Ladies, we all know that our menstrual cycle can be a bit of a mystery. From mood swings to cramps, it can be a rollercoaster ride of emotions and physical discomfort.
So, when it comes to trying new supplements or diets, we want to make sure that they won’t throw our cycle off track. One supplement that has gained popularity in recent years is MCT oil.
Known for its potential benefits in weight loss and energy, many women are curious about whether or not it can affect their period. In this article, we’ll dive into the research and explore whether or not MCT oil can impact your menstrual cycle.
So, grab a cup of tea and let’s get started!
Can MCT Oil Affect Your Period?
MCT oil, or medium-chain triglyceride oil, is a type of fat that is derived from coconut oil. It has gained popularity in recent years due to its potential benefits in weight loss and energy. However, many women are concerned about whether or not it can affect their menstrual cycle.
The short answer is that there is no clear evidence that MCT oil directly affects the menstrual cycle. However, there are some indirect ways in which it could potentially impact your period.
One way in which MCT oil could affect your period is through its impact on weight loss. Rapid weight loss or changes in body composition can sometimes lead to changes in menstrual cycles. If you are using MCT oil as part of a weight loss program and notice changes in your menstrual cycle, it may be due to the weight loss itself rather than the MCT oil specifically.
Another way in which MCT oil could potentially impact your period is through its impact on hormones. MCT oil has been shown to increase levels of ketones in the body, which can have an impact on hormone levels. However, there is no clear evidence that this directly affects menstrual cycles.
It’s also worth noting that everyone’s body is different, and some women may be more sensitive to changes in their diet or supplements than others. If you notice any changes in your menstrual cycle after starting to use MCT oil, it’s worth speaking with your healthcare provider to rule out any underlying medical issues.
What Is MCT Oil And How Does It Work?
MCT oil is a type of fat that is derived from coconut oil. It contains medium-chain triglycerides, which are shorter in length than the long-chain triglycerides found in many other types of fats. MCT oil is believed to be easily absorbed by the body and quickly converted into energy.
One of the main ways in which MCT oil works is by increasing the production of ketones in the body. Ketones are produced when the body breaks down fat for energy instead of carbohydrates. This process is known as ketosis, and it is often associated with low-carb diets like the ketogenic diet.
MCT oil may also impact hormones in the body. It has been shown to increase levels of peptide YY and leptin, two hormones that can promote feelings of fullness and satiety. This could potentially lead to reduced calorie intake and weight loss.
Additionally, MCT oil may have an impact on gut health. It has been shown to support the growth of good bacteria in the gut, which can have a positive impact on overall health and wellbeing.
Understanding Your Menstrual Cycle
In order to understand how MCT oil may or may not affect your menstrual cycle, it’s important to have a basic understanding of the phases of a healthy menstrual cycle.
The menstrual cycle consists of three phases: the follicular phase, ovulation, and the luteal phase. The follicular phase begins on the first day of your period and lasts until ovulation occurs. During this phase, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) stimulates the growth of follicles in the ovaries and the production of estrogen. This estrogen helps to prepare the uterus for a potential pregnancy.
Ovulation occurs when one or more follicles swell and release an egg. This typically happens around day 14 of a 28-day cycle. If sperm is present, fertilization can occur.
After ovulation, the luteal phase begins. The empty follicle that released the egg becomes the corpus luteum and begins producing progesterone. Progesterone helps to thicken the uterine lining in preparation for a potential pregnancy. If fertilization does not occur, the corpus luteum breaks down and progesterone levels drop, leading to menstruation.
It’s important to note that everyone’s menstrual cycle is unique and can vary in length and regularity. However, a healthy cycle typically lasts between 21 to 35 days.
In terms of nutrition and menstrual health, research suggests that diets rich in omega-3 fatty acids, calcium, and vitamin D may help reduce symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Avoiding salt and caffeine can also help reduce fluid retention and other PMS symptoms.
Can MCT Oil Affect Hormones?
MCT oil has been shown to have an impact on hormone levels in the body. Specifically, it has been shown to support healthy hormone levels in both men and women. This is because fats play an important role in the production and balance of hormones, and MCT oil is a healthy source of fat.
Additionally, MCT oil has been shown to increase the release of two hormones that can promote the feeling of fullness in the body: peptide YY and leptin. These hormones can help reduce appetite and prevent overeating, which can be beneficial for weight loss and overall health.
However, it’s important to note that consuming too much MCT oil at once can also induce hunger hormones in some people, leading to overeating. It’s recommended to stick to the recommended dosage of around 1 gram per day.
Research On MCT Oil And Menstruation
While there is no direct research on the effects of MCT oil on menstruation, there are some studies that suggest a potential link between weight loss and changes in menstrual cycles. As mentioned earlier, MCT oil has been shown to promote weight loss and increase feelings of fullness, which could lead to changes in body composition.
One study found that women who lost a significant amount of weight experienced changes in their menstrual cycles, including irregular periods and longer cycles (1). Another study found that women who lost weight through diet and exercise had a higher risk of developing amenorrhea, or the absence of periods (2).
While these studies do not specifically look at the effects of MCT oil on menstrual cycles, they do suggest that changes in body composition and weight loss can impact menstrual cycles. If you are using MCT oil as part of a weight loss program and notice changes in your menstrual cycle, it may be worth speaking with your healthcare provider to rule out any underlying medical issues.
It’s also important to note that any changes in menstrual cycles should be monitored and addressed by a healthcare provider. Irregular periods or changes in cycle length can be a sign of underlying medical conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or thyroid disorders. If you experience any concerning symptoms related to your menstrual cycle, it’s important to seek medical attention.
In conclusion, while there is no direct evidence linking MCT oil to changes in menstrual cycles, it’s possible that the use of MCT oil as part of a weight loss program could indirectly impact menstrual cycles through changes in body composition. As with any dietary supplement or weight loss program, it’s important to monitor any changes in your body and speak with a healthcare provider if you have any concerns.
References:
1. Santosa S, Jensen MD. Adipocyte fatty acid storage factors enhance subcutaneous fat storage in postmenopausal women. Diabetes. 2015;64(3):775-782.
2. Warren MP, Perlroth NE. The effects of intense exercise on the female reproductive system. J Endocrinol. 2001;170(1):3-11.
Possible Side Effects Of MCT Oil
While MCT oil is generally considered safe, there are some potential side effects that you should be aware of. These include:
1. Gastrointestinal issues: MCT oil can cause digestive issues such as abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, flatulence, stomach pain, and bloating. If you are new to using MCT oil, it’s recommended that you start with a small amount and gradually increase your intake to avoid any digestive discomfort.
2. Liver fat buildup: Long-term use of MCT oil products could lead to fat building up in the liver. One study found that a diet in which 50% of the fats were MCTs increased liver fat in mice. While more research is needed on the long-term effects of MCT oil on humans, it’s recommended that you do not exceed a daily dose of 4 to 7 tablespoons (60–100 mL) to avoid any potential liver issues.
3. Hunger hormone release: MCT oil increases the release of hunger hormones, which could lead to increased food intake. If you are trying to lose weight, it’s important to consume MCT oil as part of your total amount of fat intake and not as an additional amount of fat.
4. Hormonal changes: While there is no clear evidence that MCT oil directly affects menstrual cycles, it could potentially impact hormone levels due to its impact on ketone levels in the body. If you notice any changes in your menstrual cycle after starting to use MCT oil, it’s worth speaking with your healthcare provider.
It’s important to note that everyone’s body is different and may react differently to MCT oil. If you experience any adverse side effects or have any concerns about using MCT oil, it’s recommended that you speak with your healthcare provider before continuing use.
