Will losing weight lead to missed menstruation

Losing weight may lead to menstrual disorders, commonly caused by excessive dieting or vigorous exercise resulting in significant weight loss, but most cases are temporary amenorrhea, which can gradually recover after adjusting lifestyle. The female menstrual cycle is precisely regulated by the hypothalamic pituitary ovarian axis. When the body fat percentage decreases too quickly in the short term, a sudden decrease in leptin levels in the body will inhibit the secretion of gonadotropin-releasing hormone, leading to follicular development arrest. Some individuals who excessively lose weight may experience a decrease in basal metabolic rate, hypothyroidism, and other issues, further exacerbating menstrual disorders. The typical manifestation is a prolonged menstrual cycle of more than 35 days, or a continuous absence of menstruation for more than 3 months, accompanied by symptoms of estrogen deficiency such as hot flashes and vaginal dryness.

A small group of people who have long-term strict carbohydrate restriction may induce functional hypothalamic amenorrhea, which is related to the activation of survival protection mechanisms by the body's perception of energy deficiency. Some people who adopt a ketogenic diet for weight loss may experience insufficient progesterone levels, leading to luteal insufficiency and menstrual disorders. This type of situation often requires testing for anti Mullerian hormone to evaluate ovarian reserve function and rule out endocrine disorders such as polycystic ovary syndrome.

It is recommended to maintain a body fat percentage of no less than 22%, lose no more than 0.5-1 kilogram per week, and ensure a daily intake of no less than 150 grams of carbohydrates. Menstrual delay of more than 2 months requires testing for six types of sex hormones, and if necessary, using estrogen and progesterone cycle therapy under the guidance of a doctor. Moderate intake of healthy fats such as nuts and deep-sea fish can be increased, and yoga, swimming, and exercise methods can be chosen to avoid excessive nighttime exercise affecting melatonin secretion.