Will losing weight affect menstruation

Losing weight may affect menstruation, depending on the method, speed, and individual differences of weight loss. Rapid or extreme weight loss can easily lead to menstrual disorders, while scientific weight loss usually does not significantly interfere with the menstrual cycle. When using unscientific methods such as excessive dieting and extremely low calorie diets to lose weight, insufficient calorie intake may lead to hypothalamic dysfunction, reduced secretion of gonadotropin-releasing hormone, and thus affect follicle development and estrogen synthesis. Clinical manifestations include reduced menstrual flow, prolonged menstrual cycles, and even amenorrhea, commonly seen in rapid decline in body fat percentage or long-term malnutrition. In such cases, a balanced diet should be gradually restored, and if necessary, medication such as estradiol valerate tablets and progesterone capsules should be used under the guidance of a gynecologist to regulate the cycle.

Menstruation is usually not significantly affected when weight loss is achieved through reasonable control of dietary calorie differences and combined with exercise. It is recommended to lose no more than 1% of body weight per week, ensuring a daily intake of no less than 1200 calories and a protein content of 20% -30%. Moderate supplementation of iron containing foods such as beef and spinach to prevent anemia, and intake of plant estrogens such as flaxseed and soy products to help maintain hormone balance. Avoid high-intensity training for more than 90 minutes per day in terms of exercise, and choose low-intensity aerobic exercises such as brisk walking and swimming. If there are abnormal menstrual cycles for three consecutive periods during weight loss, or accompanied by menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes and night sweats, it is necessary to check for diseases such as polycystic ovary syndrome and early-onset ovarian dysfunction. It is recommended to record basal body temperature and menstrual cycle, and provide detailed weight loss plans, weight change curves, and dietary records during the visit, so that doctors can determine whether to perform six hormone tests, thyroid function tests, or pelvic ultrasound examinations.