Can weight gain or weight loss cause changes in your periods

Weight changes can significantly impact menstrual cycles and hormonal balance, affecting both period regularity and ovulation. Sudden shifts in body fat can disrupt essential hormones like estrogen and progesterone, which are crucial for regulating menstrual cycles, potentially leading to irregular periods or missed ovulation.

Period changes during weight gain

Weight gain has been linked to several menstrual irregularities. When the body stores extra fat tissue, it can cause hormonal imbalances that affect ovulation patterns. Fat cells produce increased levels of estrogen, which can interfere with normal hormone levels and sometimes prevent ovulation completely, resulting in missed periods. According to the Journal of Obesity & Metabolic Syndrome, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common cause of missed periods in overweight women.

Women carrying excess weight are more likely to experience heavier periods. Heavy menstrual bleeding is characterized by bleeding lasting more than seven days, requiring frequent pad or tampon changes, or passing large blood clots.Heavy bleeding, if not treated, can lead to iron-deficiency anemia, causing fatigue and weakness. Medical consultation is recommended for those experiencing heavy bleeding.

Period changes during weight loss

Weight loss can also affect menstrual cycles. Rapid weight loss or being underweight can cause estrogen levels to drop, disrupting normal cycle patterns. When experiencing quick weight loss, periods may become lighter as the body interprets this as a sign of extreme stress or starvation, causing the reproductive system to slow down to conserve energy.

According to the Mayo Clinic, amenorrhea occurs when periods stop entirely for three months or more without pregnancy. Symptoms can include acne, hair loss, headaches, and excess facial hair growth. Being underweight can disrupt hormone levels and prevent ovulation, leading to missed periods. This condition can affect fertility and bone health due to reduced estrogen levels.

How to maintain a healthy menstrual cycle?

To maintain healthy menstrual cycles, several lifestyle measures are recommended.:

• These include consuming a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds, and lean proteins while avoiding processed and sugary foods.

• Extreme calorie restrictions and crash diets should be avoided as they can negatively impact hormone production.

• Regular physical activity such as walking, cycling, running, strength training, or weightlifting is essential for maintaining a healthy weight.

• Adequate sleep of 7 to 8 hours is important as sleep deprivation can affect hunger hormones.

• Stress management techniques like yoga, deep breathing, or meditation can help prevent emotional eating and weight gain.

• Proper hydration throughout the day can aid weight management by reducing food intake, especially when water is consumed before meals.

• Medical attention is necessary if periods stop for more than 90 days without pregnancy, become irregular after being regular, last longer than seven days, or result in heavy bleeding requiring pad changes every hour or two.

Other concerning symptoms requiring medical consultation include periods occurring less than 21 days or more than 35 days apart, bleeding between periods, or severe menstrual pain that seems abnormal. These guidelines aim to help individuals understand and maintain healthy menstrual cycles while managing weight-related impacts on reproductive health.