Discussion: Question for the ladies

Just wondering how many of you have your energy levels affected by your cycle? If so, have you got any strategies for coping (which don't involve The Pill)?
I was browsing the net on the topic and found this interesting article: www.runtheplanet.com/trainingracing/training/women...
It's good to know but I'm wondering if there are things which can help reduce the impact in general.

I think some of it depends on age, and training levels. I am in my (mid) forties, and have decided to go with a Mirena for the progesterone and stopping the cycles. I have only had it a month...so don't know the results yet. I get in 5 to 8 hours of training per week right now, so, I'm not an uber trainer. I'm also Paleo focused, and when I get away from grains and sugar, I feel so much better. Again, for me, I am entering an active phase of menopause and my cycles were getting AWFUL.

Ok, so I know you said "not the pill" but I've been taking the pill continuously for about 3 years now (with no "blank pill" week) and it's great because I never have to worry about things coinciding with a race - especially a 24+ race. Even keel, no hassles.

Outside of that, I have heard of people using the Paleo diet to improve how they feel with relation to their hormones. Some even said that their cramps went away. I think it's due to reduced sugar intake.

I use an IUD, it help regulate hormone levels. I don't feel any swings.

Interesting article. I've noticed that I feel best in the late luteal phase, which seemed strange since it should be PMS time but apparently that's when fat-burning is the highest and endurance is good.

As for reducing the impact, probably everyone is different. Over the years, I've had to do some difficult stuff at the worst possible times - days when I would have been dizzy on the stairs at home. Somehow I've managed to get up that mountain or through that multi-day AR. In fact, I felt much better exercising than if I had been at home. Maybe it's endorphins? Because it's happened so many times (argh!), I know I'll be OK at any time. So I guess my only coping strategy (other than the occasional Advil) is a positive mental attitude backed up by experience - and you probably already have that.

God bless Advil. I love that stuff! Attitude and Advil are a fantastic combo.
Thanks for the input all! I'm toying with cutting back sugars (gulp!) so I may take a stab at that. I'd do the pill again in a heartbeat but am an unsuitable candidate sadly.

Interesting article.
I do find the first 2 days of my cycle my energy is down, this is mainly due to bad cramps.
They were horrible in my "youth". But completely went away the 3 years I was a vegetarian/vegan. Absolutely no cramps during that time and my cycle was every 35 days and lasted only 3 days. Loved it. Unfortunately, my body was no longer retaining iron and I was fainting 3x a day on average. So vegetarian/vegan not for me. I need my meat! ;-)

They aren't so bad now, and advil &/or tylenol gets me threw most days.
I have the worst timing when it comes to white water rafting weekends and races.
But probably due to the excitement of the activity and a couple of advils I have never had a problem. Activity defintely helps, even it is sometimes hard to get yourself up to do it.

I also use the best invention ever the DIVA cup. So have never felt the need to suppress my cycle.
http://well.ca/brand/diva-international.html/?tm_s...

Interesting article on Paleo/Primal Diet re:cramps
http://www.paleoforwomen.com/paleo-and-menstrual-c...

A friend recently shared her success story on how the primal diet literally transformed her life and it's very inspiring so it might be worth checking into :)