Why does not eating carbohydrates affect your period?

Nov 14, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Zhang Lu

Introduction

"Big auntie" usually refers to menstruation. Avoiding carbohydrates can affect the menstrual cycle, primarily due to insufficient energy supply, hormonal imbalances, rapid weight loss, reduced metabolic rate, and nutritional deficiencies. If you experience delayed periods, light bleeding, or amenorrhea, it is advisable to seek medical evaluation promptly. Carbohydrates are the main source of energy for the body; avoiding them can lead to energy deficiency.

　　"Big Aunt" is a colloquial term for menstruation. Avoiding carbohydrates can affect the menstrual cycle, primarily due to insufficient energy supply, hormonal imbalances, rapid weight loss, reduced metabolic rate, and nutritional deficiencies. If you experience delayed periods, light bleeding, or amenorrhea (absence of menstruation), it's advisable to seek medical evaluation promptly.

　　1. Insufficient Energy Supply: Carbohydrates are the body’s primary source of energy. Cutting carbs leads to energy deficiency, which may suppress ovarian function and reduce the secretion of estrogen and progesterone. Without adequate hormone support, the endometrium cannot undergo normal growth and shedding, resulting in menstrual irregularities.

　　2. Hormonal Imbalance: Carbohydrates play a role in regulating insulin secretion. Abnormal insulin levels can affect the synthesis of sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), leading to elevated testosterone levels, disrupted follicular development, and consequently, menstrual cycle disturbances.

　　3. Rapid Weight Loss: Prolonged low-carbohydrate diets often lead to rapid fat loss. Since adipose (fat) tissue is a key site for estrogen synthesis, insufficient body fat directly reduces estrogen production, potentially causing delayed periods or amenorrhea.

　　4. Reduced Metabolic Rate: When the body experiences prolonged inadequate energy intake, it activates an energy-saving mode, lowering the basal metabolic rate. This may suppress reproductive system function, leading to menstrual disorders—an adaptive self-protective response by the body.

　　5. Nutritional Imbalance: Severely restricting carbohydrates often results in inadequate intake of other essential nutrients such as B vitamins and minerals. These nutrients are involved in hormone synthesis and metabolism; their deficiency can further exacerbate menstrual irregularities.

　　To maintain reproductive health, ensure adequate carbohydrate intake daily by choosing high-quality sources such as whole grains and starchy vegetables, combined with sufficient protein and healthy fats. Maintain regular eating patterns without extreme dieting, keep body weight stable, and avoid long-term restrictive diets to ensure balanced nutrition.

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What happens if you have sex as your period is ending and then experience bleeding again afterward?

You may experience bleeding after intercourse as your period is coming to an end. This could potentially lead to gynecological infections, worsen pelvic congestion, prolong menstruation, cause cervical tissue damage, or increase the risk of endometriosis. Pay close attention to your body's subsequent responses. If the bleeding lasts more than 3 days or is accompanied by fever or severe abdominal pain, seek medical attention promptly. During the late stages of your period, the endometrium has not yet fully healed.

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Does having a menstrual period after intercourse mean not being pregnant?

"Coming of the aunt" usually refers to the onset of menstruation. In general, if menstruation occurs after fertilization, it typically indicates that the fertilization did not successfully result in pregnancy. It is important to distinguish between normal menstrual bleeding and abnormal bleeding. If the timing, amount, or duration of bleeding significantly differs from a regular period, or if it is accompanied by symptoms such as abdominal pain or increased blood clots, non-menstrual bleeding should be suspected.

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Can you get pregnant about seven or eight days before your period starts?

Whether pregnancy can occur about seven to eight days before the expected menstrual period depends on the ovulation status. For women with regular menstrual cycles, ovulation has usually already occurred at this time, making the likelihood of pregnancy low. However, if a woman has an irregular cycle or delayed ovulation, she may still be in her fertile window, and pregnancy is possible. If not planning for pregnancy, it is important to consistently use reliable contraception during intercourse, regardless of perceived ovulation timing.

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What happens if there is bleeding during intercourse while on your period?

"Big sister's period" usually refers to menstruation. Having sex during menstruation and experiencing bleeding may increase the risk of infection, cause excessive bleeding, prolong the menstrual period, worsen abdominal pain, and increase the risk of endometriosis, all of which significantly harm female reproductive health. If bleeding persists, severe abdominal pain occurs, or fever develops, prompt medical attention is recommended.