't. There are also a lot of people who think the zone is more like Atkins, or that we are not eating balanced meals, when the truth is the total opposite. Just because someone went to Harvard, there is no guarantee that they have actually taken the time to read up on the Zone. (Having a husband in academia has shown me that sometimes the most educated people can make the most ridiculous assumptions!) Unfortunately, many people don't do their own research, and assume that the latest catch phrase on MSNBC (or in some obscure journal) is the God's honest truth, when it may have only proven that rats will get tummy aches in November when eating oatmeal and olives while watching "I Love Lucy".. Likely, your doc won't be too worried, and will encourage you to start taking Folic Acid. My guess is that your period will settle down once you are a little more used to eating this way. After all, the hunter/gatherers must have had babies, or we wouldn't be here! :) Best of luck! Ronica

Hello Stacey, Sorry I called you Lynn, I read that you had to register with your middle name, and used the wrong one to address you. Ronica is right, I have had many people say, "The Zone is just like Atkins, right?" I think that because the amount of carbs that you consume in the Zone is so much less than the FDA food pyramid, this diet gets lumped in with other "low or no carb" diets. It is unfortunate. I am sure that a brief explanation, like Ronica said, will put your OBGYN at ease. It is a wonderful way of eating, especially during pregnancy...No empty calories!! I too have had changes in my cycle during the 8 months on the Zone, but they don't concern me. I am finished with babies :lol: (the youngest just started Kindergarten) Like Ronica said, it will probably work itself out in another month or so...She's a smart lady 8) Don't let it worry you! Michelle

Thanks for the kudos, Michelle! :D Ronica

Thank you both for your advise. Fortunately I saw my OBGYN and she said my examination was fine and that this happens very often to women. She said that sometimes our bodies get thrown off for various reason and not to worry. I did not mention the Zone to her. My step father is a surgeon and is so sceptical of all "diets". When I first mentioned the Zone to him, he wanted to part of it. Although it has taken him a while to do his needed research, he actually agrees with much of Dr. Sears's findings. Therefore, I really don't need the approval or disapproval of my OBGYN right now. Maybe after I have a baby I'll mention it to her and hopefully she can do her research and come to appreciate and respect the Zone as we do. I agree with you Ronica, I honestly feel great about eating "no empty calories". Knowing this makes me feel even more confident about my dietary needs for a healthy pregnancy. It is amazing how many people I mention the Zone to who are instantly opposed to the fact we do not eat a lot of empty carbs like wheat and brown rice. Interesting enough, they tell me that my diet is not balanced!!! lol Sometimes I only have the energy to ask them to read Dr. Sears's books and then I'll be willing to debate their concerns. I feel like I'm trying to explain to someone that 2 + 2 = 4 when they have no concept of numbers!! Anyway, again Michele and Ronica thank you so much for advice and I'll be looking forward to my body getting back to normal soon!!! Thanks again!! Stacey

Glad to hear all went well. Keep us posted (no pun intended) on your progress! :) Ronica

[quote:a114987e05="Stacey10"]I did not mention the Zone to her. My step father is a surgeon and is so sceptical of all "diets". When I first mentioned the Zone to him, he wanted to part of it. Although it has taken him a while to do his needed research, he actually agrees with much of Dr. Sears's findings. Therefore, I really don't need the approval or disapproval of my OBGYN right now. Maybe after I have a baby I'll mention it to her and hopefully she can do her research and come to appreciate and respect the Zone as we do. ...Sometimes I only have the energy to ask them to read Dr. Sears's books.[/quote:a114987e05] What is wrong with this picture??? When you can't be honest to your care provider about eating healthy because THEY haven't taken the time to educate THEMSELVES!! :x Oh, well... :( I know what you mean with your second comment, sometimes it's a waste of breath trying to educate "know-it-alls"!! I am so glad everything is ok and that your doctor addressed your concerns. Go forward with a great pregnancy and feeling "normal" :wink: ~Michelle