Dear Jacqui,
I'm on antibioitics and I went on a diet about 2 weeks ago. I lost 10 pounds in 5 days, and got my period. It was 10 days early and went away 1 week later. I didn't get it at the normal time of the month. I am supposed to start a another pack of medication even though my period is irregular. What should I do?
Samatha

Dear Samatha,
Antibiotics can affect your menstrual pattern, though it's a remote possibility. The more likely reason your menstrual cycle was disturbed is due to your crash diet and possibly hormonal variances connected with this "shock" to your system. Many diet studies have proven that people who loose weight too quickly usually may experience menstrual irregularities.

The majority of data also suggests that "crash" diets, connected with instant weight loss, usually doesn't produce long-term weight loss. The weight returns quite soon after reverting to normal eating habits.

If you want to keep your weight down, the following guidelines may help:

1) Say no to sweets and fats and modulate your intake of carbohydrates. Eat five portions of vegetables and fruit each day along with two small portions of protein for lunch and dinner, about 3 to 4 ounces.

2) Keep a bowl of raw veggies around for snacking. Help yourself feeling "full" by increasing your quota of non-caloric liquids. One eight-ounce glass of iced herbal tea or water before meals will naturally reduce your appetite.

3) Invite a friend who has a similar weight problem to participate in your "let's trim down endeavor?"

As to your second series of antibiotics, I suggest you follow your physician's advice. He obviously feels that a double dose is needed to eradicate the infection that's going on. My advice is to supplement your daily diet with yogurt or take an acidophilus capsule every day for the next two months to rebalance your body and avoid yeast infections. Then monitor your period. If the irregularities continue, it's advisable to see a gynecologist and have your hormone levels checked.

Jacqui