What happens if a woman doesn't eat carbohydrates?
Nov 10, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Ziqi
Introduction
When women avoid carbohydrates, they generally experience symptoms such as energy deficiency, menstrual irregularities, worsening skin condition, emotional imbalances, and decreased metabolism. Carbohydrates are the primary source of energy for the human body, and avoiding them leads to insufficient energy supply. Women may feel fatigued, dizzy, and have difficulty concentrating, which can affect daily activities and work efficiency. In some cases, low blood sugar may also cause palpitations and hand tremors.
When women avoid carbohydrates, they generally experience symptoms such as energy deficiency, menstrual irregularities, worsening skin condition, mood imbalances, and decreased metabolism. The specific analysis is as follows:
1. Energy deficiency: Carbohydrates are the primary source of energy for the human body. Avoiding them leads to insufficient energy supply. Women may experience fatigue, dizziness, poor concentration, reduced performance in daily activities and work efficiency, and even palpitations or hand tremors caused by hypoglycemia.
2. Menstrual irregularities: Carbohydrates influence estrogen synthesis and metabolism. Long-term deficiency can lead to endocrine disorders. This may result in delayed periods, reduced menstrual flow, and in severe cases, amenorrhea, affecting reproductive health and hormonal balance.
3. Worsening skin condition: Carbohydrates play a role in skin tissue repair and collagen synthesis. When lacking, the skin receives inadequate nutrition, leading to dryness, roughness, dullness, and possibly acne or fine lines due to metabolic disturbances, reducing skin radiance.
4. Mood imbalances: Carbohydrates promote the secretion of serotonin, a key substance in regulating mood. Without sufficient carbohydrate intake, serotonin levels drop, making women prone to anxiety, irritability, anger, depression, and other emotional issues that affect mental well-being.
5. Decreased metabolism: Prolonged lack of carbohydrate intake triggers the body's energy-saving mode, lowering basal metabolic rate. This not only hinders fat loss but may also lead to muscle loss. Once normal eating resumes, weight rebound is likely, potentially resulting in a predisposition to weight gain.
Women should avoid completely eliminating carbohydrates. Instead, opt for high-quality sources such as whole grains, tubers, and legumes, while maintaining appropriate portion sizes. Pay attention to bodily signals and promptly adjust dietary plans if menstrual abnormalities or persistent discomfort occur.
