Question: I have been having some weird symptoms over the past few years...it has taken me awhile to pinpoint exactly what is going on. Basically, I have been trying to lose weight for awhile now....around 5 months. What happens is, about two weeks prior to menstruation, I lose a significant amount of weight (6-9lbs). It happens over the course of the 1.5 to 2 weeks prior to my menstruation but once my menstruation ends, my weight loss takes a step back. During that weight loss period, I am able to eat almost anything. I can crunch on chips, fast food, go out to eat, etc. and it does not impact me much. However, since I am trying to maintain a healthy lifestyle to lose weight, I have been eating fairly healthy and I am losing a lot of weight during this time. I also notice that I urinate frequently during this time as well.

Once I start my menstruation, if I attempt to eat healthy, I hardly lose any weight...maybe a pound a week, if that! If I eat unhealthy, I pack on the pounds significantly. This occurs during the week of my menstruation, and the week or so following.

I must admit, my menstrual cycle is 28-30 days off, 5-7 days on. During my cycle, I am very heavy with a lot of blood clots, crampy, and feeling rather ill most days. I do not know if this has something to do with it.

I just want to know if maybe I am having hormonal imbalance, thyroid issues, etc. I do get cold frequently, I do struggle with depression, body aches and pains, etc as well but I am unsure if this is related.