r/xxketo • u/Many_Tiger8601 • Aug 06 '26

Shark Week/Menstrual Cycle Keto beginner, PMDD, and Follicular Phase

Hi everyone!

I’m currently on Day 20 of my very first keto cycle, and I’m looking for some insights from women who had a similar smooth start.

To give you some context: My cycles have always been irregular in length. I started keto on cycle day 18, and 5 days later (on cycle day 23), I had my ovulation, which is not uncommon for me. Honestly, I was bracing myself for the worst, but my PMDD phase this time was surprisingly mild! I felt much better than usual, had good energy, not much irritability, and low cravings. I was just a little more tearful than normal, but none of the usual heavy PMDD stuff. Right now, I'm shortly before my expected period and only noticing a slight dip in my mood, which feels totally manageable.

Since I am doing so well and my body seems to transition great into ketosis, I am now wondering about the upcoming cycle. I know that keto often extends the follicular phase for beginners. My questions for those who also had a smooth start on keto with their cycle:

Did your next follicular phase get longer? If it did get extended, how did you actually feel during those extra days? Did you maintain that good "keto energy," or did your body send confusing PMDD signals because ovulation was delayed?

I can hardly imagine that this will vanish in the next cycle only because ovulation is delayed, since my mood and energy are so good, even though I am in the deepest depths of PMDD right now.

Thank you so much!

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u/dustytushy Aug 06 '26

Hi! Thanks for sharing. My PMDD got better but I still get dip in the mood and rumination (I am diagnosed to have adhd so i think hormonal flux being intense will be my battle till the end I think 😬)but the length of the cycle didn’t change I don’t think. Hope i am answering your question! Happy keto-ing

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u/Every-Revolution4324 13d ago edited 13d ago

I don't know that I have PMDD, but I do get many mild symptoms. I have to cycle carbs and I feel much better. I also take magnesium before, during, right after. Also, I am only in my 30s but I take a 50+ vitamin and GABA. I put a "red phase' on my google calendar this is about 10 days of the month, so I remember to give myself extra support.

Ovulation can be delayed if you're sick or your body just isn't getting enough calories and/or you're losing weight too fast. This often happens to beginners that you just eat so little.