Can Obesity Cause Irregular Periods in Women?

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 feeling, 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 seek to address the obesity cause and diet which is in itself sufficient for correcting menstrual cycle. No additional hormonal treatment is required in this case.

Therefore, 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 is because 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, woman is most likely to skip her periods for some days.

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

• Heavy bleeding
• Loss of iron
• Weakness

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:

• Over training or too much exercises
• Breastfeeding
• Estrogen dominance
• Medications
• Poor nutrition
• Eating disorders
• Smoking
• Miscarriage
• Recent childbirth
• Hormone imbalance

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 about irregular periods to a gynecologist when the gaps increase with frequency.

How to Tackle the Problem of Irregular Periods in Women?

70 percent of women experience irregular periods as they approach Menopause. It is essential that women take very good care of their body during this phase. Though hormone replacement therapy or HRT is the common treatment technique, it is advisable to use natural ways of treating this problem. For instance Macafem is a herb which stimulates the hormonal glands or organs in our body to produce essentially hormone normally. As hormonal imbalance is addressed, irregular periods too cease to occur.

Life style changes which reduce the levels of stress in the body and mind are important. Regular work outs can beat the stress, regulate body temperature and help in the consumption of proper diet. Drinking plenty of water is equally important. Being physically active helps women to beat the tendency of feeling low which is common during the phase of irregular periods.