If you’re experiencing changes in your menstrual cycle, breakthrough bleeding or post-menopausal spotting during the SHAPE Program, Phase I: Fast Track Cleanse, don’t be alarmed. This is normal. In fact, it’s a good sign that your body is effectively releasing fat and ridding itself of excess estrogen.
Estrogen builds up in our bodies from exposure to hormone-laden animal products, food packaging materials, birth control pills, hormone replacement therapy, etc. Excess estrogen is stored in fat cells and can lead to a condition called estrogen dominance. Estrogen dominance can cause weight gain, especially on the upper arms, and increase risk for certain types of cancer.
During Phase I: Fast Track Cleanse, your fat cells start breaking down, causing them to release excess estrogen. If you’re pre-menopausal, this might show up as a cycle that’s heavier than normal and/or irregular. If you’re post-menopausal and haven’t had a cycle in a year or more, this can look like a normal cycle or breakthrough bleeding.
These symptoms will most likely resolve after one or two cycles, and your body will transition back to its normal pattern. Please keep your SHAPE practitioner informed of any changes so they can offer extra supplemental support to keep your hormones balanced.
