Can Obesity Cause Irregular Periods in Women?

Posted on May 21, 2008 in Latest News

Overweight conditions or obesity are clear markers of health risks like type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol levels and hypertension. Though there haven’t been absolute confirmations on obesity being linked to irregular periods in women, some experts opine that malnourished women or women belonging to lower socio-economic groups often suffer from irregular periods.

The prevalence of quick weight loss diets or crash diets among the affluent have also contributed to irregular periods and sometimes complete seizure of menstrual cycles in women. Excessive bingeing before or during the stage of weight gain is accompanied with some typical signs like irregular periods, fatigue, giddy feelings, irritation and sometimes even constipation.

Laboratory tests of many obese patients on crash diets have revealed that their ovaries do not function properly which contribute to irregular periods. Experts claim that under such circumstances, medical supervision and guidance seeks to address the obesity cause and diet which is in itself sufficient for correcting menstrual cycles. No additional hormonal treatment is required in this case.

Thereby incorrect nutrition and incorrect approach towards managing obesity can also significantly contribute to irregular periods in women.

Why do Obese Women Suffer from Irregular Periods?
The mechanism behind the disruption of menstrual cycles as a result of obesity are explained as – when one gains weight, estrogen levels in the body also increase. The excess estrogen sends conflicting signals to the brain and ovaries thereby delaying the process of ovulation. When the process of ovulation is delayed, w woman is most likely to skip her periods for some number of days.

Effects of Abnormal Menstrual Cycles
Abnormal menstrual cycles can result in the following conditions:

Sometimes the situation can be controlled easily with the help of iron therapy but sometimes the situation can worsen to the extent of requiring blood transfusion.

Other Factors Contributing to Irregular Periods
Some other factors which contribute to irregular periods in women are listed here below:

Just remember that irregular periods are an indication of the imbalance of a number of hormonal events that determine and influence the menstrual cycle. Weight gain has been cited as a cause for irregular periods but whether obesity can lead to irregular periods is not clearly ascertained. Irregular periods can be managed with the help and guidance of a doctor without obesity being the cause for it, while obesity itself is an issue which needs separate attention and treatment.

Consult a gynecologist for dealing with irregular periods. The doctor will conduct a blood test, biopsy and ultrasound which will help determine any serious or minor cause for irregular periods.  Weight gain alone is not a factor that causes irregular periods. About 50% of healthy women also tend to suffer from similar menstrual delays. However, report irregular periods to a gynecologist when the gaps increase with frequency.

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