CAH and food/diet choices?

[ginoushka]

Hi folks--

Oh, I'm so glad this forum exists. This is my first time posting, but I've lurked a bit.

I was diagnosed with CAH pretty recently, and also possibly have PCOS (I'm currently getting that checked out -- I don't have insurance, so all of this is being done through free clinics).

Most of how my CAH manifests in my body is in very intense menstrual pain (along with very long, heavy periods) and menstrual-cycle related anxiety/mood swings/panic/etc.

I'm treating the pain and the anxiety with acupuncture, herbs, and exercise. All of that seems to be helping, but I'm wondering if a change in diet could also aid the process.

Are there any foods I should avoid? Any foods I should up my intake of? I haven't been able to find much information online. I know, for example, that folks with endometriosis are often encouraged to cut down wheat and that that can greatly reduce some of the more painful symptoms. I'm wondering if something similar could be recommended for CAH.

Also: Would anyone who has gone on hormones to manage their CAH and/or PCOS be willing to share what's been good or bad about their experiences? I've considered some forms of HRT, but I'm inclined to stick to stuff that's gentler on my body. I realize I might be being unnecessarily cautious, though.

Thanks so, so, so much--
ginoushka