can being a vegetarian effect your period?

If you're going to stick with being a vegetarian you really should talk to a nutritionist. Veg diets are often done poorly and people miss out on very important food groups and nutrients (iron and protein, for example). Work out a healthy diet plan you can stick to so you're not skipping out on something important. You need healthy meat alternatives. Soy products really aren't the greatest ALL the time.

Being thin can effect your period, especially if you've recently lost weight. So can stress, a change of diet (which you had), a change in routine, a change in sleep habits, change in general...

Any chance you're pregnant? Some women bleed lightly throughout their pregnancy and mistake it for a period.

See your doctor just in case, even if it's just for a blood test for anemia.

When I was veg I found I had a weaker immune system and was always sick because my body wasn't getting what it needed.

I'm vegetarian as well though my body type is completely different.

If you ignore the fact that your vegetarian the stress alone can wreak havoc with your cycle, it can be light, or not come at all, it can also be heavier, or come at an unusual time. Also, its not just what your weight is but your body fat as well. For women to be fertile we need a certain amount of body fat and while your weight may be in a healthy range, if your quite toned and active then your more likely to have spotty periods. However, you did say that this isn't normal for you, and unless your dramatically more active than normal I doubt thats the reason.

As far as nutrition, if your not eating red meat then you have to work that much harder to reach the amount of iron your body requires. Iron is especially high in dark leafy greens and sea vegetables like kelp. There is some controversy as to if humans need iron from animal sources but no conclusion has been made. Supplements are available, quality does matter, palifer was highly recommended to me by my doctor. Also iron absorbs better if taken at a certain time, with certain foods or other supplements.

Its most likely a combination of everything affecting your cycle. Its good to pay attention since it can tell you a lot about how your body is doing. I think your concern is valid and I would discuss it with your doctor, or at least your pharmacist. If you eat eggs and milk on a regular basis the animal source of iron probably isn't quite as much as an issue for you. I tend closer to veganism, and anemia runs in my family. However I find rather than light periods I have heavy periods which contribute to my anemia, so iron probably isn't your issue (wow I ramble, sorry). Good luck, try to reduce your stress, I'm a University student, I understand.

I am actually a vegetarian also and have been for about a year. It sounds like we are around the same in terms of bmi. Since I stopped eating meat I have skipped periods and have actually gone 3-4 months without having one (which had never happened before)! Also like you, I have been under a lot of stress. So whether being a vegetarian, the loss of body weight, or stress are causing your irregular periods is hard to say. It could be a combination of all three.

Hello!

I have been a vegetarian for 4 years so i hope i can help.

The only reason i can think of for your period change is that you are not eating enough calories or protein.

Make sure you eat lots of beans, and enough nuts and seeds.

On the other hand, stressful situations can contribute to that change also. And being thin as well.

My advice would be to monitor your period and if the situation doesnt change, go to a veggie friendy doctor to get his/her opinion.

The good thing is that you still have it. I lost it for some time (before going veggie) and doc discovered that something was wrong in the glands that produce a specific hormone, and now i am on medication for lifetime. It doesnt bother me but it was scary as because of that hormone, i could become esterile (unable to have babies).

Good luck!

I have been a vegetarian for 4 years and vegan for 2. In the 6 years I have always had regular periods. I think your problem is more likely stress related, it is amazing how much stress can effect your body.

Ps. awesome job going veggie! It is one of the healthiest things you can do for your body. Vegetarians live on average 20 years longer.. pretty cool huh?

A vegetarian diet shouldn't effect your period. I was a vegetarian for five years and had no issues or friends with issues. I think it is stress, but see an OBGYN just in case. You may need higher levels of iron in your diet. They can do blood/urine tests to determine if you are deficient in a nutrient.

I think you answered it yourself. Stress, exercise and diet can all affect your menstrual cycle. I am not sure about your "Vegetarian LifeStyle", you need to ensure you are taking a good daily vitamin packet for your age group and you will not get that from a vegetarian diet.

probably. u see, mine came late. after i came back home from eating steak, it turned out heavy.

GIVE ME A BREAK, EAT MEAT LIKE NORMAL PEOPLE AND GO OUT AND GET FREAKING LAID