Question about dizziness
 

I've almost finished phase 2 of round 2, sublingual hHCG. Same brand both times, WITH HCG.

This happened at almost exactly the same time in round 1...starting at about 3 weeks into phase 2, I start getting very dizzy/lightheaded, but only when standing up from squatting (laundry) or getting up quickly from lying down. I have not passed out...the feeling passes in a few seconds.

I don't believe I'm dehydrated, but I have increased my water intake, my losses are pretty average, and I'm definitely not starving myself. I take several vitamins and supplements, and a couple of prescriptions, but nothing new for over a year. My blood pressure is good, but I haven't checked it lately.

I understand "orthostatic hypotension" - sudden drop in B/P upon standing - and this is most likely my issue, but why now? And why at the same time as on my last round?

I'll be starting phase 3 next week. Last time it passed as soon as I started phase 3, which sounds like it may be calorie-related, or maybe related to lack of fats in my diet.

Any thoughts?

I do see my doc tomorrow for a scheduled check-up, so I'll have my B/P checked. (He doesn't know I've been using HCG or about my weight loss.)

Thanks for any comments/thoughts/ideas!

my thought is of course blood pressure. I know my BP and Blood Sugars drop when in Phase 2. Your bp at the doc will likely be up a bit from what it would be at home.

Are you getting much sodium? It might help your bp to make sure you've got some on board.

Yes, Beth, that could be the issue. I'll add a bit more salt and see if that helps. Thanks for your help!

I had nearly the same exact thing in my two rounds! About a week before the end of P2, I would get light-headed, and dizzy if I stood up too fast or got up quickly. I added 25-50 more grams of protien per meal and it went away.

Yep, it's orthostatic hypotension. It's verrrrrrry common on this and any elimination diet. Without the carbs and processed foods, salad dressings, butter, etc in your diet, you get much less sodium and your blood volume decreases. Your body usually compensates after a few days or so. Also, in p3 you start getting more condiments, butter, etc and your blood volume goes back up again. The amount of water you drink doesn't matter, it's your ability to hold onto it which has changed. If it gets worse, or it concerns you, definately talk to your doctor.

Thanks Rhiannon and ILuvKats, for the confirmation. Hopefully this won't happen on my next and final round. It's pretty frightening until it passes.

I saw my doc and told him I was doing a "very low Carb" diet. He's past retirement age, very traditional, and I didn't want a lecture if he was uninformed or ignorant of this diet. But my B/P was great - 114/60 sitting. I didn't push to get it checked standing... I decided to end P2 a few days early which should help.

Thanks, y'all!

Glad to hear you're feeling better!